The Ultimate Guide to Clothing Layering in Forest School All Year Long
Inside: Master the art of clothing layering for forest school success in all seasons. Keep your kids cozy, comfortable, and connected to nature throughout the year.
While many may think of forest school as a warm weather activity, the reality is that it takes place all year long. This requires individuals to be prepared for various weather conditions and temperatures to immerse themselves in the learning experience fully. One key aspect of this preparation is mastering the art of clothing layering.
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Clothing Layering for Forest School All Year Long
To help you with clothing layering for forest school all year long, I have listed some suggested layers to get you started.
There are different types of layers to use effectively to stay warm, dry, and safe in any weather. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or student, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle the great outdoors and fully embrace the enriching experience of forest school.
Cool Rainy Day Clothing (Fall/Winter/Spring):
Base Layer: Synthetic or wool long-john shirt and pants; wool socks
Mid Layer: Fleece or wool sweater and pants
Outer Layer: Durable, WATERPROOF raincoat and rain-pants; warm toque; waterproof, insulated mittens; waterproof boots
Extra Layers: 1-2 pairs of wool socks, 1-2 pairs of waterproof insulated mittens; warm toque; mid-layer as indicated above; underwear.
Optional: Extra boots
Forest School Cards
With these Forest School Activity Cards, you can make use of the outdoors to introduce new concepts and encourage curiosity. Print these cards, cut them out, and put them in a jar. Each day pull a card out and do that activity. What do you get? 42 cards to keep your kids interested in going outside
Cool Dry Day Clothing (Fall/Spring):
Base Layer: Synthetic or wool long-john shirt and pants; wool socks
Mid Layer: Lightweight fleece or wool pants and sweater
Outer Layer: Warm jacket; durable rain-pants, waterproof boots, waterproof mittens; warm toque
Extra Layers: 1-2 pairs of wool socks, 1 pair of waterproof insulated mittens; mid layer as indicated above; underwear.
Warm Rainy Day Clothing (Fall/Spring):
Base Layer: Lightweight, synthetic material t-shirt and long sleeve; lightweight, synthetic material pants (quick-dry material is ideal); wool socks
Outer Layer: Durable, WATERPROOF raincoat and rain-pants; waterproof boots
Extra Layers: Fleece Sweater; wool socks, toque
Optional: Extra boots
Warm Dry Day Clothing (Fall/Spring):
Base Layer: Lightweight, long pants that can easily be rolled up; t-shirt; lightweight synthetic socks
Outer Layer: Fleece sweater or jacket; closed-toe running shoes or hiking boots; sun hat
Extra Layers: Extra socks; base layer
Optional: Bug jacket (Spring)
Cold Winter Day Clothing:
Base layer: Long john shirt and pants made of wool, silk, fleece, or polyester; wool socks
Mid layer: Wool or fleece sweater and pants; fleece or wool neckwarmer
Outer Layer: Warm, waterproof, windproof, and breathable snowsuit; warm toque; waterproof insulated mittens; warm waterproof boots
Extra Layers: 1-2 pairs of wool socks; warm toque; mid layer, 1-2 pairs of insulated mittens
Optional: Extra boots, hand-warmers, extra snowsuit
Clothing layering is the key to unlocking the full potential of forest school, allowing kids to explore nature’s wonders in any weather. Equip them with the right layers, and watch their love for the outdoors flourish year-round.
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