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.)

Umbrellas are allowed when we are going on walks or your child's class is outside on rainy days but are not permitted on the yard at recess time when there are a lot of other students around.

Keeping a warm hat and thinner pair of mittens/gloves tucked into your child’s backpack is a great asset during the fall and spring when the mornings can be cool but it warms up later.

Please send 2 pairs of warm and water resistant mittens in the winter months. The first set will often get wet and cold by the end of the day.

1 or 2 extra pairs of socks are great all year round.

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