Outdoors
A year outside, season by season
The yard, the garden beds and the path above the shore change every month, and so does what children do there.
Fall
Rake the leaves into piles and jump in. Collect acorns and sticks for the mud kitchen, and watch the bird feeder fill up before the cold.
Winter
Build snow forts, dig paths and carry buckets of snow to the garden beds. When it gets too cold, the morning moves indoors, and we say so before you leave home.
Spring
Splash through puddles in rain jackets, cook in the mud kitchen and plant seeds in the raised beds.
Summer
Paint at the easel in the shade of the oak, walk the shore path and pick tomatoes from the garden beds.
Weather rules
How we decide when to go out
Teachers check the temperature, the wind and the ground before each morning, and the same rules apply to every group.
Rain and snow
Light rain and snow are part of the day, and children go out in the right gear. Heavy rain, ice on the ground and lightning keep us in.
Cold
When the wind chill gets too low for a long stretch outside, we shorten the time outdoors, and in a cold snap we play indoors and tell families by 7:30 a.m.
Heat and air quality
On hot days we play in the shade, drink water through the morning and come in early. When the air quality is poor, we stay indoors.
Dressing
Teachers check layers at the door. A basket of spare mittens, hats, socks and rain pants waits by the coat room.
Telling families
On a day we keep children inside for most of the morning, a text message goes out by 7:30 a.m.
Inside, still active
Indoor days have a big rug for blocks, music and movement, and the art table stays out.
Dressed for the day
What to bring in every season
Children go outside every morning, so the right layers matter more than anything else on the list. Teachers send a note home when the weather turns.
- September to November
Fall
Rain boots that pull on easily
A fleece or sweatshirt for layering
A warm hat for cool mornings
Clothes that can get muddy
- December to March
Winter
Snow pants and a warm coat
Waterproof boots with room for thick socks
Waterproof mittens and a dry spare pair
A warm hat and a neck warmer, not a scarf
- April and May
Spring
A rain jacket and rain pants
Rain boots for puddles and mud
Two spare pairs of socks
A light hat for bright afternoons
- June and July
Summer
A sun hat and light long sleeves
Closed-toe shoes that can get wet
A water bottle with a name on it
Sunscreen on at home before school
A full spare set of clothes stays in your child's cubby all year. Please put a name inside every coat, boot and mitten.
Come and see the yard
A tour takes in the yard and the path as well as the rooms.