Every minute spent outdoors during the winter is valuable for children's physical and mental development. While many people might associate winter with staying indoors, due to the low temperatures and the snow, the colder season offers children unique opportunities to engage in physical activities that enhance their strength and coordination. For instance, activities like sledding, skiing, and even a simple snowball fight can promote motor skills as children walk around snowy landscapes and icy terrains.
Additionally, outdoor winter play encourages creativity and problem-solving. The snowy environment serves as a blank canvas for children to explore, build, and invent new games. From constructing snow forts to creating snow sculptures, children use their imagination and creativity in ways that indoor spaces cannot provide. These experiences also foster a sense of adventure and independence, as children learn to adapt and deal with the cold, slippery conditions and make the most of their outdoor time.
This winter, in our school-age program, the children had numerous opportunities to engage in sledding, showing their courage and strength as they climbed up and down the hill, balancing on the icy path. They also demonstrated cooperation skills by taking turns on the sleds and sharing the thrill of racing down the hill. In addition, they worked together to build snow forts using tree branches and sticks, fostering a deeper connection with nature and strengthening their bonds with one another.
With all the extra snow we were blessed with this season, the children also engaged in helping their educators to shovel snow from the classroom exits, working hard to make sure the paths were clear. This helps the children obtain a sense of responsibility and supports the idea of keeping their younger peers safe when emergencies arise. They felt proud to be part of this great work and the cooperation that was observed, was evident in how they planned where to put the snow and how they heard each other’s ideas and implemented them. We wonder what other great ideas will arise with the elements of our next season.
