Independence, Power Struggles, and the Changing Seasons

by Anna Goodkind, Director of Early Education

On our way to school the other day, as I dragged my child through the parking lot by his arm, laden down with both of our school bags, he slowed down to shuffle his feet through a pile of leaves. As I turned to look at him, my exasperation quickly changed to a smile; I watched him shuffle and stomp, crunching leaves beneath his feet, noticing the sounds they made, a look of delight spreading across his face. After a moment of this, he was ready to keep walking, and asked questions about why the leaves change color and fall off the trees at this time of year, sharing his hypotheses and predictions with me. I reminded myself that this is exactly what he should be doing—exploring the changing world, using all of his senses to take in information, asking questions, and actively forming knowledge about his environment. And even just an extra 30 seconds in the morning can be an important part of his learning and growth, and a lesson for me. 

As adults, I know it's felt disheartening to experience the time change, the dark afternoons, and to feel that chilly fall wind pick up this week. But I hope that we can use our children as guides and remember to stop, even for a brief moment, to sense the power of the natural world and delight in the changes of the seasons. How special it feels to children when they get to play outside in the dark with our playground lights on overhead! How excited they are to crunch the leaves beneath their feet, collect fallen acorns, and make muddy fall "soup" to serve their teachers! And how nice it feels for us to briefly see the world through their eyes, reminding ourselves about the small moments of wonder and awe in nature's power around us, in between bundling up and rushing between activities in the fading light of day.

Despite the dropping temperatures, we will be continuing to spend time outside daily at school, in all kinds of weather (unless the windchill is too cold, or there is thunder and lightning). It is well proven that there is still an invaluable benefit for children to be outdoors, even in drizzly or cold weather. Most adults associate winter with getting colds and illnesses. However, interestingly enough, there is significant evidence to suggest that it is not actually exposure to the cold that can cause these viruses. In fact, these illnesses are much more likely to be caused by increased exposure to poorly ventilated indoor environments, where bacteria and viruses live. By encouraging outdoor play in winter, children gain much needed exposure to fresh air and Vitamin D, while avoiding bacteria. Outdoor play promotes both healthy physical and emotional development in children. Time spent outdoors daily, even just 20 minutes of fresh air, reduces stress and increases children’s ability to focus and follow along throughout the rest of the day. Evidence even suggests that just looking at nature can reduce stress in children!

Here is a great article about the importance of outdoor learning and here are some ideas for nature activities to do with your children.

Sometimes it can be hard, both at home and at school, to help our children get into their outside gear. There are several reasons that children might fight you on this process. One is that they are trying to exert control over the few areas of their life that they can, and be more proactive and independent in expressing themselves and controlling their body and what they wear. It's important not to engage in a power struggle through this process, which can actually exacerbate their need to exert control and express independence. Our general policy at school is to have children bring every article of outdoor clothing that they were sent to school with outside with them. If they choose not to wear it when they are heading out, they must at least bring it in case they get cold. We remind them often to check in with their bodies and see how they are feeling and what they need to stay comfortable; body awareness is another very important skill for them to develop.

Another reason young children often have trouble getting ready in the cold weather is that they simply lack the skills to independently dress themselves. It might seem counterintuitive to have them try to dress independently, but over time it will make these routines much quicker and easier if they learn the skills to do so! At school we help the children with these routines by breaking down the steps and using visuals to assist, giving them plenty of opportunities to practice. Even if it seems like it’s taking forever to get geared up and ready to get out of the house in the colder months, I promise it’s worth it; children need practice putting on and taking off outdoor gear independently, and this is an important self-management skill to learn at this age. Let us know if you need advice for cold weather accessories, or copies of the visual sequencing charts the teachers are using at school to support the children in getting their gear on and off.

Please make sure your children come to school each day with the proper seasonably appropriate gear and accessories in the right sizes, ready for outdoor play, and please make sure everything is labeled with your child’s name! Please leave an extra pair of indoor "school shoes" in your child's cubby, for them to change into when they come to school in wet or muddy boots; feel free to also leave an extra pair of snowpants in their cubby, if you have one, so you don't need to carry them back and forth with you each day. And below please find some recommendations on outdoor clothing for young children. If you have any questions or concerns, or if these items present an unmanageable financial burden to your family, please reach out; we're here to help.

CLOTHING GUIDELINES FOR OUTDOORS

• Remember children will get messy at school, please dress them in comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.

• Label outer layers and boots with your child’s name.

• Leave a pair of "indoor school shoes" in their cubby.

• Feel free to also leave a pair of snowpants at school during the winter months.

• Send a change of clothes in their backpacks each day.

GUIDELINES ON WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR IN THE FALL

When temperatures range between 50-70 degrees, children should be prepared as follows:

• Clothing that is appropriate for the forecast

  • Shorts are fine, as are short sleeve shirts if the weather is warm enough. We all know that there can be temperature fluctuations in the fall, even in a single day, so it is a good idea to dress in layers

• Send a sweater, a sweatshirt, or a fleece in case it gets chilly

• Closed-toed shoes with good traction for running, jumping, and climbing

• Hats and mittens will help to keep children warm in the shade and if it is windy

GUIDELINES ON WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR IN THE WINTER

When temperatures are below 50 degrees, children should dress in layers.

• Base Layer next to the skin

  • Wool socks; cotton gets cold in the cooler temperatures

  • long underwear on the colder days

• Middle Layer

  • Warm clothing (pants, a long sleeve shirt or fleece)

• Outer Layer

  • Waterproof winter coat

  • A warm fleece or wool hat that covers the ears

  • Warm waterproof mittens 

  • Waterproof boots

  • A fleece neck gaiter (scarves are not allowed by the EEC)

GUIDELINES ON WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR IN THE SPRING

• The spring in New England can be wet and muddy!

• If there is rain in the forecast, please send your child dressed in a raincoat, rain pants, and rain boots

• Remember to send an extra pair of clothing in case they need to change out of wet clothing.