At Bella Vita, we believe there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. Here is why we prioritize outdoor play year-round.
"Encouraging a child to go outside in all weather builds resilience, but more importantly, it saves them from spending their life merely tolerating the 'bad' days in favour of a handful of 'good' ones."
The Great Outdoors is our Classroom
As the seasons change, we often hear questions from prospective families about our outdoor policies. At Bella Vita Early Learning, our programs go outside daily in almost any weather. Whether it is raining, snowing, or sunny, we believe that being outdoors determines the quality of a child's day and offers immense developmental benefits.
The "Bad Weather" Myth
We often hear concerns that cold weather causes illness. However, research consistently supports the health benefits of daily outdoor play. In fact, studies from Nordic countries—where children spend a vast amount of their day outside, even sleeping in strollers in freezing temperatures—show that these children often experience fewer illnesses than their North American counterparts who spend more time indoors.
Fresh air circulates better than indoor air, reducing the spread of germs. Furthermore, exposure to different weather conditions helps build physical resilience and adaptability.
A Partnership in Preparation
To make this philosophy work, we view it as a partnership between our centre, our families, and the children:
- Parents: It is the family's responsibility to provide clothing that matches the weather. Warm layers, waterproof muddy buddies, and proper boots are essential tools for a happy day.
- Educators: Our team supports, encourages, models, and teaches children how to dress themselves. We will never physically force a child into clothing, but we use professional judgement to ensure safety.
- Children: Through experience, children learn to listen to their own bodies. If they feel cold, they learn to put a layer on. If they run hot, they learn to unzip. This builds bodily autonomy and self-regulation.
Resilience Over Comfort
Our goal is not just to "get energy out." It is to teach children that they are capable of navigating the world in all its states. When a child learns to enjoy a muddy puddle or find joy in catching snowflakes, they are building a mindset of curiosity rather than avoidance. We monitor children carefully to ensure warmth and safety, but we also allow them the freedom to experience the natural consequences of the elements—which is often the best teacher of all.