During these times of COVID, you may have noticed that we are putting a greater emphasis on getting children outside and bringing our learning outdoors…..rain or shine. This is a change from our traditional ways of mostly using our indoor classrooms for learning and having indoor recess when it is raining.
It has been mentioned in the COVID-19: Recommendations for School Reopening, prepared by SickKids, that if weather permits, consideration could be given to having classes outside, (p.6) and the use of outdoors or environments with improved ventilation should be encouraged. (P.7) Being outdoors does not prevent transmission of COVID or any other virus, however, it does reduce the risk.
When we consider the statement, ‘when weather permits,’ we make reference to extreme weather protocols as defined by Public Health. When the outdoor temperatures are extremely hot and/or cold precautions will be taken. This is also the case, should the weather system present a hazard such as lightening.
Although being outdoors during fair weather is favourable to most of us, there is also so much more to learn and explore about our natural world when it is raining, windy or snowing.
We want to help you learn more about the benefits of all-weather play/learning. Every week, we will be posting information, videos and resources to help you and your child prepare for being outdoors all year round.
“There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing” – Norwegian Quote