In the UK seasons are very varied. There will be times where the weather is cold, rainy, snowy or icy. This does not stop us exploring in the outdoors. In fact, cold weather enhances the children’s learning opportunities by providing natural phenomena to explore such as the impacts of water when it freezes, the feel of snow in their hands, how the mud becomes harder to dig up and how frost crunches underfoot.
During cold weather the children learn that they can still choose to go outside, they just need to dress appropriately to keep themselves safe and warm. If their bodies show signs of cold, we can discuss the feeling of being cold like having goosepimples on our skin or red noses. We can ask the children to problem solve feeling cold by putting on more layers of clothing, hats gloves and scarves etc. The children can retreat back into the warm cabin whenever they wish.
Some children are less phased about cold and rain others, however, spending time outside during cold weather helps build a child’s resilience. It can also teach children that they are not restricted to what they can do due to cold. They can still partake in physical development, running, jumping, climbing and kicking and throwing balls.
We make sure their is plenty of activities to get involved with to keep the children’s bodies moving as this create extra warmth and keeps your child fit and healthy.
Generally, children may more likely to get coughs and colds from being outside, but we believe this is just a part of life and growing up and in most cases shouldn’t stop children from being active outdoors in cold weather. Also, during winter months their is usually more bugs and viruses spreading than in other times of the year so they might ill from staying inside too. This suggests that balance is needed. Some research suggests that overtime experiencing the cold weather can strengthen a child’s immune system.
Exposure to sunlight provides children with vitamin D, which is said to regulate moods and sharpen your memory creating happy little learners.
We encourage parents to invest in thermal clothing, insulated waterproof suits and insulated wellingtons or waterproof hiking books for their children to wear. This makes all the difference to a child’s feeling of comfort outdoors.