My home in Maine is buried, quite literally, in snow. They have received about two feet of snow in the past week, and another 10" may be coming tomorrow. It is a beautiful site. The world is buried in a blanket of white. Trees are frosted, fires are burning, and the air smells of cozy fires in fireplaces. School children are waking up to "No School" announcements. After lingering for some extra sleep, they make plans for hot chocolate, sledding, and snow men later in the day.
For those of you homeschooling in northern areas, you may also be waking up with driveways to plow, walks to shovel, wood to carry, perhaps even loss of electricity. You may ask yourself, "Am I allowed to have a snow day, when all our schooling happens at home?" My resounding answer is Yes! Everyone needs a snow day once in a while! The beauty of a snow day is that you are unexpectedly marooned at home with a whole day to yourselves. A day that you have not filled with expectations for accomplishment.
Winter in Michigan this year has been very mild. While my Maine home is buried in snow, the temperature here is heading towards 50 degrees (F) and the sun is shining. While I am loving the mild weather, my kids are complaining that they haven't had "even one snow day". I know they are missing the snow, but I believe that what they are really wishing for is that unexpected day off. That day that is not filled with school work, practicing their instruments, sports and chores. A whole day together with the family, because no one can go anywhere.
There are 365 days in a year, and as a Griggs student you have 365 days to complete your coursework beginning with the day that you registered. The Griggs school year is built on 180 school days/lessons. That gives you 185 days per year that you don't have to "do school". While we don't want to be neglectful, there is something that is very rejuvenating about taking a needed day off, just to spend time together. It can sometimes be difficult without "built in" vacations from a school calendar to tell you when your kids (and you) need a break. I want to encourage you to listen to your kids. If they are dragging themselves through their tasks, acting overtired all the time, seem more emotional than usual, or are listless and unable to stay on task, it may be time to take a day off. Winter and lack of vitamin D can have a strong effect on kids as well as adults, so take break! Whether you are building snow men, or sandcastles enjoy a snow day!
disclaimer: This entry is rather selfishly focused on those in the northern hemisphere. For those of you "down south" enjoy your summer!
