Monday 9-10 p.m. EST. Building a Culture of Learning. "We invite all educators, parents, students and any member of a school community to join our mission of moving away from compliance to create and foster a true COL."
9:00 Intro:
Good evening and welcome to another great evening of #COLchat.
Tonight’s topic is the impact of weather.
Let’s begin with introductions. Please share who you are, where you are from, and what you do.
Good evening #COLchat. It is good to be here with @WaltKozlowski . I am Frank Bellomo, Elementary Principal in Macomb, MI. Today’s topic is something I haven’t discussed much before. It should be fun to here your ideas. #COLchat
*Note: We are not questioning the decision to close schools on days that are deemed unsafe for students to travel to school. However, we are curious about the impact and what we might do to keep moving learning forward.
#COLchat
9:00 Intro:
Good evening and welcome to another great evening of #COLchat.
Tonight’s topic is the impact of weather.
Let’s begin with introductions. Please share who you are, where you are from, and what you do.
9:00 Intro:
Good evening and welcome to another great evening of #COLchat.
Tonight’s topic is the impact of weather.
Let’s begin with introductions. Please share who you are, where you are from, and what you do.
9:00 Intro:
Good evening and welcome to another great evening of #COLchat.
Tonight’s topic is the impact of weather.
Let’s begin with introductions. Please share who you are, where you are from, and what you do.
Remember that we will be using the Q1. A1. Q2. A2. question and answer format. Don’t forget to use the #COLchat in all of your answers and replies tonight.
9:00 Intro:
Good evening and welcome to another great evening of #COLchat.
Tonight’s topic is the impact of weather.
Let’s begin with introductions. Please share who you are, where you are from, and what you do.
Q1: In the Midwest we have made many withdrawals from our snow bank this winter. What impact can snow days have on students. How might their impact affect some students differently? #COLchat
A1. When you live in wintry states, you can guarantee that you're going to get a snow day or two. For many kids, these days are sought after like Wonka’s golden tickets. It doesn’t matter how much you love what you do, even adults (large children) enjoy this surprise. #COLchat
Q1: In the Midwest we have made many withdrawals from our snow bank this winter. What impact can snow days have on students. How might their impact affect some students differently? #COLchat
A1. Although many kids look forward to snow days, there have to be many students who dread these days just as they might any other break from school. Students who have less support at home may not be doing the snow dance or the crayon in the freezer the night before. #COLchat
A1: I only see my students once a week, so when we had three missed Wednesdays due to snow days, the Wednesday kids didn't have music for a month! #COLChat
Q1: In the Midwest we have made many withdrawals from our snow bank this winter. What impact can snow days have on students. How might their impact affect some students differently? #COLchat
A1. It throws off Ss routine. There's no consistency. I always fear Ss are left home alone if their P still attends work. Are they eating? Are they protected? Are they safe? Are they scared?#ColChat
A2: potential negative impact in high poverty areas: food and warmth. Snow days also affect the fluidity of lessons and instruction. Snow days can, however, give us the ability to have some unexpected family time or rest. #COLchat
That is really tough Becky. It really makes it tough on your lesson planning and the students who look forward to seeing you and your great curriculum. #COLchat
A1 We have missed 12 days in my district. These disruptions are frustrating for all. I am especially concerned about those students who are on free breakfast/lunch programs. #COLchat
Q1: In the Midwest we have made many withdrawals from our snow bank this winter. What impact can snow days have on students. How might their impact affect some students differently? #COLchat
A2: potential negative impact in high poverty areas: food and warmth. Snow days also affect the fluidity of lessons and instruction. Snow days can, however, give us the ability to have some unexpected family time or rest. #COLchat
A1: Snow days for kids are like finding $20 in your coat pocket. It provides unexpected fun with endless possibilities. For others, it messes with routines and might event in some Ss not getting to eat that day. #COLChat
Q1: In the Midwest we have made many withdrawals from our snow bank this winter. What impact can snow days have on students. How might their impact affect some students differently? #COLchat
A1: Learning loss is a something we see often with our students. Getting them to practice, read, & study at home is a challenge too. We’ve found repetition, reminders, & routine have been huge this last few weeks! #COLchat
A1 in southern Ontario we got hit with a number of weather days just as we transitioned into a new semester. It breaks that relationship building you do at the start and throws everyone’s rhythm off #COLchat
A2. Mother Nature has been a bit maddening this year in MI. From frostbitten temps below 0, to roads of ice, our whole state has faced lengthy closures. Safety is 1st everywhere. Every school is in the same boat with routines affected, lessons shuffled, meetings canceled.#COLchat
Yes they can. This is why it is so important for us as educators to make the most of each day. Engage them while we are in school each day. Inspire them and make school something they look forward to. We can all learn random facts and things from GOOGLE. #COLchat
Missing instruction for all students is hard, but more importantly school is a safe place for many of our students. I think of that impact the most (although I know school is cancelled because of safety reasons) #socialemotionallearning#COlchat
A2: I wouldn’t want to be a teacher planning lessons, an AD trying to reschedule games, a good service director planning meal options. Personally had to reschedule a number of calendar items with staff which is inconvenient for them as well. #COLchat
Everything you mentioned is spot on! When I am home I often tell my wife, I am so glad we do not home school. LOL. Send them back to school. :) #COLchat
A2: Meetings, lesson plans, observations, assessments, professional learning - rarely a day that isn't packed with things that "need" to be done. #colchat
A2 flexible mindsets are important. We have a talent show and various meeting “being rescheduled” and of course our spring break is a mere four weeks away! #colchat
A2: my plans feel like the movie Groundhogs Day as of late! Lots of shuffling & shifting to accommodate necessary reteaching. Patience and pacing have been really important. #COLchat
A2. It just reminds me we all need to be flexible. Nothing in education is set in stone. We also must take every opportunity to get to know our Ss. They need us.
https://t.co/KFv0QmQexR#ColChat
Yes, very true Michele. The whole state is the same boat. It’s tough for those kids that are looking forward to those two meals (breakfast and lunch). #COLchat
Q3:
While some years Mother Nature is tame, this year has been tough in the “wintry" states.
How do we maintain a sense of consistency/normalcy in our schools and classrooms when weather constantly disrupts the normal flow? #COLchat
A3. This has been a unique year for the state because just when one round of winter finishes, the next one starts. As adults in the building we can do our best to be mindful of reviewing info, not assuming all of our Ss had the same support, and continue what we started. #COLchat
My son is one of those that while the days off seem like a good thing, make that return day extra tricky...and unscheduled days....well, we are getting better! #colchat
A1: Students are in bad moods when it's super snowy/cold and we don't get a snow day; I come up with some fun games/activities on these days. It's good to remember that many students need school for resources, so snow days can actually be quite harmful for some students. #colchat
Q3:
While some years Mother Nature is tame, this year has been tough in the “wintry" states.
How do we maintain a sense of consistency/normalcy in our schools and classrooms when weather constantly disrupts the normal flow? #COLchat
A3: I think flexibility and vibrant enthusiasm for the small moments of learning are key. Small lessons that pack a punch and make them look forward to whenever the next lesson will be. #COLChat
A3 I think the best consistency we can attain is building g those daily connections and relationships. It is so important to reconnect after some time off. #COLchat
Q3:
While some years Mother Nature is tame, this year has been tough in the “wintry" states.
How do we maintain a sense of consistency/normalcy in our schools and classrooms when weather constantly disrupts the normal flow? #COLchat
A3. After 3 consecutive days off we returned on a Fri. I called a staff meeting in the morning to tell them not to worry they're behind. Don't rush trying to catch up. Reconnect w/ the kids, listen to them, let them know you're here. Then everything will fall in place. #ColChat
A3 We need to be mindful of classroom time. We need to do everything we can to keep teachers and students IN classrooms when we return from snow days. Don't disrupt that time. #COLchat
Q3:
While some years Mother Nature is tame, this year has been tough in the “wintry" states.
How do we maintain a sense of consistency/normalcy in our schools and classrooms when weather constantly disrupts the normal flow? #COLchat
A3: Always need to be looking ahead, and preparing for the worst. Having a plan of action to keep the learning opportunities going is helpful. Finding ways for Ss to explore in spite of being disconnected from the classroom via G-Suite or social media. #COLChat
Q3:
While some years Mother Nature is tame, this year has been tough in the “wintry" states.
How do we maintain a sense of consistency/normalcy in our schools and classrooms when weather constantly disrupts the normal flow? #COLchat
A3. After 3 consecutive days off we returned on a Fri. I called a staff meeting in the morning to tell them not to worry they're behind. Don't rush trying to catch up. Reconnect w/ the kids, listen to them, let them know you're here. Then everything will fall in place. #ColChat
Thanks for being here Courtney. You bring up some great points. It is a challenge for kids to do these things at home. Being home is so much diff. than being in school. Students need that teacher support. #COLchat
A3: Getting back to basics with our daily classroom routines, and patience, patience, patience. Just as it takes us time at the start of the year to get them in the groove it takes time to get them to find that same groove again. #COLchat
A3: a quick review of behavior matrix when we return. Depending on length of absence may be good to go slow to go fast and spend a day reviewing. #COLchat
I was thinking about this face and wondering what he would say as I tried to make may way home from Fenton, through Holly, in last night's weather. Lots of windy, up and down roads. Not fun! #COLchat
A2: The idea of snow days stress me out because I'm already on a tight unit schedule! It all comes down to prioritizing what is most important to cover in that unit. Do I ditch the snow day's lesson plan, or can I move it to the next day and cut out something else? #colchat
A4. This is a question I have not really thought about before. Perhaps those with a specialty in curriculum/planning for each subject would be best to determine what key ideas need to stay in order to build upon for the next year and which items may not be as crucial. #COLchat
A3. Bring back positive (hopefully well rested) energy and remind our staff and students what we are here for: the BEST outcomes for all our kiddos! No weather can get in the way of that 😎 #COLchat
Q3:
While some years Mother Nature is tame, this year has been tough in the “wintry" states.
How do we maintain a sense of consistency/normalcy in our schools and classrooms when weather constantly disrupts the normal flow? #COLchat
A3: Always need to be looking ahead, and preparing for the worst. Having a plan of action to keep the learning opportunities going is helpful. Finding ways for Ss to explore in spite of being disconnected from the classroom via G-Suite or social media. #COLChat
Q3:
While some years Mother Nature is tame, this year has been tough in the “wintry" states.
How do we maintain a sense of consistency/normalcy in our schools and classrooms when weather constantly disrupts the normal flow? #COLchat
A4. Our Ss have the capability to be resilient enough to overcome the changes in schedules and routines. Some need more help & support than others but I’m willing to bet that we as adults may have a harder time eliminating things due to lost time than our students. :) #COLchat
A4: I try to find ways to condense & combine lessons if possible instead of eliminating (if it can be avoided). Having to scale back the depth of some lessons is a bummer, but it also encourages creativity and flexibility in content delivery. #COLchat
A3: Setting up a classroom environment where there are routines that students can depend on each day is important! No matter what, my students can expect music to be playing and the daily agenda slide to be up at the beginning of each class period (rain, snow, or shine!) #colchat
A4 I know what I try NOT to eliminate....connections with kids and staff. I used Facebook Live to read aloud to students on World Read Aloud Day, despite having a snow day. Thanks to inspiration from @AllysonApsey! #COLchat
Q3:
While some years Mother Nature is tame, this year has been tough in the “wintry" states.
How do we maintain a sense of consistency/normalcy in our schools and classrooms when weather constantly disrupts the normal flow? #COLchat
A4. If it's not going to have a meaningful, lasting effect, eliminate it. I like to look at the calendar & see if it can fit somewhere else during the year. #COLChat
A4: This is one of many reasons it's important to have agreement around what is essential - What must get done? What does everybody have to learn? #COLchat
A4: This is one of many reasons it's important to have agreement around what is essential - What must get done? What does everybody have to learn? #COLchat
A4: if everything is a big deal then nothing is a big deal. I don’t have specific example but make decisions with the best intentions and move on. #COLchat
A3. Bring back positive (hopefully well rested) energy and remind our staff and students what we are here for: the BEST outcomes for all our kiddos! No weather can get in the way of that 😎 #COLchat
Q3:
While some years Mother Nature is tame, this year has been tough in the “wintry" states.
How do we maintain a sense of consistency/normalcy in our schools and classrooms when weather constantly disrupts the normal flow? #COLchat
A4: I really try not to change much and might finish the year short always plan buffer/ review activities at end of year that can be eliminated if necessary #COLchat
A5. I can’t speak for every kid but I know my own kids have loved the snow and cold days. They would watch the news, look outside, awaiting the text or call with the special announcement. I remember when we had to watch for the news on the bottom of the TV. #COLchat
A4: I highlight at the beginning of the semester the most important pieces of my unit to focus on. This helps me anticipate what I might need to cut/keep if a snow day/class interruptions arise! #colchat
A5. One positive is that most Ss realize that they miss something about school when we aren’t in session. We need to figure out how to make all kids want to be at school. If not in our class, someone else’s class. Anyone can be that person for a kid. #COLchat
A5: Unexpected, but greatly appreciated, family time. During the week, we are running many different directions. Being able to take a break, play a board game, watch a show together was good medicine during a difficult time of year. #COLChat
A5. We've learned to be flexible & not stress out. Staff affairs & adjusts. We get to show Ss john their return how much we missed them. They also learn flexibility. #COLChat
A5: Unexpected, but greatly appreciated, family time. During the week, we are running many different directions. Being able to take a break, play a board game, watch a show together was good medicine during a difficult time of year. #COLChat
A4 Our curriculum has always been way too wide and not deep enough. This only complicates the issue. Stick with the essentials & the core competencies and focus on making meaningful learning experiences. #COLchat
A4 my philosophies remain the same: quality over quantity (of days...learning...doing...) and with efolios, there are no artificial deadlines - the learning goes as long as it needs to...not when a calendar says a summary of grades are needed #colchat
A5: I sleep much better when it's snowy/cold outside. My quality of sleep has been great! Also, even though the roads haven't been great, the snowy mountain and field views I see on my to work are absolutely stunning! #colchat
A5: My positive has definitely been more time with my 7 year old. We embraced the extra time to slow down instead of our normal rushed school day routine. And reading for enjoyment & managing to stay awake past the 1st sentence was nice too! #COLchat
A5: On a personal note, the timing allowed for some much needed rest and recovery.
On a much cooler note, I've seen some schools that have rallied to provide meals for families on days on which school was cancelled. #COLchat
Have a great week #COLchat friends! Looking like NO snow/ice days for my area this week!
Thanks to @FbellomoB and @WaltKozlowski for taking the lead with #COLchat and keeping it going.
A5: created a snow day video that showed a different side of the “school principal”, engaged with students and staff via social and snow day challenges. #COLchat
A6. Many kids including mine need constant entertaining. As parents, my wife and I think to ourselves, wow, this is four kids, how does the teacher handle 30? For some reason, they are always a bit more amped on a snow day. Makes you appreciate their work a little more. #COLchat
I’m also good if a snow day leads to extra sledding and snow creating opportunities- but I know that where I am now at does not get as much snow as I have been used to... #ColChat
I agree with you Courtney! On such a day I am with my two boys - 3 and 5, we are reading a lot, playing games, watch educational YouTube videos and dancing together!!! #colchat
A4: jump to the standards and reflect on what previous lessons impact had on students. Need to plan if time permits and how to best trim the fluff.
#COLchat
A6: I would love to say we have spent part of each day reading and learning, but the truth is we've spent way too much time engaged in mindlessness - fighting cabin fever! #COLchat
It’s tough letting go of some of those things you know the kids would enjoy or really get into when you go more in depth. Good points Courtney. #COLchat
A6: definitely more relaxed, and lots of time for imaginative play. But reading a good book, spelling, math skills still get practiced. A little play in the snow and baking some cookies doesn’t hurt either 🍪 😁#COLchat
#COLchat Shout Out:
It’s hard to say who has created the best snow day announcement this year. Our own CVS Sup. Int. is a master poet & as far as singing, I gotta show some love to the song birds over in Swartz Creek, MI. @BenMainka and Jim Kitchen. They were great! #COLchat
A6: We usually don't do TV during the week. This flips on "snowdays". They become impromptu weekend days. We play lots of board games, stay up a little later, and I get to enjoy all of the great music our kids produce throughout the day. #COLChat
A6: Since I have teenagers, it means sleeping through breakfast. Which gives me plenty of time to write. Then I have to hope they don’t fight too much. #COLChat
The Facebook Live idea is great. Def. there are ways to connect using technology outside of school. We just have to be creative or learn about what is out there. #COLchat
A5 we had some bad viruses running around the school - hoping the bonus time off is letting everyone get healthy (today is a holiday in BC and last Friday was a pro-d day so we’ve had two days of school in last 10 #colchat
It’s been awesome chatting with you all tonight in #COLchat. I have enjoyed hearing your ideas. Have a wonderful week and if you live in the “new” Arctic like us, stay warm! #COLchat
Always enjoy learning with everyone during our #COLchat conversations.
Flexibility and positivity came through tonight! Educators can deal with whatever comes our way (and smile about it).
Thanks Michale for joining us and your ideas. I am about 15 minutes behind on these replies. It’l like I am using a Commodore computer. I feel like Kip from Napolean Dynamite. #COLchat
good night everyone! Thank yoy for your great ideas. Need to go to my little ones to read their favorite Paw Patrol book and kiss them good night! #colchat
Here’s a goofy one I did for one of our snow days. I had about five minutes to waste when the wife was in the other room! LOL. It’s not good but always fun to mess around. I prefer messing around. #COLChathttps://t.co/KzStYrB2ib
