All the pieces that create joy in cold weather

Getting outside in cold weather is an antidote to certain drawbacks of being inside during winter. For many of us city dwellers, heating may be excessively drying and ventilation limited. Lack of fresh air, moisture, and sunlight can cause a sense of lethargy and even depression. We’ve noticed that even 30 minutes outside increases energy and lifts the mood. At least 30 minutes of walking outdoors allow your body to adjust to the weather and engage muscles through movement.

Clothing:

Winter gear can be cost-prohibitive. However, there are many ways to obtain equipment for lower prices. You can find secondhand outerwear online on parent lists or even through our mixed-age class community. If you’ve connected with a family with a child older than yours, reach out to them and ask if they may have winter clothes that their child has outgrown.

Tips for dressing in cold weather:

·      It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed

·      Wear layers (silk, fleece, wind-resistant/water-resistant outer shell)

·      Wear wool socks and wool accessories

·      Wear Balaclavas

·      Mittens keep hands warmer but may feel frustrating for young explorers; practice going between both mittens and gloves.

·      Avoid cotton

A large part of our class culture is learning through the modeling of our grownups. Therefore, grownups should also care for their well-being. We often put all our attention on ensuring our kids are warm and secure, and we forget about ourselves. We need grownups to feel comfortable, too, so please don’t leave yourself out. Put as much time and consideration into your clothing preparation as your child.

Route and Routine:

Here’s how we’ve prepared our winter class structure to be mindful that we New Yorkers may not have inherited the same cultural traditions as the Danes for being outdoors in cold weather.

·      We begin hiking uphill to build up heat by using our leg muscles. Even if walking slowly, it’s a good idea to let young ones try to make it up the hill themselves. That may not always be possible, but it is worth a little encouragement.

·      We follow the sun.

·      We climb and create jumping games to continue generating warm bodies through movement.

·      We keep to some of our regular activities to maintain a sense of familiarity. Since the change in weather can make children feel out of their element, it’s vital to include usual activities where they can feel confident and secure about where they are.

·      Depending on overall comfort, we may shorten the time at the snack/play spot and add a second walk before ending class to keep moving the body.

·      Swinging arms while walking can help with cold fingers.