Let it snow, or embracing the beast!

To hear the weather forecasters around here talk, you would think snow portends the end of the world! How weary I am of talks of snowmageddon and this snow storm as "beast". Forecasters seem shocked and appalled at the children out in such "horrible" conditions. Shockingly many families are forced to spend more than 24 hours in the same vicinity. Many schools have been closed for four days with more foreclosures looming next week. Will we ever get back to the important things- like school? How can children possibly learn unless they are indoors seated in a chair doing what the teacher tells them to do?

Yesterday my son's school was possibly one of the only ones open in Norman. The high was 18 degrees. We arrived early for the pick up and all of the four year olds were gathered at the top of the hill impatiently waiting for their turns to slide down. Such anticipation, animation, exhilaration, and adoration for the world around them! And such wonderful teachers who have such admiration for children to allow them these essential experiences! As one teacher told me, she thinks not allowing kids to play in the snow is "absolutely cruel."

And yet I know many schools where students do not go outside if it is below 50 degrees. And in most public districts here in Oklahoma there are even policies forbidding kids from having recess if it is below 32 F degrees! This is unjust.

And while the issue is very valid that many students cannot afford to be dressed properly schools and childcare institutions can find creative ways around this problem. One of the easiest ways being building a collection of snow clothes donated from students who have outgrown them. With just a bit of oversight and commonsense there are many beautiful ways for students to enjoy snow play. This is one beast I think we should wholeheartedly embrace.

For some beautiful examples of children engaged in snow play in a climate much harsher then here check out some of my Frode Svane's photos from Norway.