What to do with Teacher Workdays

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to speak about the Teacher Workdays that frequently happen in the Chapel Hill CArrboro School system and during our time in volunteering at A.C.
I noticed that when there is a Teacher Workday we close the center, and are not expected to go to the center and tutor because the kids are not expected to show up. I see this as a potential downfall of our efforts to instill self-determination and motivation in reading and writing. I do believe students should enjoy their day off, but from 3-6pm we should still report to the center. We do not have to work on homework and reading as intensely as we would during the regular school day, but maybe doing a Spelling Bee, or Academic Bowl with math games, or Reading Circle, Story Time. Any activities of that sort, we have to make sure taht we are encouraging reading and writing consistently. We should start teaching them now how to use time off from school effectively, so when breaks such as Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer come around they know that this time is not all FREE time, and they should find productive, yet fun activities to do as well.

So, for future reference: I am not sure when the next Teacher Workday will be but when it comes up we should advertise that the center is indeed still open and we will be doing a special activity. Maybe with snack and drinks provided, so more kids will come up.

Also, what do you all think about going in on Friday afternoons to do some "special activities" (spelling bees, academic bowls, reading circles) for prizes?

Maybe we can do it like the last two weeks of the semester.

Let me know what you think about this so we can start planning.

Danielle Staggers