As the infants get ready to go outside they practice their self-help skills, by removing articles of clothing, as their teachers get them dressed. Building on the fine motor skills, moving their hands to grip their hats and mittens. When we get outside the infants are provided with sleds, shovels and bike to support the infants who are a little unsteady on their feet. Hendrix enjoys the motion of being pulled around the playground on a sled by Tami. Feeling the sled glide beneath him, going up the hill and down again and again. Brady enjoys pushing the bikes around the playground and has to use problem solving and force as he tries to climb the hill while slipping on his feet. When he is encouraged and offered a little help by Jen he is able to successfully climb the hill. Danilo heads right for the sandbox where shovels and pails are waiting for him continuing to develop fine motor skills to help with future writing skills as he grips the shovel and scoops the snow into a pail. Amelia is offered help, by holding onto an educator’s hand to walk around the playground, building her balance and core muscles for her to walk unassisted. The outdoors allow for the infants to build on skills and develop new ones as they move busily about the playground, navigating winter.
