Weather rules
What the weather decides
An adult checks the sky and the forecast before the children arrive. A teacher can always bring the group in.
Rain and mud
We go out in rain jackets and boots, and puddles are part of the morning. If a child is cold or wet through, we go back to the schoolhouse to change and warm up.
Rain gear and boots on every child
Dry clothes at the schoolhouse
Thunder and lightning
At the first thunder we walk to the schoolhouse and stay there until the storm has passed. Chores wait.
Everyone inside together
Story circle until it clears
Cold and hard freeze
We go out in warm layers, and on a hard freeze we spend most of the morning in the schoolhouse. Chores happen in short turns.
Water buckets checked for ice
Warm drinks after a cold turn outside
Heat and sun
On hot days we do chores first, find shade and keep water close. Children wear hats, and families put on sunscreen at home.
Shade breaks and a water bottle
A hat for every child
Wind and falling branches
On windy days we stay away from the woods edge and the big trees, and choose the garden or the schoolhouse.
A walk around the site before school
The woods edge waits for a calm day
Smoke and poor air
When the air is poor, we keep outdoor time short and spend more of the morning in the schoolhouse.
Short turns outside
Make day moves to the schoolhouse
What to wear
What to wear by season
Closed-toe boots or sturdy shoes all year. Everything should be able to get muddy, and a spare set stays at the schoolhouse.
Fall
Long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a warm layer for early mornings that can come off by midday.
Boots or sturdy shoes
A light hat
Winter
A warm base layer, wool socks, insulated boots, waterproof mittens and a warm hat. Layers keep children comfortable better than one big coat.
Waterproof mittens
A warm hat and a neck warmer
Spring
A rain jacket, rain pants and boots, plus a layer to peel off when the sun comes out. Clothes that can get very muddy.
Rain jacket and boots
A change of socks
Late summer
Light long sleeves and pants for the barn, a sun hat and closed-toe shoes. Please apply sunscreen at home.
A sun hat
A water bottle with a name on it
On the farm
Questions about the animals and the barn
Which animals will my child meet?
Children care for the hens and the goats, and they see the barn cats and visiting farm animals from the gate. We tell families about any change in the barn.
Do children handle the animals?
Only with an adult beside them. We teach a calm walk, a quiet voice and a closed gate, and every chore ends with soap and warm water.
What if my child is afraid of the animals?
That is common, and no child is asked to touch an animal. Some children start by watching from the gate or filling the water bucket, and move closer when they are ready.
Where is the toilet?
A child-height toilet and sink are in the schoolhouse, and an adult walks with any child who needs to go.
Come and see the weather rules at work
Tours run on school mornings in any season. Dress for the weather.