Winter is a magical time, especially for those of us who experience all four seasons in their full glory. For children, winter offers a unique opportunity to explore and learn in a different environment—one where snowflakes, frost, and chilly air add an extra layer of wonder to their daily experiences. As parents and educators, it's essential to prepare our children not just to tolerate, but to fully embrace and thrive in winter's cold climate. This preparation starts with the right mindset and, of course, the right gear.
At Oak Ridge Nature School, our favorite saying is #gearupgetout
The Importance of Embracing Seasonal Changes
Teaching children to adapt to and even enjoy the changes in seasons is a valuable life skill. Living in a cold climate provides an opportunity to develop resilience and flexibility—qualities that will benefit your child well into adulthood. When children learn to embrace the challenges of winter, they also learn to appreciate its beauty and unique experiences.
At Oak Ridge Nature School, we emphasize the importance of positive language when talking about winter. Instead of saying, "It's terrible outside," we encourage parents and educators to reframe their language. Try saying, "Today's weather means we need to wear an extra layer of gear to enjoy our time outside!" This subtle shift in language can help children view winter not as something to dread, but as an exciting season that requires special preparation.
#GearUpGetOut: Essential Winter Gear for Outdoor Learning
To fully enjoy winter, your child needs to be properly dressed. Here’s a list of essential gear to help them stay warm and comfortable during outdoor activities:
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- Insulated Snowsuit: A high-quality, waterproof snowsuit is a must-have. It keeps your child warm and dry, allowing them to play in the snow without getting cold or wet. Oak Ridge Nature School is an authorized retailer of Jan and Jul Snowsuits, which currently are sized up to 5T. For children older than 5, check out these great snowsuits here (also tested and approved by our program): Reima Snowsuit
- Insulated Snow Boots: Make sure your child has insulated, high-quality snow boots that are easy to put on and take off. Good boots will keep their feet warm, even in deep snow. We have seen a lot of boots in our program and can confidently say that Bogs work very well for children who run warm, but Kamik (found here) have been the best at keeping kids warm for the longest amount of time, especially those children who run colder than others.
- Mittens: Invest in waterproof, insulated mittens that are easy for little hands to maneuver. Mittens keep hands warmer than gloves and are essential for outdoor winter fun. We have used our fair share of mittens in our program and recommend the following options:
Chopper Mill These mittens have the highest price tag, but are an incredible addition to your child's winter gear collection. We used them during the entire winter of 2022-2023 (this was a true Minnesota winter), and they held up beautifully. They did however, not make it through the 2023-2024 season before splitting and seeping by December 2024. We still loved them, but expect to purchase a new pair yearly with heavy/daily use.
Jan and Jul mittens are what we switched to for the 2023-2024 year and will continue to use this winter. We are a retailer for these, so if you'd like to do a bulk order, please reach out to us here: lorena@oakridgenatureschool.com
MCTi Mittens These mittens are very affordable, and surprisingly warm and decently water resistant (to an extent). They are easy to put on, keep snow out, and keep kid's hands warm in below freezing temps. The downside is that the palm material does degrade before the season ends, so you will need a new pair each winter.
- Wool Socks: Wool socks are excellent for keeping feet warm and dry. Avoid cotton socks, as they tend to retain moisture and can make feet colder. We have a few choices that we love and trust:
Merino Wool These socks are fantastic for all children. They keep feet warm and cozy. We never see kids complain about cold feet when they have these socks.
Wool Socks Every child in our program wears these socks. They work very well, are affordable, and can easily be doubled on extra cold days.
- Balaclava/Neck Warmer and Warm Hat: A balaclava/neck warmer and warm hat that covers your child's ears, forehead, cheeks, and neck is crucial.
Fleece Lined Beanie like this one is great for trapping in heat and keeping kid's warm. I always suggest buying an adult hat, as children's ones tend to be less warm and don't pull down far enough to cover the forehead, ears, and the back of their neck. Avoid pom-poms on top because they interfere with the snowsuit hood and can leave a gap for cold air to get in.
Fleece Lined Neck Warmer These are great for protecting faces and necks from the cold winter air. Having a few on hand is good because these do get a little gross after a few hours. The kids sneeze, cough, and breathe into them all the time when outside, so a backup or two in their bag helps keep germs down.
- Layered Clothing: Dress your child in layers, including a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. This helps regulate body temperature and keeps them comfortable. We highly recommend the fleece lined Jan and Jul rain pants as your child's mid layer. These trap in heat, and keep their snowsuit dry if they happen to have an accident.
Learning Outdoors in Winter: When Pencils and Paper Don’t Work
Winter doesn’t have to put a freeze on learning. Even when it's too cold to grip pencils or paper gets wet from the snow, outdoor learning can still thrive. Here are some experiential learning opportunities your child can enjoy during the winter months:
- Snow Math: Use snowballs for counting and basic math problems. How many snowballs does it take to build a snow fort? This hands-on approach to math helps children understand concepts in a fun and engaging way.
- Animal Tracking: Winter is an excellent time for tracking animals. Look for footprints in the snow and discuss which animals made them. This can lead to conversations about animal behavior and adaptation.
- Ice Art: Create ice sculptures or freeze natural objects (like leaves and berries) in ice. These activities can spark discussions about freezing and melting, and encourage creativity.
- Winter Science Experiments: Explore the science of snow by catching snowflakes on black paper and examining their shapes, or discussing how water turns into ice. These simple experiments make learning tangible and exciting.
- Storytelling and Imaginative Play: Bundle up and head outdoors for some winter-themed storytelling. Use the environment around you to inspire tales of winter adventures, or build a snow fort and imagine life in an icy castle.
The Power of Language: Shaping a Positive Winter Mindset
As mentioned earlier, how we talk about winter plays a significant role in shaping our children's attitudes towards it. Instead of dreading the cold, we can help them see it as an opportunity for adventure and discovery.
For example, rather than saying, "It's too cold to go outside," try, "Let's bundle up in our warmest gear and see what winter has to offer today!" This positive framing not only makes winter more enjoyable but also teaches children to approach challenges with enthusiasm and curiosity.
At Oak Ridge Nature School, we believe that winter is a season to be celebrated, not endured. By equipping your child with the right gear and a positive mindset, you're setting them up for a lifetime of resilience and a deep appreciation for the natural world—no matter the weather.
So, as the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, let's #gearupgetout, embrace the season, and make the most of the unique learning opportunities that winter provides. Happy winter exploring!
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