Why we play outside, even in Winter!

A common fear - especially in winter - is that children will get sick when they go outside. Yet children are actually more likely to be exposed to illness in poorly ventilated indoor environments. The outdoors is so beneficial for children (and all humans) because it exposes them to vitamin D and fresh air, which can ward off potential viruses. During the global pandemic, the outdoors was shown to reduce the transmission of viruses. There's evidence that when children are outdoors, they move more, sit less and play longer, which helps increase their level of physical activity. And physical activity has many health benefits for children's cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.

When the temperature drops, it's essential to dress your children properly for outdoor play. Alberta Health Services states on its website that children can play safely outdoors down to -25°C, provided they are dressed appropriately - which is also the recommendation in the document “Outdoor play in licensed childcare settings in Alberta.” The Canadian Paediatric Society says they're safe to play to -26°C - as long as younger children are never unsupervised, take frequent breaks and occasionally go inside for something warm to drink.

We're fortunate to have such spectacular natural play spaces in Scenic Acres and Varsity, with space to move, forests to explore, trees to shelter from the wind, hills to climb up and tumble down, and trails to discover, all within walking distance of our classrooms! We ask our families to ensure their children are dressed for success outdoors because no one ever has fun when they're cold - and to ask for help if needed because we have a great network of families.

Thank you!

xoxox