I’m writing this at one o’clock in the afternoon and the sky is grey and the rain is tumbling down. It’s making me think about how the weather affects our play, and particularly I’m thinking about how much time we spend outdoors in autumn and winter. I don’t think there’s any question that playing outside is wonderful for children: the fresh air, the feeling of space, the sensory benefits of being in nature. I certainly know with my own two girls, and all the children I’ve looked after, that if we’re having a grumpy sort of day, getting outside – in the garden, park or just for a walk – most often is all that’s needed to lighten everyone’s mood.
But it’s getting colder now, and windy and rainy and dark. If you’re the type who is happy to be outside all the time in all weathers, I really do salute you. I however am naturally inclined to prefer a hot cup of coffee and a warm blanket inside! We do play outside everyday, whatever the weather, but there’s no denying we play outdoors less in winter – which I’m guessing is the same for lots of you? So, I’m resolving to put more thought into getting out there and planning on bringing you some posts over the next few months that inspire us to venture out. I’d also like to invite you to share your ideas too. The Play Academy carnival on Friday is open to any of your posts and I’d also love to hear from you if you’d like to write a guest post here. (On any play subject in fact, not just on playing outside. You can e-mail me cathy (at) nurturestore (dot) co (dot) uk if you have an idea you’d like to write about).
To start us off, my top three tips for getting outside, whatever the weather are…
- Keep yourself warm. If you’re wearing the right clothes, you’re much more likely to enjoy your time outside. Pretty much all the children I know don’t care if it’s cold, windy or raining – they are active kids and just love being outside. So, to help everyone enjoy themselves outside, and to stop you cutting short the children’s outdoor fun because you’ve had enough, my first tip is to make sure you are wearing the right clothes. Layer up, don’t forget your hat and gloves and make sure you are cosy.
- Get active. We’re going to shift our outdoor play away from fairy gardens and dinosaur world’s and include lots more active games. Hopscotch, skipping, what’s the time Mr. Wolf are great fun and will keep everyone on the move.
- Audit your outdoor space. Now is a good time to review your garden and get it ready for the colder months. Think about what you play outside and re-locate things or make changes to suit the weather. We’ll move the sandpit and den to under our covered area and make sure there are lots of props outside ready to spark active play (bikes, balls, kites, hula hoops). We’re not likely to do as much water play outside, so I’ll be thinking of ways to bring this inside.
What about you – are you an all weather family? How do you promote lots of outdoor play, whatever the weather?
I feel like we still have a lot to learn about playing outdoors when the weather is less nice. My oldest daughter doesn’t like to bundle up, and that is usually the biggest hurdle – although, now that she is old enough to be left indoors on her own while the rest of us play outside, she is finding a bigger incentive to dress warmly!
I love the rain photo =)
Oh yes Maryanne, we sometimes have to enforce the ‘no suitable clothes, no outside’ rule. The photo was taken in July – hurrah for an English summer ;D
We haven’t gotten roofs and chimneys yet at our house. I bet he will start soon. I love the idea of taking time to audit your yard. We still have a long time with warm weather here in South Carolina, but the time will come when we need to find activities that require more movement.
JDaniel4’sMom, I could do with some South Carolina weather today!
Thank you for posting this. Its so happen that currently, this is the dilemma for me and my team. We could not bring our preschoolers outdoor because it have been raining everyday. Thanks!
Glad it was useful Izzy – let us know if your team comes up with any other ideas.
Great tips, Cathy! I must admit that even though I’m a big believer in kids getting outside to play every day, I’m not that thrilled about being out in winter weather myself! That first tip about parents dressing appropriately is one I need to remember. I’m guilty of just throwing on whatever is fastest to get them out the door (after all the time it takes to get them dressed appropriately), then spending the whole time being miserably cold/wet.
Mama Pea Pod – I’m with you, and that tip was number one on the list to remind me!