Let it Snow!

The Herons took advantage of this week's snow "storm" to get the cross country skis out. On Monday we brought everything up from the basement, dusted it off and organized it. This has become an annual school service for the class and the Herons take ski and boot care very seriously as a result. (They get very peeved if things are left in disarray by another class.)

We went out for a ski on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (although the snow was really terrible by Thursday.) Looks like we'll have to wait a bit for another chance.

I love nordic skiing with the students because everyone can find his or her level of challenge. For some, it's keeping the skis straight. Others are working on stamina. Still others are learning how to use the poles effectively. As their skills become more nuanced, I work with students on their "step and glide" motion. They are at the age when the mechanics of cross country skiing are really fascinating to them. Many pointed out the friction treads in the center of the ski and the smooth ends that they glide on when their weight is not on the ski.

Now that we're ready – let it snow!