NOAA Wind Chill Chart: Based on the wind chill, how long can I stay outside before risk of frostbite on exposed skin?

Hypothermia & Frostbite: Warning Signs & Prevention (CDC)

• Always make sure students pull up their sleeves when washing hands, or wet sleeves against skin = frostbite!

• Bread bags can protect feet if boots get wet - Make sure to change into dry socks as soon as their old socks get wet. Then put the bread bags over the dry socks/feet to keep them dry while wearing the boot.

• Old socks can serve as an extra barrier to protect the skin between the coat and the mitten if snow is going up the coat sleeve. (See example)

Ice Safety: There is no such thing as 100% safe ice. Learn about ice thickness and survival strategies in the event of breaking through ice.

• Shelter with Fire for warmth: Whelen Lean-to style. Purchase a whelen lean-to tent or construct with tarp (see picture on left)

  • NOTE about fires: Make sure you have a safety plan & connect with someone experienced in using a fire with children before attempting to do this on your own!

• Other shelter ideas: Picnic shelters with temporary walls, Carports, greenhouses, yurts

• Seating: Straw bales, stumps, sit-upons (great for extra barrier between students and snow), Tarp with picnic blanket on top, 5 gallon buckets with lid. This material is great for sitting on (and can also be used for portable fort walls and sledding too!)

• Transporting Materials: Heavy-duty wagons work great (here one that is loved by teachers in Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools) until there is deep snow. Switch to using sleds (ice fishing sleds work great & have deeper sides).

Writing Outdoors

• Wear mittens AND a glove (keep glove on when writing) - Older students can do this too!

• Rite in the Rain paper works great in all types of weather

• Keep pens warm (ie put in an inside pocket of your coat) when not using them. Felt tip pens work great in the cold.

• Have reusuable hand warmers to use during and after writing process

Be flexible!

• Know your learning goals/objectives. Be ready to use the materials and opportunities that nature provides.

• Adjust your plans/focus based on the weather.

Why Teach Outside in Winter (Project Learning Tree Article)

Yes, Your Kids Can Play Outside All Winter (New York Times Article)

So You Want to Eat Snow, Is it safe? We Asked Scientists (NPR Article)

How To Retain Your Heat And Stay Upbeat While Socializing In Winter (NPR Article)

Is it safe to play outdoors in winter? (California Childcare Health Program)

Why Being Outdoors in Winter is So Very Good for Kids (Tinkergarten Blog Post)