Outdoor Learning

This year at Highlands, we will be participating in Curriculum Walks and Wilderness Wednesdays.  We will be incorporating environmental education into our school days to provide meaningful outdoor experiences.

Each day, we will take a curriculum focused walk.  On Wednesdays, we will be spending almost the entire day outdoors (temperature dependent.) To ensure your child has a successful experience, here are some tips and advice for appropriate outdoor clothing throughout the year. 

ALL clothing must be labeled with your child’s name before your child wears it to school! Without names on the clothing, we won’t be able to ensure the clothing gets sent home with the right child.

Rain boots: These aren’t just for rainy days. Often the grass is wet or the ground is muddy in the fall and spring, so wearing rain boots during our hikes will help ensure your child has dry, clean shoes for the classroom.  Bogs boots are a great option as they work for both rain and snow.

Mittens versus Gloves: We recommend mittens versus gloves as mittens are easier for children to put on/take off independently. In addition, we highly recommend mittens with a zipper as it makes it easier to put them on. They also typically go over the child’s coat sleeves, creating a barrier from the snow.

We recommend having at least two pairs of mittens/gloves to ensure your child has a dry pair each day.

DO NOT send your child in thin knit gloves/mittens. These get wet quickly and as a result will not keep your child's hands warm for the duration we'll be outside.

Winter Boots: Get a winter boot that is one size larger than your child’s foot. This creates a “dead-air space” to assist in insulating the foot. The best insulation for feet are wool socks with water-proof boots.

Dressing in layers is the key to ensuring your child stays warm. It also allows your child the option to remove layers if he/she becomes too warm. We will be very active outdoors but will also spend some time sitting for circle time and observation activities. On wet and cold days, pay close attention to the layers close to their skin. Clothing made from materials such as poly-propylene or capilene, fleece or wool takes moisture off of the body and transfers it to other layers, rather than soaking through. This is called “wicking.” Cotton however holds moisture close to the body and makes a person cold and damp.

Tennis Shoes: Your child must bring tennis shoes every day for wearing inside the classroom. Sandals with closed toes and heel straps are only acceptable for warm weather. Flip flops and Crocs are not acceptable for safety reasons.

Our activities outside and in the classroom requires freedom from restrictive clothing. This includes tight clothing, fancy dresses and costumes that get in the way during active play. Children will likely get messy, so wearing clothing that can get dirty is essential!