The Breakfast Club – #BFC530 – is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri – 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
What could we do as teachers to avoid “snow/ice/cold days” and are you in a district that already does this? What tech are you using?
@mrsstellhorn#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC5oIgb
Our district is piloting "Blizzard Bags" this year. Students complete work for the days they miss, teachers are available online to assist/answer questions so that we don't need to make up days in the summer. We had our first BB day last Friday, I'll see how Ss did today! #bfc530
What could we do as teachers to avoid “snow/ice/cold days” and are you in a district that already does this? What tech are you using?
@mrsstellhorn#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC5oIgb
Aching ribs - what did I do? But off to the gym 🙄. We have online learning in lieu of snow days. We are required to announce/explain on our platform (itsLearning ), but I typically do lessons on Google Classroom. We have reqd office hrs at 10am & 1pm. It’s cool. #bfc530
Good Morning #Bfc530
Umm who said I want to avoid Snow Days. We have five built into schecdule. Love when one happens mid week in long March when there is no break...
#teacherslikesnowdaystoo
What could we do as teachers to avoid “snow/ice/cold days” and are you in a district that already does this? What tech are you using?
@mrsstellhorn#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC5oIgb
Snow et al days...
Either we get pounded with more-than-predicted totals, or we get a fraction of the forecasted amts. Usually its the fractional amt. We build 3 days into our calendar, but rarely use them. We often roll with a delay rather than closing.
#bfc530
A: It’s more of a challenge for @wcsschools, cold weather days are typically few and far between. If we are out for school it’s for more catastrophic weather such as #HurricaneFlorence. #BFC530
What could we do as teachers to avoid “snow/ice/cold days” and are you in a district that already does this? What tech are you using?
@mrsstellhorn#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC5oIgb
I would like this if they removed all snow days built into the schedule. That way there is no concern about planning vacations during breaks (that could be taken away) or on the 1st day of summer #bfc530
The work for Blizzard Bags can be digital or paper and pencil. I used paper for this first go-round because internet in our rural area can still be spotty and I worry about storm-related power outages. #bfc530
What could we do as teachers to avoid “snow/ice/cold days” and are you in a district that already does this? What tech are you using?
@mrsstellhorn#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC5oIgb
What could we do as teachers to avoid “snow/ice/cold days” and are you in a district that already does this? What tech are you using?
@mrsstellhorn#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC5oIgb
Until our students are given 1:1 technology, this will not be happening for us. Also, due to being in a rural area, not every home has internet service (they do have cell data). Assignments would have to be downloaded by the student on the device regularly at school. #bfc530
What could we do as teachers to avoid “snow/ice/cold days” and are you in a district that already does this? What tech are you using?
@mrsstellhorn#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC5oIgb
In answer to this morning’s question, why can’t we just welcome the ‘change of pace’ and take snow days in stride? We all lead such busy lives, it might be Mother Nature’s way of inviting/encouraging us to slow down for a relatively short period of time! 😊 #bfc530
When our area got hit hard with the flu years ago, a lot of school systems came up with online options for completing work. But that was individual students missing school, not the whole school closed. #bfc530
What could we do as teachers to avoid “snow/ice/cold days” and are you in a district that already does this? What tech are you using?
@mrsstellhorn#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC5oIgb
I would like this if they removed all snow days built into the schedule. That way there is no concern about planning vacations during breaks (that could be taken away) or on the 1st day of summer #bfc530
I think the assumption the kids need something to do on snow days implies their life is less important than school. I know when we had hurricane days the last thing I wanted to think about was school ... we had bigger issues to deal with. #bfc530
What could we do as teachers to avoid “snow/ice/cold days” and are you in a district that already does this? What tech are you using?
@mrsstellhorn#BFC530
& add to the question bank: https://t.co/16LoC5oIgb
Gm. Frankly, those delays and closings are much needed gifts that come from the scientifically proven” pajamas worn inside out” method. Kid proven, teacher approved. Break needed . Let’s not mess with it. “ #BFC530
Exactly. We had 2 "cold days" last week because our buses wouldn't start. The first one is a "snow day" but the second one put us into "Blizzard Bag" time. Students have a week to turn in their work or they will be marked "absent" and given no credit. #bfc530
As our district goes 1 to 1 I hope we will be able to get credit for snow days by having students do assignments from home. I don’t think you can ask them to do much on a delay, teenagers need their sleep anyway! #bfc530
In answer to this morning’s question, why can’t we just welcome the ‘change of pace’ and take snow days in stride? We all lead such busy lives, it might be Mother Nature’s way of inviting/encouraging us to slow down for a relatively short period of time! 😊 #bfc530
For us its basing the amt of snow days scheduled on the previous yr, bad practice. Ex. we'll have 3 based on an winter without much snow the yr before,& use 6. The next year 5 are scheduled and we use 2 so the next year we are back to 3. For us up here, set it always at 4 #bfc530
With all that we are now able to do online, there really are some great ways to continue learning, participation, and collaboration at home. @Flipgrid@GoogleForEdu to name a couple. #bfc530
In answer to this morning’s question, why can’t we just welcome the ‘change of pace’ and take snow days in stride? We all lead such busy lives, it might be Mother Nature’s way of inviting/encouraging us to slow down for a relatively short period of time! 😊 #bfc530
Feeling like garbage this mornimg with a bad cold. But drugged myself up & heading in despite because it's the first day of our new semester. But I think tomorrow will have to be a sick day 🤧#BFC530
My one concern is whether the snowbound Ss have the meals at Home to enjoy being snowbound. Food insecurities are in all schools. Some schools are addressing that. #BFC530
Good morning #bfc530! I think of snow days as wonderful ways to have days of unstructured play, which our kids often seem to miss out on (therefore the Global Play Day movement)
They are literally marked "absent" and given no credit. Ts must provide time during the following week to help Ss who need more help. Most activities I included were enriching articles, poetry extensions, nonfiction to tie in with broader themes. etc. #bfc530
Feeling like garbage this mornimg with a bad cold. But drugged myself up & heading in despite because it's the first day of our new semester. But I think tomorrow will have to be a sick day 🤧#BFC530
I say just plan off "snow" days into the schedule. I still have many students w/o reliable internet/cell coverage. Hell, I don't even have internet past phone data. So unless the school wants to foot that bill I don't see tech as a solution. #bfc530
#bfc530 Late to the chat this AM, because I was getting my gym clothes on. We haven't had any snow days in our district, but having #Twitter and #GoogleClassroom has always let me stay in touch with #students when #class times are affected.
In theory it's a great idea, I'm very interested to see how it plays out. I will tell you that I am not excited about having 80 kids turn in work to me today. I only had 1 student contact me on Friday. He didn't want help, just a connection, #bfc530
I love snow days and I agree they offer an important opportunity to slow down and relax. The problem is when we end up with a string of them together or so many in one season that learning is impacted. #bfc530
In answer to this morning’s question, why can’t we just welcome the ‘change of pace’ and take snow days in stride? We all lead such busy lives, it might be Mother Nature’s way of inviting/encouraging us to slow down for a relatively short period of time! 😊 #bfc530
Ew!
We just do a steady 3. If we go over, then we either tack on to the end of the year, or we consider taking them off the spring break. For the small amt of students we'll miss due to existing vacations, it's the easiest solution.
#bfc530
We have hurricane days, but we're busy watching the weather forecast & feeling too nervous to do any kind of online teaching. If a hurricane does hit, it usually means weeks without electricity so even though we use Google classroom, we can't give classes.
#bfc530
@TCECHS began using "e-days" several years ago for some snow days or when the entire staff needs to be out for training, etc. Controls built in to ensure every student has access (including portable hot spots) and validation that a min % of students do it to. Works well! #bfc530
Dear Educators,
Contrary to what many believe ... school is NOT the biggest priority in a kid’s life and we should stop acting like it is. Think about this on weather related days off ... when you assign homework ... get frustrated with a kid for being a kid ... etc #bfc530
Unless all students are provided with equal tools to engage on snow days, another layer of education inequity has now been delivered with a side of snow/ice. #BFC530
Curious to see the responses. Technology is the answer but the question is how to ensure that all students have access and what is the alternative when power goes out. #bfc530
Unless all students are provided with equal tools to engage on snow days, another layer of education inequity has now been delivered with a side of snow/ice. #BFC530
Our graduation date is sacrosanct; we can add anywhere but the end of the year (which is crazy b/c it is middle school & we use school facilities for graduation & celebration dance). My wife always thinks the production for our 8th grade graduation is over the top anyway #bfc530
#bfc530 I used to love telling #students that snow days were a perfect day to catch up on #reading. It let's them catch up, while being such a perfect way to keep the mind going on a snowy day.
There are 2 obvious answers.Firstly, look at creative ways to use the available technology to your advantage. Google Classrooms is great for this.Having shared folder for your class on Google Drive, you can put MP3/MP4 recordings with notes &presentations for each lesson #bfc530
I will say this, I was feeling incredibly raw and physically and emotionally exhausted in my work last week and those 2 days off for weather-related issues were a blessing. I am beginning to understand that the emotional baggage of teaching is cumulative for me. #bfc530
Agree! I would love for someone to produce a study showing the effect of reduction of recess, breaks, etc and/or the assembly line worker mentality in our schools (students must be always on task don't you know) on the mental health of students. There must be one #bfc530
Mi buen Jesús, vengo a pedirte por aquellos hermanos que llenos de resentimiento alimentan con odio sus corazones, para que iluminados con la gracia del Espíritu Santo puedan sentir lo maravilloso que es amar y servir a nuestros semejantes.
The thing about #bfc530 that everyone is missing is that we are on the verge of runaway climate change and we need a complete re-think of the global economy to ensure a just society & avoid planetary catastrophe.
Also, I like to think the learning experience I provide can't be replicated via a packet/YouTube video. You just got to be there....doing. Ugh, I hate "busy work" #Shopclass#bfc530
Madre Te encomendamos a Venezuela el único País consagrado a la Sagrada Eucaristía
Alabanzas y Gracias sean dadas a Jesús en el Santísimo Sacramento del Altar y a la Santísima Virgen María Madre de la Eucaristía
https://t.co/TggAngmG2y
Now, as a college student. I hated snow days. I was paying 60 an hour and lost a week's worth of tuition one semester due to snow days. Real puny snow days, as well. #bfc530
True, but there isn't much meaningful learning going on days that I have to come in during Spring Break and Im in a classroom that is well under 50% full. The one positive is on those days I look for some fun alternative (like games) for the kids that are there #bfc530
Hoy parto hacia los Emiratos Árabes Unidos. Me dirijo a este país como hermano para que escribamos juntos una página de diálogo y juntos recorramos senderos de paz. ¡Recen por mí!
We can also go into this teaching bell to bell mentality ... which I find interesting especially when we are supposed to be building relationships but our focus is teaching content Bell to bell. #bfc530
I love the idea of teachers using tech platforms like Google classroom so no disruption to learning. However, systems need to support tech access for students who don't have it reliably.
Laptops with own hotspot? I'm not very tech savvy, notnsure this is a thing.
#bfc530
In the 6 years I have worked for our division we have never had a snow day. Last week, with the wind chill, the temp was -44 C.The buses stopped running but school was on & a lot of my Ss made it!We use Google Classroom but there is no expectation to log in on a snow day #bfc530
