IACC Childcare Articles

Summer is gone and we‘re now into winter. This does not mean the outdoor activities need to stop. Keeping your children inside will make them restless and lethargic, it might also increase their chances of getting sick! Children need to play outside every day, even in winter. Going outside to run, jump, yell and wiggle provides children the chance to use their large muscles and work off extra energy. Moving out into the fresh air is healthier for children than keeping them inside a closed building where germs can easily spread.

Keep Children Active

The body stays warmer if you‘re active than if you‘re standing still. Plan some fun activities for outdoor play on winter days.
“Studies have shown that contrary to the common belief that ‘exposure to cold air causes a cold’, fresh air is good and healthy. When children and adults spend a long time together in indoor spaces that are small, overheated and poorly ventilated, germs and illnesses pass easily from one person to another. In fresh, outdoor air, children do not have to rebreathe the germs of the group, and the chance for spreading infection is reduced.
Children of all ages enjoy and benefit from playing outdoors in all except the most extreme weather. Daily outdoor play is healthy and burns energy. It gives children an opportunity for a change of environment, a balance in play and routine, large muscle activities (gross-motor development). Even children who are mildly ill but active should go outside if the weather is not severe. Staff and children alike will feel refreshed when fresh air is part of the daily routine. Taking children outdoors daily, even in winter, can be a healthy part of their schedule, and is safe when clothing is appropriate.”
Excerpt from education.com

Dress For The Weather

Children will need to wear the appropriate clothing to play outdoors.
Please provide:
A jumper
A beanie
Shoes and socks
Long pants
A coat/parker/jacket

All information was sourced from: www.education.com , www.boshoutback.com.au and betterkidcare.psu.edu