There’s a reason we hear the expression ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing’,
So often in ECE (early childhood education). When most people’s (read: adult’s) first instinct is to hibernate at the first sight of rain, you’ll instead find us jumping in puddles, collecting the water or maybe making mud, as the children inspire us to find the joy in each situation.
At Folkestone Street we love to make the most of our outdoor environment no matter the season! Rain or shine, you’ll still find us outdoors flourishing in all nature has to offer us. We have no “distinct indoor or outdoor season” (Murray, as cited by John, 2018), and instead just change our clothing to suit the climate; whether this be from sunhats and light clothing on a hot, sunny day, or, our wet weather overalls, raincoats, gumboots and a warm hat on a wet and cold day!
In a culture where hiding inside is the norm, we can often feel the need to justify our choice to stay outside. Yes it’s Winter, and yes, it is getting wetter and colder, but that doesn’t mean our relationship with the outdoors should change.
When we’re prepared for the weather, it opens up so many more possibilities for exploration, and to really appreciate the beauty that each season brings (plus the more we stock up on fresh air, time with the earth and a bit of sunshine, the better we feel! (Fowler, 2014)).
Our children best form a relationship with nature when they are given opportunities to connect with it in all of its forms, from sunshine, mud, and even to snow! And for us adults, I’m sure your child will be happy to help you find the ‘joy in [your] discomfort’ (Fowler, 2014).
Fowler, S. (2014). Some like it cold. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/…/dec/29/some-like-it-cold
John, S. (2018). Why our kids are going to play outside this winter, and yours should too, according to science. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com.au/why-kids-should-play…
