Being retired, my friends and I finally get to enjoy some mid-week skiing after years of having to ski only on the weekends. We really don't like to see kids out skiing during the week, missing out on their valuable schooling. "Why aren't those kids in school?" we ask each other, shaking our heads. But then the memory of those rare mid-week ski days we used to enjoy while still going to school creep in, and we know that their parents are anxious to share an experience that the kids wouldn't get while skiing on a weekend.
With that in mind, we grudgingly forgive them. And this time, while riding up the chairlift, I started thinking of the many things parents could do while taking a mid-week ski trip to be sure that the kids are learning (even if it is just a little!). The list became quite long as I let my imagination go.
So, here, in no particular order, is my list of a few "Lessons for a Spring Ski Day." I hope you find one or two of them useful!
Map reading ~ A ski trip (or any trip for that matter) is a great time to get the kids involved in using maps. If you are planning a trip to the slopes, let your kids map out your route, figure out mileage, and predict driving times. You may also want to have them figure in rest stops or gas mileage while you are traveling.
Trail maps ~ Speaking of maps, ski areas offer a unique type of map for kids to become familiar with. Trail maps give kids good practice in locating where they are on the mountain, and some are even topographical maps showing the elevations. The system a mountain uses to rate the difficulty of the slopes can also figure into the lesson. Can the kids plan an "all blue" route from the top to the bottom of the mountain? Where are the best green trails? And, do you avoid those black diamonds?
Weather ~ And don't forget the weather! Before you go, have your kids read the weather maps - another kind of map we don't often think of - to be sure you won't be rained out on your spring ski day. While you are having kids think about weather, there are many weather related topics to explore. What is the average snowfall of the area you plan to visit? What causes those famous spring storms, especially in the northeast? What is the usual daytime temperature, so you'll be able to dress appropriately?
Money ~ A trip of any kind offers lots of ways for kids to practice using money. Let your kids pay for the lift tickets (you supply the $$ - or perhaps let them). During the spring there are usually ticket price discounts. Have the kids figure out the savings or the percent of the discount. If you are planning a longer trip, let them compare the rates for single day tickets and multi-day. Is there a big savings? Buying food or souvenirs is another way for kids to practice using money.
Maple Sugar ~ Spring in the northeast brings maple sugaring season. If you are planning a trip in this area, a stop at a sugar house is a nice "add-on." Kids will be fascinated by the maple sugaring process and will enjoy tasting that sweet syrup.
Seasons ~ What better time to talk with your kids about the change in seasons than in the spring. Why do the seasons change? What kinds of changes happen as we move from winter to spring? What about Daylight Saving Time ? My book Teaching About Time includes many ideas for helping your child understand these changes.
Animals ~ As spring approaches, more signs of animals can be seen on the slopes. Kids love to try to identify tracks, spot animals, and listen to the bird calls. We've seen deer and turkeys on ski trails, and heard the sounds of many birds just arrived back from their winter in the south. Just this week, we rode the gondola with a fellow who had seen a mink run across the trail while he was skiing, so keep your eyes peeled - you never know what you might see.
Northwoods Knowledge ~ Gore Mountain Ski area in the Adirondacks has a unique feature on the windows of their gondolas. In each there is a poster with a short article about some aspect of local history and folklore. Famous people from the area are profiled. Some articles tell how ski trails were named, and some are just about North Country items of interest like the Adirondack Black Fly. Perhaps the ski area you go to may do a similar thing.
Wherever you may be planning to take your kids for spring skiing, or for any other trip you may take during the year, keep your eyes open for new and interesting learning experiences for your kids. Make that trip a little bit more interesting, and give your kids some new knowledge!
And if you do get out on the slopes for some delicious spring skiing, take a run for me!!
Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor.All rights reserved.
