A Reason to Love the Winter

At my school, we are supposed to go outside daily; let the children run around and be crazy (and boy do they need it). We don't make it outside every day...here's why. Four year olds take about half an hour to get ready to go anywhere. It requires getting in line to go to the bathroom, going to the bathroom without lying on the bathroom floor or hiding behind a toilet, and letting the teachers know when they've gone poo (quite an accomplishment) or at least made an attempt (which is noteworthy, apparently). After that, boots, sweatshirts, jackets, hats, scarves, and mittens or gloves must go on. First hurdle: boots. Taking off the classroom shoes can be easy or hard, depending on the child. If laces are involved, they are often unlaced, a task little fingers can't always manuever. Boots must be put on, but getting the feet correct is left to the child. When they ask, "Which is the right foot," I say, "What looks right? What feels right?" Naturally, the left boot is put on the right foot. "Does that feel right?" "Yes." Moving on...coats have also gotten longer, which means zippers start at the knees. Those that can zip tend to have shorter coats. When the kids bend over their long coats to try and zip, they lose track of the zipper. Did you know they make mittens with zippers too? The child pushes his or her hand aggressively in order to fit in the snug mittens, but must also be zipped in.

Children with gloves are another interesting story. I've spent many-a-moment attempting to help a child locate their own fingers in the 5 finger holes. On the first attempt, we lose the thumb, put 2 fingers in the middle hole, and the ring and pinky in the proper positioning. On our second try, we find the thumb but double up on the rest. In the final attempt, I redirect the child to ask a friend. Occasionally they choose to keep the 2 fingers together in 1 hole.

As for the rest, hats go on sideways or backwards (and cannot be put on after gloves/mittens, thus the redirection), and kids often can't tie scarves. When we finally get situated, the students must still attempt to line up in pairs, wait quietly, then walk to the park...outside...where there are many distractions (for instance, wind). By the time we get to the park, we have 5 minutes. We have to leave enough time for the kids to get back to the classroom, undress, change wet clothes, wash hands, and get ready for lunch.

So why do I love children in the winter? I barely have to spend any time outside!