Why “Snow Days” Should Not Be Turned Into Remote Learning Days
At the beginning of November we experienced our first weather-related closure since the onset of remote learning. At that time I shared out the following graphic:
The importance of relationship building in education has always been framed as a high priority. When I was in the classroom I found that “snow days” provided an opportunity to get to know my students as people and not just learners. It allowed us to connect, play, and work on important tasks that sometimes get pushed to the back-burner. For those who don’t attend classes during “snow days” they were able to connect with family, relax, and pursue tasks that interested them (for some this was enjoying the chance to catch up on sleep!).
There has been a dialogue now that the shift to remote learning during the Covid-19 pandemic means, “the end of snow days”, as students and teachers will just transition to virtual learning at these times. I have concerns with this approach:
- remote learning often requires a distribution of resources for both staff and students
- teachers need to have their work-assigned device and any applicable materials at home
- students may need loaned devices, textbooks, hard-copy materials, basic school supplies
- students without connectivity will need hard-copy packaging
- weather-related closures are often without notice
- in our division we often find out about a weather related closure 2-12hrs ahead of school-opening (the night before or before 7am the day of)
- this is not adequate time to ensure all students have equitable access to the supplies needed for the next day
- weather-related closures are often accompanied by electrical or connectivity outages
- how do we ensure consistent programming for affected communities/households
In some cases this will work more smoothly. For example, our local high school has students attend twice a week while learning remotely on their off-campus days. This schedule is established and well-planned out which means that, in the event of weather-related closures, almost all students have the necessary supplies to transition into a remote learning day (assuming connectivity is in place). However, the vast majority of our populations are not prepared for this type of short turn-around time.
I would prefer these days be kept as they are, an opportunity to connect.