Handling the weather

We host Fraction Club outside as much as possible.  This means working in an uncontrolled environment.

When the weather is hot, we use look for shade, or create shade by putting up a canopy and limit the running.  We move the challenge card panels, sorting line and success boards a bit closer to the number line to reduce running in Fractions on the Run.  We encourage mathletes to enjoy Fraction Decoder Challenges, which require less running than FotR.  If we use the relay race concept, we keep the distance shorter, say 25 to 35 feet, to reduce the amount of running.  Or, we may skip that entirely in favor of more sedentary activities.  Hot is relative.  The first spring day that is 72F and sunny feels hot to some children.  By the middle of the summer, many children do fine at 80F.

When the weather is cold, we protect the mathletes from the wind and we increase the running.  We stick to Fractions on the Run (instead of switching them to Fraction Decoder Challenges which involve less running).  We emphasize Klondike Quest, we requires the most running.  We keep the distance involved in the mock relay race fairly large, say 50 to 60 feet.  We put up the canopy and at least two sides to protect them from the wind.  If possible, we put a picnic table under the canopy so that they don't have to sit on the cold (and often damp) ground.

When rain threatens, we avoid activities that could be destroyed by a bit of rain, especially Fractions on the Run, and make sure that we can get the children and the equipment under cover quickly.  Significant rain or a thunderstorm shuts us down, but neither spotty drizzle nor the mere threat of rain needs to.

Using these techniques, we have been able to offer Fraction Club outside 80% of the days after spring break in the spring and before fall break in the fall.  We can operate successfully in temperatures ranging from 50F to 80F.  Even 45F can be fine on a calm, sunny day in the spring.  Our materials have been proven to hold up to 30 MPH winds.

Being outside has multiple advantages.  Most children like to be outside. They can use outdoor voices without being scolded or making life unbearable for the coaches.  And, fundamentally when the weather is nice, I believe that children should spend as much time outside as possible.