By Hollie Millergill (MA)
As a Forest School teacher, and with over ten years’ experience teaching in Early Years, I have seen first-hand the magic that happens when children spend time outdoors. There is something truly special about those muddy boots, rosey cheeks, and sparkly eyes that come from a day spent exploring the natural world.
At the Charnwood Nursery & Preschool Group, one of our core values is joy. We believe that joy isn’t something we wait for- it’s something we can find, even on the greyest, rainiest of days. And what better lesson to give our children than that?
Why Winter Play Matters
It can be tempting to stay inside when the air feels cold and the skies are cloudy, but winter offers children a completely different kind of learning, one full of sensory discovery and resilience. Puddles to jump in, mist to watch swirling above the grass, raindrops sliding down leaves are all experiences that ignite curiosity, imagination, and awe.
When we teach children to wait for the sunny days, we unintentionally teach them to simply tolerate the “bad” ones. But life, like weather, isn’t always perfect sunshine. By embracing every kind of day, children learn a powerful message: every moment holds something worthwhile.
Our Attitude Shapes Theirs
Children are wonderfully perceptive. They don’t just hear what we say, they feel how we say it. When we sigh, “What a miserable day,” they absorb that negativity. But when we look out and say, “The ducks will be loving this weather!” or “Perfect day for splashing in puddles,” we show them how to find joy and positivity no matter what the forecast says.
This small shift in language helps children develop gratitude, optimism, and emotional resilience. They begin to see the world not as something that needs to be “perfect” to be enjoyed, but as something full of wonder in every form.
Dressing for Success
Of course, being prepared is key! A good waterproof coat, wellies, and plenty of layers make winter adventures comfortable and fun. Once children are warm and dry, they can focus on exploring and you will often find that they don’t want to come back inside!
A Childhood Well-Lived
At CNPG, we are passionate about giving every child the chance to experience those core childhood moments, not the ones made through screens, but the ones made outdoors such as building dens, finding worms, chasing leaves in the wind, and laughing in the rain.
So, next time you wake up to drizzle or frost, take a moment to reframe it. Step outside, breathe in that crisp air, and maybe even jump in a puddle with your little one. After all, joy isn’t something we wait for, it’s something we create, every single day.
