Here we go again:(
Dear Families,
As you were recently notified, the Upper Arlington School Board has approved "Blizzard Bags" as a proactive method to maintain student learning during this exceptionally difficult winter. I wanted to send this to you in advance of any future calamity days so you would know what to expect from my blizzard bag.
I would like to provide student directed learning that does not demand parent support as I am cognizant that many of you may need to still work from home when staying with your student. However, I hope some of this work may be fun, especially the STEM activities, and encourage the whole family to participate.
The use of blizzard bags is is all very new to us. Please use your best judgment. Each student's situation will be different. I would not want any student to work for more than two hours on their blizzard bag. It will be due two weeks following any future calamity days. Let's hope we have warm weather and sunny skies.
Reading
Please have your student read a just right chapter book for 60 minutes. There are few better ways to beat the winter doldrums than a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. Your student routinely reads independently for 60 minutes a day. Not only will this maintain their reading stamina, but research supports independent reading of a just right book as a primary way to develop fluency and comprehension.
STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math)
paper cup walk balloon blast off
Now for the FUN! Students should visit the following website provided by PBS Kids:
Students are to choose one STEM experience. There is a broad range of possible activities ranging using minimal materials, most of which are probably already in your cupboards. Students should photo document this activity and email one or two photos of their experiment to me.
