Weather rules
How a weather day works
The day starts with a look at the sky and the forecast. These are the rules we follow, and a teacher can always bring the group in.
Rain and mud
We go out in rain in rain jackets, rain pants and boots, and puddles are part of the morning. If a child is cold or wet through, we go back to the yurt to change and warm up.
Rain gear and boots on every child
A dry set of clothes at the yurt
Warm drinks after a wet walk
Snow and cold
Snow is a favorite. In deep cold we shorten our time outside and take more breaks in the heated yurt, and teachers check hands, feet and faces through the morning.
Layers from the inside out
Warm-up breaks in the yurt
Hands, feet and faces checked often
Thunder, lightning and strong wind
We stay in the yurt, or head back to it, when thunder is near, when lightning is in the area and when the wind is strong enough to bring branches down. We check the forecast before each morning.
We check the forecast before each morning
Lightning or thunder means we go in
Strong wind means we choose another spot, or stay in
Heat, sun and bugs
On hot mornings we find shade, keep water close and slow the pace. Sunscreen goes on at home, and families check for ticks at home each evening.
Shade and water on hot mornings
Hats and long sleeves
A tick check at home each evening
What to wear
What to wear, by season
A checklist for each time of year. Children carry their own water bottle and pack.
- September to November
Fall
Layers that can get wet and muddy, with a change of clothes in a bag that stays at the yurt.
Rain jacket and rain pants
Waterproof boots and wool socks
A warm hat
A spare set of clothes, labeled
- December to March
Winter
Warm layers from the inside out, and dry mittens for the walk back.
Snow pants and a warm coat
Insulated waterproof boots
Two pairs of wool socks
Hat, neck warmer and waterproof mittens
- April and May
Spring
Mud season: boots, rain gear and clothes that can be washed often.
Rain gear and rubber boots
Layers that go on and come off
A sun hat for bright days
Clothes that can get muddy
- June to August
Summer
Long sleeves, a hat and water, with shade close by.
Long sleeves and long pants
A sun hat; sunscreen put on at home
Closed-toe shoes or light boots
A refillable water bottle
Questions
Questions about the weather
What if it rains, snows or storms, and what should my child wear?
We go out in rain and snow in the right layers. For thunder, lightning and strong wind we stay in the yurt, and on a very cold morning we shorten our time outside. Send layers for the season, waterproof boots, a hat and a spare set of clothes; the Outdoors page has a list for each season.
Do children need to be toilet trained?
Children who start at Larch are toilet learning and can ask for help. We don't have a changing area in the yurt. Accidents happen, we handle them calmly, and spare clothes stay at the yurt. Tell us where your child is at the tour.
What if my child has a hard day?
Every child has them. An adult stays close, names what is happening in calm words and offers a quiet spot in the yurt or a walk with a teacher. We tell you at pickup, and we ask what helps at home.
Bring your boots and see for yourself
A tour is a walk with the group on a school morning.