Growing up, snow days felt like a gift, extra time to sleep in, play games, and relax. But as an educator, I now see how these breaks, while fun, can make it harder for students to get back into their routine. Learning is like momentum once it’s disrupted; it takes time to build back up.
Lately, I’ve noticed how difficult it is for my students to re-engage after a string of days off. Instead of jumping straight into lessons, I’ve leaned into mindful meditation, open discussions, and listening sessions to help them reset. I check in with them – not just academically, but personally. What’s on their minds? What challenges are they facing? What are their dreams for the future?
Our kids need a learning mindset that isn’t tied only to the classroom. Snow days, summer breaks, and long weekends shouldn’t mean a pause in growth. They should be opportunities for deeper thinking, self-reflection, and new ways of learning – right from home.
How Do We Keep the Learning Going? Schools do an excellent job of providing education, but learning should continue beyond school walls. Instead of relying only on virtual assignments or extra worksheets, we should think bigger. Reading books that reflect students’ identities and history, having family storytelling and interviews, or encouraging hands-on learning through cooking, music, and journaling can keep learning meaningful and connected to everyday life. A snow day doesn’t have to mean lost time – it can be a day of discovery.
I understand that parents have a lot on their plates. Many are balancing work, responsibilities, and the daily challenges of raising a family. But learning at home doesn’t have to be complicated – it just needs to be intentional. Setting aside even 30 minutes for reading, journaling, or discussing current events can make a big difference. Encouraging children to teach younger siblings reinforces their learning while creating valuable bonding moments. Creating a quiet space for focused learning helps limit distractions from social media and gaming.
Our kids need to see themselves as active learners, not just students waiting to be taught. When children take an active role in their education, they develop a sense of ownership and purpose. On snow days, students should set small learning goals for themselves, like reading a chapter, writing a reflection, or researching a topic they’re passionate about. Engaging in creative activities like music, art, storytelling, or science experiments keeps curiosity alive. Thinking critically about their community and the world around them helps them see how they can contribute in meaningful ways.
We all know how easy it is for kids to get lost in endless scrolling on social media. While technology can be a great tool, it needs to be used with purpose. Instead of passive screen time, children can watch educational videos, listen to audiobooks or podcasts, and engage in hands-on learning activities like nature observation or problem-solving challenges. The goal is to make screen time intentional and beneficial.
One thing we don’t talk about enough is the power of movement in learning. Snow days often mean hours of sitting in front of screens, but we need to encourage kids to move their bodies and be present in their environment. Yoga, stretching, and mindful movement help students feel more focused and balanced. Taking intentional breaks from social media and technology helps prevent digital overload. Simple breath work and meditation practices teach children how to regulate their emotions and develop self-awareness. Our children need more than academics – they need a holistic learning experience that nurtures their minds, bodies, and spirits.
Technology isn’t the enemy – it’s how we use it that matters. Instead of passive scrolling, kids can explore creative projects like coding, digital art, and music production that transform screen time into a tool for learning and expression. Setting mindful screen-time limits helps children develop a balanced relationship with technology.
If we want our children to thrive, not just get by, we must take responsibility for their learning. Schools must make education engaging and accessible beyond the classroom. Parents should create small, meaningful learning moments at home, even in simple ways. Students must take ownership of their education and recognize that they are their own greatest teachers.
Snow days, and any break from school, should not be wasted. Learning must become a way of life, something that extends beyond textbooks and classrooms. The question we must ask ourselves is this: What small steps can we take today to ensure our children remain engaged, inspired, and growing – no matter the weather?
