Hello Young Toddler Families!
This week we sent out a request for rain suits and boots for outdoor play. I wanted to take
some time to explain why it is so important for children to experience the great outdoors in
varying temperatures and weather conditions.
In the Montessori environment, nature and outdoors are viewed as an extension of the
classroom. So much of a young child’s learning happens through hands on experiences,
exploration, and opportunities to engage with the world around them. Being outside allows
children to experience nature in ways that cannot always be recreated indoors. They get to feel
the difference between warm and cold air, listen to the sound of rain, watch leaves change and
fall, explore puddles, observe how mud changes with water, and experience the changing seasons
firsthand. These experiences spark curiosity, support sensory development, and help children
begin to understand the natural world around them.
Outdoor play also provides wonderful opportunities for developing gross motor skills,
coordination, balance, and confidence as children navigate different surfaces and environments.
Experiencing different weather conditions helps children build adaptability and an appreciation
for nature in all of its forms. We want our children to learn that a little rain or mud doesn’t
have to keep us indoors! With the proper clothing, they can feel warm and comfortable while
having freedom to explore, discover, and enjoy the outdoors, no matter what the weather is
like. We believe that learning doesn’t stop when the weather changes, and we want to give them
the opportunity to experience all that each season has to offer.
-Morah Kenzie and Morah Aitana
