Layers are for Parents

Lately I've noticed kids coming to nature school with backpacks stuffed with additional insulating layers. The fact is, during the school day teachers don't have time to take kids' outer layers, mittens, and boots off to put another insulating layer on (especially not pants). Occasionally, if a kid is really cold, we'll take their rain jacket off and put another fleece or puffy jacket underneath, but usually we only add outer layers like neck warmers, hats, and mittens. And believe me, mittens going on and off (and on and off) already take up half of our time on cold days.

Teachers need to be able to assume that students have the appropriate amount of base and insulating layers on when they arrive at school. This needs to be done at home, where it's warm.

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Think about layers this way: the goal is to keep a child's core so warm they don't have to wear bulky mittens. So when in doubt, put another layer on!

- Teacher Kendall