Children Deserve Snowy Days Even in a Pandemic
Earlier this week, my husband and I warned our 10-year-old that despite a heavy blizzard approaching us, a snowy day is unlikely. He had a hybrid schedule for most of the year, attending class two days a week, but his school became completely virtual so we could spend the holidays. If it hadn’t been for a major power outage, the school wouldn’t have had any logistical reasons for canceling.
He didn’t like the fact that his snowy days were potentially canceled, but he didn’t get too upset about it either. This year has taken so much from him and all the children that another disappointment can be expected. But then, on Tuesday afternoon – a full 24 hours before the first wave hit – his school district announced that all distance learning would be canceled today. Snowy day.
The knowledge of the snowy day was hardly a joy to him when he found out that he did become even sweeter. It reminded me of how, as a child, we sat in front of the TV in the morning after a heavy snowfall and watched the alphabetical list of closed schools on the morning news. Maybe the first time or two my school was missing from the list and disappointment began to overshadow hope, but then WAIT! Here it is!
However, not every district made the same choice as my son:
“We were delighted and it was good,” – that’s what I’m reading here. “But our kids are literally having their worst year, and there’s no room for joy on this shitty show about existence.”
I understand the arguments for continuing education: the reason schools close on a snowy day has to do with the safety and logistics of getting in and out of a physical building, and we’ve all learned to live life without ever coming to or flying from anywhere . And hey, kids who live in warm weather don’t have snow days! (Yes, but your weather is warm; that’s the compromise you agreed to.)
But more importantly, parents and educators are already concerned about the long-term implications of the academic “COVID drop” for many students. Of course, the least time they need is learning. Maybe not, but this is one day . One day in nine months of turmoil. Requiring kids to log into Zoom and practice their math facts today will not solve the problems they are facing with COVID. The achievement gap is incredibly problematic – and likely due to this pandemic, it is likely to widen even further – but it will not be closed one day.
On the other hand, the mental health benefits kids can get from taking a break, from going outside to build a snowman and going back inside to drink hot cocoa, to feeling an ounce of normality in the weekend joy of this pandemic are what our kids could probably really use it right now.
My son was lucky enough to get the whole day off; so far he has built two giant LEGO monsters, he has watched TV and he has plans for a snowman this afternoon. I’m going to take a few hours on vacation to find a good hot cocoa recipe (oh, here’s a couple ) and challenge him to a game of chess.
If you’re buried under the snow like we are today, or if you have a winter storm this year, take a snow break. Even if they absolutely must have that increase in music class, encourage them to pack the work early and head off for snowballs or some cold fort building. Play board games, read several books together, watch a movie. (Hell, even if you live in a warm place, take a break and call it a sunny day or whatever.) The math facts will still be there tomorrow, I promise you.