A Complete Guide on How to Dress for Forest School
Inside: When it comes to how to dress for forest school, it’s important to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor.
Forest school is an incredible way for children to engage in outdoor learning, explore nature, and develop essential skills through outdoor play. However, dressing appropriately is key to ensuring they stay warm, dry, and comfortable in all weather conditions.
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A Complete Guide on How to Dress for Forest School
Whether it’s a chilly autumn morning, a rainy spring afternoon, or a snowy winter day, the right outdoor clothing will keep kids happy and engaged. Below, we’ll break down exactly what your child needs to wear to forest school—from base layers to waterproof boots—so they can focus on exploring instead of shivering in the cold or dealing with soggy socks.
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The Golden Rule: Dress in Layers
The best approach to forest school clothing is layering. Dressing in layers helps regulate body temperature, allows for adjustments as the weather changes, and keeps moisture away from the skin. A good gear list includes three key layers:
- Base Layer: This is the first layer that sits against the skin. Choose moisture-wicking materials like long underwear or a pair of thin fleece leggings and tops to keep sweat away. Avoid cotton, as it traps moisture and can make your child cold.
- Mid Layer: Also known as the insulation layer, this helps retain body heat. A pair of warm fleece pants and a warm jacket or fleece pullover are great options for colder months.
- Outer Layer: This is the protective layer that shields from wind, rain, and snow. A waterproof jacket, rain pants, or waterproof trousers will keep your child dry during wet weather. For snow days, snow gear like insulated piece suits and snow boots are essential.
Forest School Clothing Essentials
In forest school kids are going to be outside all the time, no matter the weather. Bad weather or beautiful weather, kids need to be dressed for the weather and the elements that they are going to be out in.
Base Layer: Staying Warm from the Start
- Long underwear (thermal leggings and tops)
- Pair of thin fleece long sleeves on shirts or pants for added warmth
- Wool or synthetic materials for moisture-wicking
- No bare skin exposure in colder months
- Wool socks for warmth and moisture wicking
Mid Layer: The Insulation Factor
- Pair of warm fleece pants
- A warm, breathable sweater or fleece jacket
- Insulated top layer for extra warmth
Outer Layer: Weather Protection
- Waterproof jacket or rain jacket
- Waterproof trousers or rain pants
- Pair of waterproof mittens (avoid cotton gloves)
- Waterproof boots for muddy conditions
- Snow boots and snow gear for winter
Extra Gear for Comfort
- Warm hat for cold days
- Synthetic gloves for added hand warmth
- Water shoes if activities involve streams or wet areas
- Custom name labels for clothing to avoid mix-ups
- Extra layers to adjust for changing weather conditions
- Extra clothes in case of spills or wet conditions
Other Tips for Dressing for Forest School
- Pack a water bottle: Staying hydrated is just as important as staying warm.
- Label everything: Custom name labels help ensure that lost clothing can be returned.
- Avoid bad clothing choices: Cotton soaks up moisture, so it’s best to stick with wool or synthetic materials.
- Check the time of year: Dressing for summer looks different than dressing for winter. Always consider seasonal needs.
- Shop smart: Stores specializing in outdoor school shop gear often have a good price range of options.
You don’t have to buy brand-new, brand-name clothing. You can easily buy appropriate clothing at secondhand shops or resale sites. With kids, there is always a chance that your child isn’t going to come home with everything all the time.
Dress for Success in Outdoor Learning
Forest school is all about outdoor learning and exploration. With the right outdoor gear, children can embrace outdoor play in any weather without discomfort.
Whether you’re sending your child to a formal forest school or simply recreating the experience at home, dressing appropriately will help everyone have a good time, staying warm, dry, and happy. Investing in the right rain gear, snow gear, and waterproof layers ensures your child is always prepared, so they can focus on learning, not shivering.
