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“You cannot go outside. It’s cold. You’ll get sick!” This is the most common thing children hear during winter. “Outdoor winter play has long been blamed for colds and the flu…..Although going outside unprepared for the elements is unwise, viruses that are spread by other human beings and cause colds and the flu are indoor.” (Dodds, 2017) Playing outdoors is not just for fun and gross motor activity. It has several other benefits, like reduced risk of myopia (nearsightedness), improved learning outcomes, increased positive behavior and better mental health. (Glassy, n.d.) According to the article by Anne Dodd, a Child Care Health Consultant, the some of the benefits of winter outdoor plays are as follows:

1. Breathe fresh air

Though we tend to blame cold winter air for colds and flu, the indoor air, which is full of bacteria, dirt, dander, and other germs, that is recycled through the air vent over and over, is the main culprit for it. The more children are indoor, the more they are exposed to it. In fresh, outdoor air, children do not have to rebreathe the germs of the group, and the chance for spreading infection is reduced.

2. Strengthen immune system

If we dress up our children properly for the weather, outdoor play can help not just the healthy ones but also the sick kids. It gives them an escape from indoor germs and bacteria. The more we are outside, the stronger is our autoimmune system and resistance to allergies. Studies have shown that children in rural areas or those who are active outside have the best overall health.

3. Engage in physical exercise

The California Childcare Health Program states outdoor play during winter “gives children an opportunity for a change of environment, a balance in play and routine, and large muscle activities (gross-motor development).” Children are still growing during the winter months. Extended time of inactivity is not conducive to their muscular development. Physical activity gives your immune system a power surge for a full 24 hours. A stronger immune system leads to less illness and less use of antibiotics.

4. Stimulate the imagination

The natural environment that children can find outdoors during winter months provide a lot of ways to stimulate children’s imagination through play. If they like building, they can build snow forts with tunnels, or snowman. If they like exploring and you have access to a park, you can go for a wildlife hike and look for birds and other animals. Something as simple as building a silly snowman utilizes problem solving and imaginative skills that a children would not be using while sitting on the couch.

So, bundle up the children in layers and let them play outside during winter to make them stronger and healthier.

References

Dodds, A. (2017, January). Cold Weather Outdoor Play Boosts Immune System! 5.

Glassy, D. (n.d.). Playing Outside: Why It's Important for Kids. Retrieved October 26, 2022, from HealthyChildren.org: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/power-of-play/Pages/playing-outside-why-its-important-for-kids.aspx

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Diwali is the Indian “festival of lights”—a holiday that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. This year, Diwali celebrated on October 24. Though technically religious, it’s also become a cultural event in North America that’s celebrated with sweets and special foods.

The children demonstrated a disposition of Participating when they gathered to celebrate this event in Sharn’s front yard. The children were engaged with one another in this big event to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas.

Thank you for the parents who showed up to support children’s participation with others as you notice and name, model and invite each child’s unique ways to communicate and participation in play and learning experiences.

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• Some Educators may have their own holiday policy. Please find out it they do, what it is and what this will look like for coming months.

• Since the weather is getting colder, please dress your child/ren accordingly, and send a spare pair of clothes with them, in case their clothes get wet or dirty.
  

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