It’s not too cold.
I’m not going to lie, teaching outdoors this past February was not easy and there were some days I questioned my life choice to do this work. However, as I observed the children building resilience, develop and thrive - it makes it all worth it.
Don’t Let the Cold Keep You Indoors
Outdoor play offers numerous benefits for children's development including physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth.
Physical Benefits: Engaging in outdoor activities fosters physical health by promoting exercise, which can improve strength, coordination, and balance. Children running, climbing, and exploring in nature helps to develop their motor skills and enhance their overall physical stamina.
(MY PASSION) Emotional Benefits: Nature provides a calming effect that can help reduce stress and anxiety in children. Outdoor play creates the opportunity to develop resilience as children navigate challenges and overcome fears, contributing to stronger self-confidence and emotional regulation.
Social Benefits: Playing outdoors is a catalyst for connection, giving children an opportunity to interact with peers, developing social skills such as communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Collaborative play in nature often leads to communal problem-solving and the formation of lasting friendships.
Cognitive Benefits: Nature naturally sparks curiosity and exploration, cultivating creativity and imagination. Children observe nature, they ask questions, and engage in critical thinking as they make new discoveries. All of these experiences foster a lifelong love for learning.
Connection to Nature: Outdoor play nurtures a sense of place and connection to the environment. Children who engage regularly in nature-based activities develop a greater understanding of ecological systems, which can lead to a lifelong appreciation for the environment.
By thoughtfully preparing for outdoor play in cold weather, you can foster an environment that supports exploration, creativity, and a deep connection with nature, all while ensuring the well-being of the children in your care.
When it’s cold.
Engaging in outdoor play during colder months offers unique benefits and challenges. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, keep the following considerations in mind:
Dress Appropriately
Layering: Dress children in layers to trap heat while allowing for flexibility. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, then an insulating layer, and top with a waterproof or windproof outer layer.
Accessories: Ensure that hands, feet, and heads are well covered. Use gloves, hats, and scarves to protect extremities from the cold.
Footwear: Insulated boots with good traction will keep feet warm and prevent slips on icy surfaces.
Monitor Temperature and Wind Chill
Weather Awareness: Keep an eye on local weather forecasts and understand the temperature and wind chill factor. Activities may need to be modified or limited when conditions are severe. Consider that overnight lows will generally impact early morning temps and dress for those.
Signs of Cold Stress: Be vigilant for signs of hypothermia or frostbite, such as shivering, numbness, or extreme fatigue. Encourage regular check-ins and breaks to warm up. Keep moving! Encourage vigorous activities that generate body heat, such as running, jumping, and climbing, rather than stationary play.
Safety Measures
Risk Assessment: I believe risk assessment is a learned a behavior and children model us. Maintain a close supervision during outdoor play to quickly address any safety concerns or signs of discomfort, however communicate risk not fear explaining the choices we can make and explain “how to keep our bodies and each other safe.”
Hydration: Encourage drinking water, as hydration is essential even in cold weather. Utilize insulated bottles to keep water from freezing.
When we embrace outdoor play even in Winter, we not only improve children's physical health and creativity but also their connection to the natural world, fostering a generation that values both their well-being and the environment.