March 2023 SOLC–Day 3
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
Our snow supply has been replenished regularly in the past few weeks. One recent morning as I stepped outside with my class, students gasped at the size of the newly plowed mounds of snow.
“Let’s go conquer Mount Everest!” one of them cried, and then they were all off, racing across the playground. They scrambled up to the top of the piles and then threw themselves off with utter abandon and complete disregard for their continued health and well being. It was pretty fun and pretty awesome.
Today as we walked outside, the snow was falling fast and furious. We all turned our heads up instinctively as we walked out, greeting the snowfall. Everyone was smiling. Kids scattered to climb and sled down mountains, slide down extra slippery slides, and jump into snow piles. It was the kind of wet heavy snow that instantly soaks mittens, hats and hair. No one seemed to mind. One of the other recess duty teachers smiled at me from across the basketball court, jumped and tapped her feet together in midair. It was just that amazing out there!
Across the court even a basketball seemed to be trying to get in on the action!
“Look at that basketball!” I called to some nearby students, and pointed. “It’s trying to build a snowman!”
They turned to look, and then we all laughed.
Soon I was admiring a more developed snowman and later an inventive snow star with wood chip eyes and nose and smile.
I may have had a twinge of envy at recent pictures of blooming azaleas or magnolias shared in other posts and on social media. But today any hint of jealousy vanished. I was completely enchanted by the snowfall, delighted to be out at recess in the middle of a snow globe, soaking it all in, surrounded by the laughter of equally delighted children.
Those of you who are already enjoying bird song and blossoms have no idea what you’re missing!
Nix the comfort zone 
I love how you said you were “completely enchanted by the snowfall”. It really was magical yesterday, with those big flakes. I’m so glad you were able to watch and enjoy those moments with the students. My favorite photo you shared was that basketball with the snow trail. Another storm tonight… more enchantment to come (hopefully followed soon by some Spring)
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was one of the most beautiful snowfalls ever! It was such fun to be outside with the kids. PS The basketball picture is my favorite, too!
LikeLike
In the middle of a snow globe! That’s a great line, and it does make me a little envious of snowy Maine. We’re in that middle earth stage where it’s less winter but not yet spring. We’ve barely had a winter, it seems, but I’m itching for warm weather.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m now picturing you in some sort of Tolkien landscape! lol Warm weather will come soon enough and up here, we just enjoy it all the more when it does. We’re in the midst of a storm projected to leave another 10 or so inches and it’s just gorgeous outside!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m jealous of a place where kids are allowed/expected to go out and play in the snow at recess. I can’t tell you all the hoops I had to go through the one time I managed to get my class out into the snow to play. It was worth it. It was magical.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! I can’t imagine that, Mary Lee. Your experience with your students must have been all the more magical because of its rarity. We are always outside, unless it’s pouring or below 10 degrees (and even then if it’s sunny and not too windy, we’ll sometimes head out).
LikeLike
Maryland recess stinx. If it’s raining we don’t go out. If it rained we don’t go out–or if we do it’s “blacktop only.” We are institutionally afraid of outdoors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The final sentence in your comment made me so sad.
LikeLike
I love seeing pics of kids playing outside for a snowy recess. While we haven’t had any snow this year, if we did, it would be just like Heidi explained: blacktop-only. (At least that’s in our school district. When we lived in Harrisburg, I sent Isabelle to school with snow pants so they’d play outdoors.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Once again I am guilty at looking through my narrow world lens! I was really surprised by these comments, but I guess it’s also a matter of having the right gear. Our kids have snow pants, coats, hats, gloves and boots, or access to them through the school. That makes it much easier for us to enjoy snow.
LikeLike
Snow at recess!!! Who needs blooming azaleas when you have piles of snow to play on and in at recess. I love all your snow photos and descriptions. (we’re complaining about the cold days here–higher 50’s in the day, lower 40’s at night–but nothing as exotic as snow)
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re enjoying a big storm today and I’m thinking that recess will be a blast on Monday with a foot or so of fresh snow! Hope you can stay warm in those chilly temps! lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
We had our first significant snowfall this week and it brought so much joy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay for first snowfalls, even if they’re a bit tardy! I hope the snow sticks around for a bit for you all to enjoy it!
LikeLike
Pure joy!
LikeLike