Many states in the US have had this experience where a storm of some sort has made the kiddos stay at home instead of doing in class schooling. Whether it be due to snow and ice, dust, or severe weather. Calling a “Snow Day” as for some can be stressful not only for the students but also for their parents. Teachers also now have a lot more on their plate when these “school cancelled” days happen.
Teachers now have maybe an hour or two to prepare a whole day’s worth of lessons that can be accessed remotely from the students home. This could entail providing scanned documents, websites, link for instructional videos, plus much more. Some teachers may have to do a webinar or zoom meeting with their classroom as well. Could you imagine having to get all of this together in a few short brief hours? Not only do our children’s teachers somehow gather their classwork in a brief moments notice, they also have to be readily available for standard school hours to be able to help their students with any questions they may have. Answering most of their questions through an email thread or chat if it is offered.
Students who are younger may not even realize that e-learning was not always a thing. Those who live where snow falls, got to experience a true “Snow Day” back in the day! You could run outside and play, build snowmen and snow angels, sled, have a snowball fight, or whatever else you could think of doing. Those who are older that once experienced a snow day and all the fun it could be, now are forced to still login to school. Instead of being to take a mental day in their room, crafting, reading a book, or just chilling… can’t. Children these days also have to feel the stress that coincides with e-learning. Maybe there parent/guardian doesn’t understand the classwork they’re working on and can’t provide much help. What if the student is not as technology savvy, or doesn’t have a device or internet to access their classwork assigned. There are MANY ways that e-learning can make or break a students ability to complete, understand, and retain the assigned instructions. Some on the other hand though may love e-learning! They get to keep to themselves with no stress from anxiety of being around classmates and potential bullies. Some may also like the fact that they can take the time they need to be able to complete their work and take small breaks in between their studies.
Parents are some of those people among these instances that get effected the most. Especially if you are a parent and a teacher! Most times if school is being closed for whatever weather reason, daycares may also be closed as well. If you are a parent and a teacher, you could also be effected by the school you work for is different than the school your child attends. Parents of other little ones in the home finding it frustrating because now they have to help their child do school work they might not even understand themselves, clean, cook, and handle the littles. Maybe you’re the parent that has to scramble asking friends and family if they can help watch your kiddos while your employer/job is still requiring you to come in. Now what do you do?!
School being called off can be stressful and frustrating, but there can be pros and cons to each side of this topsy-turvy table for everyone effected by it.
Pros:
- You don’t have to venture out in the bad weather
- Stay home and spend more quality time with your child(ren)
- Students aren’t missing out on a day(s) of instruction and gives them continuous practice
- No makeup days added to the end of the school year
Cons:
- You as the Parent are now a teacher (scary sometimes)
- Classroom instruction plans can be obstructed to what was being taught previously
- Teachers and Parents are pulling double duty potentially
- No guarantee that everyone has power/internet access
What are your thoughts on school cancellations and children still being forced to perform classwork through e-learning?
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