The magic of snow days - a rite of passage for many children growing up in areas where winters are cold and snowy. For kids, there's nothing quite like the thrill of waking up to find that school is closed due to bad weather. But with climate change bringing increasingly unpredictable winter storms, it's becoming harder for schools to close their doors.
The snow day - a concept born out of necessity, when roads were impassable and travel was impossible. It became a time-honored tradition, where kids would trade in their textbooks for snowball fights, sleds, and the simple joys of childhood. But with virtual learning becoming the norm, the traditional snow day is on the endangered species list.
Melanie Killen, a professor of human development at the University of Maryland, argues that snow days are not just about fun and games - they're also an important way for kids to learn about the world around them. "Snow days offer 'a different kind of learning ... an important kind of learning'," she says. Throwing snowballs is like a lesson in physics, sledding involves implicit mathematics, and even the snow itself provides children with a sense of material understanding.
But Killen also notes that virtual learning robs kids of this valuable experience, depriving them of opportunities to interact with other people, develop social cognition, and learn about fairness, morality, and justice. "Free-form interactions, like those on a snow day, are prime real estate for the development of social cognition in children," she says.
In many parts of the country, including Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools in North Carolina, school officials are having to navigate the challenges of keeping students safe while also trying to accommodate those who lack reliable internet access. The digital divide is a growing concern, with studies estimating that up to 12 million kids across America lack sufficient access to reliable internet.
As a result, many schools have resorted to canceling classes on snowy days simply because it's easier. But Andy Jenks, the chief communications officer for Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools, hopes that won't be the case forever. "We still believe that kids should have that experience," he says, adding that he and his team are working hard to ensure that all students have access to reliable internet and devices.
Until then, it's up to parents and educators to make sure that snow days continue to hold a special place in the hearts of children everywhere. Because when it comes down to it, there's nothing quite like the magic of a snow day - and the memories that come with it.
The snow day - a concept born out of necessity, when roads were impassable and travel was impossible. It became a time-honored tradition, where kids would trade in their textbooks for snowball fights, sleds, and the simple joys of childhood. But with virtual learning becoming the norm, the traditional snow day is on the endangered species list.
Melanie Killen, a professor of human development at the University of Maryland, argues that snow days are not just about fun and games - they're also an important way for kids to learn about the world around them. "Snow days offer 'a different kind of learning ... an important kind of learning'," she says. Throwing snowballs is like a lesson in physics, sledding involves implicit mathematics, and even the snow itself provides children with a sense of material understanding.
But Killen also notes that virtual learning robs kids of this valuable experience, depriving them of opportunities to interact with other people, develop social cognition, and learn about fairness, morality, and justice. "Free-form interactions, like those on a snow day, are prime real estate for the development of social cognition in children," she says.
In many parts of the country, including Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools in North Carolina, school officials are having to navigate the challenges of keeping students safe while also trying to accommodate those who lack reliable internet access. The digital divide is a growing concern, with studies estimating that up to 12 million kids across America lack sufficient access to reliable internet.
As a result, many schools have resorted to canceling classes on snowy days simply because it's easier. But Andy Jenks, the chief communications officer for Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools, hopes that won't be the case forever. "We still believe that kids should have that experience," he says, adding that he and his team are working hard to ensure that all students have access to reliable internet and devices.
Until then, it's up to parents and educators to make sure that snow days continue to hold a special place in the hearts of children everywhere. Because when it comes down to it, there's nothing quite like the magic of a snow day - and the memories that come with it.
these virtual learning things are cool and all, but can't they just have an ice day every now and then? 
schools gotta think about those kids without reliable internet tho 
like, what's the point of learning if u cant even explore in real life? 
. But seriously, can you imagine growing up without experiencing that thrill of waking up to find school closed? It's like being deprived of a rite of passage! 
And I feel for the kids who lack reliable internet access - it's like they're stuck in the digital dark ages 
. On the bright side, maybe virtual learning will teach them how to build an online snowman... or not 
.
"The best way to predict your future is to create it." – Abraham Lincoln 
I think we're at a crossroads here where traditional school experiences are evolving due to climate change and technology advancements. It's not just about snow days, but how we're adapting education to ensure kids have access to learning opportunities that foster social growth, critical thinking, and understanding the world around them. We need to find ways to bridge the digital divide and make sure every child can benefit from experiences like snow days! 
I think virtual learning can be just as effective if not more so than traditional classroom learning on a snow day. Plus, it's not like kids aren't still getting a break from school, right? 
I mean, 12 million kids without reliable internet access? That's crazy! But canceling classes on snowy days because of it might not be the best solution either... 
what about the kids who do have internet access but can't afford devices or reliable connections? It feels like we're just moving the problem around... 
" 
. Growing up without getting to play in the snow as a kid is a shame, I think they're missing out on something special 
.
But at the same time, we can't forget that virtual learning has its own benefits too! It's all about finding that balance and making sure everyone has access to the resources they need.
. And who knows, maybe one day we'll have a future where every kid can enjoy a magical snow day without worrying about the internet 
!
. But with all these climate changes and whatnot, it feels like we're losing this special thing that was always meant to be free... I mean, who needs the internet when you've got snowflakes falling from the sky? 
! And don't even get me started on sledding and snowball fights... it's all about impulse math, people 
. So yeah, let's keep working on getting those schools sorted out and make sure everyone has access to snow day fun... even if it means dealing with a little bit of tech trouble 
.
. It's not like these are special experiences that only the privileged few get to enjoy. Everyone deserves access to education, regardless of where they live or what resources they have 
.
. We need to focus on creating a system that works for everyone, not just those who are lucky enough to have a snow day 
.
But can't we find a way to make virtual learning work for kids who don't have reliable internet? Like, that's just not fair. Every kid deserves a chance to experience that snow day magic 
.
! PLUS, YOU GET TO INTERACT WITH OTHER PEOPLE AND LEARN ABOUT FAIRNESS, MORALITY, AND JUSTICE. IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT HAVING A DAY OFF SCHOOL, IT'S ABOUT GIVING KIDS EXPERIENCES THAT HELP THEM GROW AND LEARN IN REAL LIFE!!! 
️ kids need more breaks from screens 
they learn stuff in real life not just on computers 
social skills, friendships, and empathy 
. Schools should totally do more to help out, not just rely on parents to sort things out 
. And can you imagine if climate change keeps coming and winters get even crazier? Those snow day traditions might become a thing of the past 
.