Did you know that playing outside in the rain is rapidly becoming a lost art in the USA? According to a publication by the National Wildlife Federation
“imperfect weather” is cited as the biggest barrier to outdoor play. And it shouldn’t be. Not only is fluctuation in weather one of the quintessential reasons life persists on this planet, but imperfect weather offers children (and adults) a unique set of dynamic play experiences…and they’re free! When’s the last time you dodged rain drops? Splashed in a puddle? Made a (real or imaginary) woodland creature a shelter? Worked in a mud kitchen?
Barring a few threatening conditions (thunder storms, flooding, etc.), at WSB our students go outside everyday. And not only during recess, they spend time outdoors during Nature Study class and Forest Aftercare too.
Below are some photos of our rainy day adventures:
Studies show that children who spend time playing outdoors grow up to be healthy, conservation-minded adults (here’s one to geek-out on). So take solace in knowing that letting your child get blissed out in soggy mud is one of the best things you can do for them and the Earth! For more ideas of what to do outside during “imperfect weather” pick up The Wild Weather Book by Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield (you can support WSB with Amazon Smile too). And remember . . . there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing decisions.
Thank you for sharing this with us Michel. I had forgotten how important it is to let children play outside in inclement weather. So the next time my child is home and we are deciding whether to go on our bike ride if it is raining, I will hopefully remember this article and just decide to go.
You are so right!!! We could make our kids too ‘delicate” and fearful if we protect them from rain!