Educational programs in nature – When winter truly sets in…

When winter truly sets in...

Dear families,

Winter is here, the real thing. The kind that transforms our streets and landscapes and invites us to slow down. And as educators, it also invites us to adapt our practices!

In recent days, we have experienced a particularly intense polar vortex. On Friday, January 23, parts of Ontario were among the coldest places in the world! In such a context, it becomes essential to take time to reflect on our outdoor activities: how can we continue to enjoy the outdoors while ensuring the safety and well-being of children and adults?

In this newsletter, I propose to:

• delve deeper into the issues addressed in recent newsletters, with a particular focus on extreme cold and its effects;
• give you an overview of what the children experienced during Christmas camps and various winter outings;
• and finally, I share some thoughts on snowbanks, in light of what is happening in Quebec, and in comparison with the approach we favour at Carrefour francophone, as part of the CPE in nature program.

Happy reading,

Mathieu Lambert
Daycare Forest Project Coordinator – outdoor pedagogical leader, Carrefour francophone

Extreme cold: understanding the risks to better prevent them

In the last two newsletters, I offered several questions for reflection on the arrival of cold weather and its impact on children. I hope you found these ideas useful. Today, I would like to take a moment with you to explore the subject of cold weather further, particularly in the context of exceptionally low temperatures.

What are the risks associated with cold weather?

In both children and adults, intense cold can cause:

• loss of sensitivity in certain parts of the body;
• quicker fatigue;
• and, in extreme cases, frostbite.

Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze partially or completely. The most sensitive areas are the fingers, toes, cheeks, ears, and any other areas directly exposed to the cold.

Frostbite must be treated quickly and properly. Otherwise, the affected area may remain sensitive to cold for several years. In the most severe cases, deep frostbite can even lead to amputation.

The following are symptoms associated with frostbite:

• For superficial frostbite: the skin becomes numb and tingles. It reddens, then turns white. It develops small swellings (blisters).
• For deep frostbite: the skin becomes cold, white, or waxy.

Some people are more at risk of suffering from extreme cold, including newborns and infants.

This is why we are particularly attentive to this in early childhood centres, and why, regardless of age, we recommend wearing balaclavas, waterproof mittens, snowsuits, and snow boots, as well as several layers of clothing as needed, which allow you to adjust the warmth according to the activity.

Being well dressed not only keeps children from getting cold, it also allows them to stay comfortable while playing, exploring, and learning.

Our policy also requires us not to take children outside when the temperature is below -27, with or without wind chill. The image above will help you understand why this policy is in place.

Making it easier to access the forest despite the snow

We are entering a time of year when the snow is deep. Children have little legs, so getting to the forest becomes a challenge. But we have a simple and very effective solution to overcome these difficulties:

• a good snow shovel!

By clearing a path with the strength of our arms, we create a wonderful exploration trail for the children. And what a success! The educational staff told us:

“Thank you, the children were able to walk to the forest much more easily and have fun!”

What the children discovered during our Christmas camps

The Christmas camps gave the children the opportunity to enjoy lots of winter experiences, rich in excitement and learning!

Snow banks: How does it work here?

Recently, several articles have shared information about snow hills in schoolyards in Quebec. In some situations, very specific rules have been put in place: maximum height of the hill, controlled slope, defined areas, frequent inspections, and sometimes even the wearing of helmets if these conditions are not met.

These measures are primarily intended to meet prevention and insurance requirements. However, they have sparked a lot of reaction because they raise an important question:

How far should we go in regulating play to make it safe without taking away its meaning and benefits?

And at Carrefour francophone?

In our early childhood centres, the approach is generally different. Rather than standardizing every element of play, we focus on:

• assessing the benefits and risks;
• knowledge of the site;
• active observation of children;
• support from attentive and engaged adults.

In the context of CPE programming in nature, the goal is not to eliminate all risk, but to:

• recognize that play always involves a degree of uncertainty;
• support children in developing their judgment;
• adapt practices to actual conditions (snow, ice, visibility, number of children).

In our context, it is also important to specify how snow mounds are used with children.

Contrary to what one might imagine, children do not slide down snow mounds using sleds. They simply slide down on their bottoms.

This distinction is essential. With a sled, the slope could become too steep, the speed would inevitably be much higher, and the risks would increase considerably. By sliding on their bottoms, children maintain direct contact with the ground, travel at a slower speed, and are better able to stop on their own.

This approach allows children to enjoy sliding while limiting the risks and giving them the opportunity to adjust, control, and listen to their own bodies.

A question of educational approach?

Many adults remember playing on snowbanks during their childhood. These memories invite us to reflect on our relationship to risk today.

In the spirit of nature-based early childhood education, snowbanks are not seen as a danger in themselves, but as a learning opportunity when used with:

• clear boundaries;
• continuous observation;
• and dialogue with children about what they feel and perceive.

To conclude

Winter requires us to adapt, to slow down sometimes, but also to dare to explore in new ways. When well prepared and well supported, we see that children develop a positive relationship with the cold, the snow, and the challenges they encounter outdoors.

We wish you wonderful winter moments filled with discoveries, laughter, and shared memories, but always taking outdoor conditions into account!

We look forward to seeing you again in the next newsletter.

Mathieu Lambert
Daycare Forest Project Coordinator – outdoor pedagogical leader, Carrefour francophone

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Le Carrefour francophone souhaite offrir ses remerciements

Nos partenaires de projet : PLAYLearnThink, Collège Boréal, Centre éducatif des Premières Nations, Métis et Inuit et la Pavillon Shkode (Cœur du feu);
nos partenaires de recherche : Centre d’innovation sociale pour l’enfant et la famille et notre bailleur de fonds : Emploi et Développement social Canada.