The Weather Outside is Frightful...

Oh, the weather outside is frightful. Your class is anything but delightful. You look out the window and see: lots of snow, lots of snow, lots of snow. I realize that this particular scenario does not apply to everyone, but there are equivalents in so many places. What do you do to stay sane when the weather keeps your students cooped up inside the classroom? How do you still keep everyone engaged in learning when all they want to do is go home and play? How do you help them when they don’t even get to burn off energy outside for recess? Let’s explore some ideas.

First of all, do not expect to accomplish everything you normally would. These types of days require flexibility and grace. For example, today the weather decided that we needed a blizzard in April. My students are feeling cooped up and unable to focus. So, today instead of learning new skills for math, we did an interactive review game. They are still going over important math skills, but in a way that keeps frustrations to a minimum. The new material can wait for another day.

Next, remember that everyone is feeling the strain, including you. Even if you really enjoy these types of days they can cause stress that affects you in ways you may not even be aware. By acknowledging the stress and strain you can find ways to offset the effects. Choose a favorite brain break for everyone. When the students go to lunch use the time to have your own personal brain break. The grading and work can wait for another time. Use this time to listen to music or read that book you have been waiting to start. Just recognize that today is not going to be a typical school day.

Last, but definitely not least, embrace any moments of joy. Find those little moments of connection and fun and cling to them to get you through the day. Even during these icky days there are those little glimpses of fun and joy. If you can’t see any, do your best to create them. Find the fun and make this day matter. As teachers, we only have a small window in the lives of our students. The choices we make can either create memories of learning and joy that they look back on with fondness, or they can look back with hurt and anger. The choice is partly ours. The atmosphere we create in our classrooms can have very long lasting effects. Let’s make these memories really count, in the best way possible!