This month has brought lots of different weather for us to explore. We get all bundled up in our outdoor gear, often using our muddy buddies! As we head outside, the preschoolers note the different things they see. “It is raining” George said, “I can feel it on my head!” “I see the puddle moving,” Shay said. “I can feel the rain on my nose!” Natalie said. Outside we discovered many things we can do with the rainy weather. “I’m going to jump in the big puddle!” Cam said excitedly. The preschoolers started with little jumps in the puddles, and then their jumps got bigger and bigger. They then discovered that they could jump off the small and large logs, to make bigger splashes. The preschoolers continued to explore the rainy day in many other ways. We used the wet sand to make a sand castle, we went searching for worms, we listened to the sound of the rain hitting the puddles, and we even noticed how some raindrops sit on the tree branches, and fall on us when we gently shake it! Exploring in the rain and different types of weather is important for children. While we were outside jumping in the puddles, we used our gross motor skills, enhanced our coordination, imagination and creativity, as well as increased our sensory exploration. It helps children develop a connection with nature, and see all the different elements nature provides for us. Playing in the rain allows children to gather a greater sense of self-confidence and adventure. We discover so many different ways that we can explore and learn in all different types of weather. We wonder what we are going to do in the rain next time! What a fun morning playing in the rain!
