Sparkles
Intermittently
Hitting the windshield
Gently falling from the sky
As my travel path shifts
Visibility decreases
No center line
No edge of the road
Bright lights
Ominous
Like darts pelting the windshield
Visibility nearing zero
Dim lights
Seem clearer
Creating a false sense of security
Momentum slows
A semi passes
Swirling the snow
Total white out
Wondering where and
when this weather will break
Perspective:
Dim lights? Bright lights? Of course it depends! If you are driving into the snow, dim lights are often more effective. A lack of a center line removes vision, safety and security.
(Tips for driving in a white out.)
How to Avoid a “white out” in your classroom:
Reflect: During this last week before the winter holidays, what is your perspective?
Will you be forging ahead with bright lights shining as you head straight into the heart of the action?
Or will you dim the lights, pause, observe, collect some field notes and then “ACT” on that data?
Thank you, Two Writing Teachers, for this weekly forum. Check out the writers and readers here.
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I don’t have experience driving through snow. I don’t think I could do it. But I will survive this week. My students are busy creating book talks to share. They will be packing a book bag to take home on Friday for the break. It’s not a snow storm, but we’re forging ahead.
Margaret,
There are many similarities between driving in a pouring down rain and snow. Snow sparkles are prettier and also more dangerous when they cover markers on the road! Onward to the break!!! 🙂
You have accurately captured driving in a snow storm. I love how you transferred that scenario to the classroom during one of the most chaotic weeks of the year!
My lights are on dim. I am using this week to wrap up, slow down, and enjoy my students. We finished our writing assessments last week, so we can now engage in some less strenuous, yet still important, writing.
Tracy,
The snow was unexpected Sunday as the weather map showed it stopping at the state line. Yeah, right! Just like classroom scenarios ending with a bell or announcement!
Yes to “. . . still important, writing!”
Fran, where I live, the weather forecast always indicates the weather conditions follow the “I-70 corridor.” I want to know when the weather learned to read a map! Ha!
I live in the bottom row of counties. When the weather map follows the state line, I know that is the “chosen view” but in this case, I forgot to check a second source! Yay! Map teading 101!
🙌
You’ve perfectly described what it is to drive in a snowstorm! As much as I love snow (it’s my favorite), driving in it is nerve-wracking.
I also love how you use it as a metaphor for the classroom. Our last week in 6th grade is focused on portfolio creation, grading conferences, and assessing our learning from second quarter. It’s tough, mindful work. But we got this!
Snow is my favorite view from inside the window looking out! When it’s “blinding” it is so beyond fun!
Love how purposeful and mindful your week is! Important work for sure!
Although it makes for a pretty picture when the storm is over and the sun glisten on the ice crystals, what you describe is the reason I don’t like driving during a snow/ice storm. When I was teaching I was a light dinner at this time of year. I liked to take stock of where we were and how to best make the new year count.
Exactly! Before and after can be a gorgeous winter wonderland but the DURING, can be a real mess!