The Joys (and Pitfalls) of Winter During the School Year

Winter can be a difficult time of the year for even the most patient person no matter the occupation they are in. You always have to take time to put on extra layers of clothes, shovel out the driveway, allow yourself more time for your commute, and kiss goodbye to the sun for a few months.

If you live in a region that has four seasons and you have been in the teaching game for a few years or more, you know to expect the unexpected in relation to the weather. But this winter has really left its mark on everyone in the teaching field, especially in the midwest. This year has been a trying one to say the least for all of us in education. And parents as well have probably been scratching their heads wondering if their kids are ever going to leave their house before April.

Snow Days

An unexpected snow day here and there is something that many of us teachers cherish and hold dear. We all know that more than likely we will have to make it up down the road, but getting a day off when you weren’t expecting it is like a gift from the lord up above.

I’m not sure about your school district, but at mine we have a policy in place that declares the most snow days you have to make up a year is five. This means that anything over five snow days is looked at as an act of God and does not have to be added on to the school year at the end of May or the beginning of June. Last time I checked, between snow days and below freezing temperature days, we are close to 15 unexpected days off this school year. This has to be a record of some sort. Students are excited, parents are ready to have a break from their kids, and teachers are wondering just how they are going to fit the whole curriculum into the days that we have left.

What To Do About the Missed Curriculum?

I can’t remember a school year in the past where I have been so strapped for classroom time. I arrive each day thinking of how I can condense all the lessons down in time but still make them meaningful. You are probably in the same boat in your classroom. These snow days have really done a number on my instructional time this year.

If you are a parent of a student that is struggling, you are faced with other difficulties. How do you get your child “caught up” to the rest of the class? You could use some of these snow days as a chance to work with your child on the subjects they are struggling in, but kids have the frustrating ability to tune out their parents completely when they are trying to help them with their school work. And if the classroom teacher is not getting the time to assist the child either, then the kid will be behind the eight ball as soon as the next school year begins.

If you know of a child that could use a boost in their academics, consider iAchieve as the solution to your problem. We offer tutoring for all ages and every subject area. No matter what the problem may be, we can assist in remedying the situation. And if the summer arrives and you need your child to be better prepared for the upcoming school year, we offer summer tutoring as well so they will be ready to tackle the challenge.