Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Learning is a big part of our day!

Every day we spend approximately 100 minutes outdoors, in addition to recess, and sometimes even more.

There are a couple of reasons why we would not go outside:

  • The temperature drops to -25 degrees celsius. (This is a board requirement for indoor recess)
  • There is heavy rain or thunderstorms. (We DO go out in light rain or drizzle.)
  • There is a special event happening in the school that requires our schedule to adjust.

Outdoor learning is embedded into the Kindergarten program document and extending the learning environment to outside is expected and is a very important piece of the kindergarten program. Outdoor learning is important for development of the whole child and studies show spending time outdoors has many positive effects on their physical, emotional, cognitive and social growth.

If you feel that your child is too ill to participate in outdoor learning, it would be advised that you make alternative arrangements for your child until they are well enough to return. We cannot make arrangements for your child to stay indoors while we are outside, as there is no supervision.

Dressing for the weather is an important part of enjoying outdoor learning.

Here are some suggestions for appropriate attire for your child during outdoor learning time. This will help your child from becoming uncomfortable. Consider looking at used clothing stores to help you economically outfit your child as they are growing.

Fall

  • Fall/Spring jacket
  • Sweater
  • Sun hat
  • Warm hat/mittens for cool days
  • Splash pants if wet outside
  • Rubber boots if wet outside
  • Extra socks

Winter

  • Winter coat
  • Snow pants
  • Warm winter boots
  • Neck warmer or scarf
  • Water resistant mittens
  • Warm hat
  • Long sleeve shirt/sweater
  • Extra mittens
  • Extra socks

Spring

  • Spring/Fall jacket
  • Splash pants
  • Rubber boots
  • Warm hat/mittens for cool days
  • Sun hat
  • Extra socks

Summer

  • Sun hat
  • Rain jacket/splash pants/rubber boots if rainy
  • Extra socks
  • Sunscreen (Please apply at home before coming to school. Educators can help dispense sunscreen but cannot apply sunscreen on students. Please work on teaching your child how to apply and rub in sunscreen. We suggest sending stick sunscreen to school for your child to reapply. It is easier and less messy for independent application.)