I amastonished when I see wringing of hands and hear worrying aloud about “all the school the kids are missing,” as if “education” takes place only in a classroom. Children learn in a variety of settings, and I believe we can take the opportunities that havecome our way during recent and ongoingweather events to our boys’ and girls’ advantage.

Reading is the number one activity that children of all ages can do any time, any place. Parents, grandparents, and care-givers can read to and with children from a variety of sources, including books, newspapers, magazines, maps, brochures, game directions, and menus.

Strategy, board, and card games teach and reinforce all kinds of skills.Cooking and baking are terrific hands-on, real-life activities.Writing in a journal is an invaluable use of extra time.And let’s not forget simple household chores, a wonderful source of real-world problem-solving.

Simply talking with and listening toour children and grandchildrenare activities that help them in ways we can’t measure now, but will impact them for years to come. Yes, these days out of school are frustrating, but they are only wasted if we adultsallow them to be. Remember that families are our students’ first and best teachers.Let’s all do what we can to encourage and educatethe young boys and girls in our lives, all the time, but especially during these trying winter days.

Linda Hill

Fifth Grade Teacher

New Martinsville School