“Bad” (Hard?) weather really does exist
This post originally appeared in Dr. Rachel A. Larimore’s weekly Samara newsletter on October 18 & November 1, 2022. If you’re interested in receiving these emails, scroll to the bottom of this page to subscribe.
Part I: Bad weather really does exist (Oct 18, 2022)
One afternoon last week I was looking out the kitchen window admiring the vibrant colors of the changing leaves as a cold October rain fell. Suddenly the rain shifted to sleet. As I watched the sleet bounce off the ground I thought, “Oh, there IS bad weather. Today would be a miserable day to be outside playing!”
Now, I know many people reading this may say, “But, Rachel, there’s no such thing as bad weather. Just bad clothing.” Meh. I disagree.
Even in full rain gear with warm layers, rain and sleet bouncing off my body in 45F/7C temperatures does NOT sound pleasant to me. Some might say “Oh, but you’ll survive.” Well, yes, of course. If dressed appropriately you won’t be physically injured, but it still isn’t much fun.
For me the key isn’t to claim there’s “no such thing as bad weather” but to re-evaluate what counts as bad weather and how we talk about it.
Typically, the “no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing” phrase is used when programs are just starting to go outside in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Typically it's commentary on how a little rain isn’t “bad” weather but just requires raingear. I totally agree with that sentiment. And then…
At some point, once a program is outside every day—and perhaps all day—there starts to be more nuance in the weather. Some days it’s just plain nice to play under a tarp, porch, or other shelter instead of in the cold, pouring rain for the third day in a row. It’s also nice to go inside, take the wet clothes off, and have a warm cup of tea. (This is one of the reasons why I still recommend a shelter for programs spending 70%+ of their day outside.)
In addition to re-defining what counts as bad weather it’s also important to think about how we talk about “bad” weather. Even in less-than-ideal weather conditions we can…
→ Express gratitude for the clothing that’s keeping us warm and dry (“Oh, I’m so glad I have these wool socks and boots on because my toes are nice and warm.” or "Thank goodness we have rainsuits to keep us dry today.")
→ Share our thanks for shelter (“I’m so grateful for this porch so I can read while I listen to the rain fall.” or "It would be hard to stay dry right now if we didn't have this tarp.")
→ Observe the weather (“Wow! Look at how that sleet bounces.” or “Look! It’s raining so hard there’s a little stream forming between the sand box and the mud kitchen.”)
→ Build relationships by reflecting on our shared experience (“Phew! I’m glad we made it under the porch—that sleet hurt my head.” or “Remember when ice chunks came out of the sky and bounced off our bodies as we ran for cover. That was so wild!”)
Keep in mind we’re trying to create positive outdoor experiences—not filming the next outdoor survival show! Personally, I was very grateful last week to be inside pouring another cup of tea. 😊
Part II: Bad weather really does exist (Nov 1, 2022)
I overthink things. As with any personality trait this can be both good and bad.
At times my overthinking creates unnecessary stress in my life. However, overthinking, analyzing, and looking at a problem or idea from multiple angles can also lead to new ideas and perspectives.
I really enjoy overthinking when other people join me. A prime example? My recent email about the idea that “bad” weather does exist.
Many of you responded with things like “Yes, it’s a nuanced idea! It’s not as simple as good/bad” and “Oh! You put to words an idea I’ve been wrestling with.” Our colleague Caylin Gans, owner of Forest Schooled, responded with an email and mentioned she’s been using the term “hard” instead of “bad” weather. Yes! This was exactly the language I needed!
It was the brief email interaction that shifted my thinking in a new and meaningful way (and I guarantee I’ll be quoting Caylin in the future.) To me this moment highlights the importance of social interaction in making sense of the world around us and is why I call myself a social constructivist.
Not only did Caylin email, but then she wrote up her own thoughts on her Forest Schooled blog. She nuanced the conversation about weather even further thinking about weather from an equity and inclusion lens. I encourage you to check out her thoughts here!
“Disrupt the phrase ‘no such thing as bad weather’ in a thoughtful and nuanced way.”
I suppose this message is two-fold. My hope is to encourage you to:
Check out Caylin’s blog and continue to disrupt the phrase “no such thing as bad weather” in a thoughtful and nuanced way.
Continue to “overthink” aspects of nature-based early childhood education with your colleagues. The more dialogue we have the more we grow individually, but also as a profession.
Finally, I love the responses I receive to my weekly emails. I crave the dialogue and time to overthink in a healthy way so please don't hesitate to reply.
Keep changing lives,
Rachel
Rachel A. Larimore, Ph.D., Chief Visionary of Samara Learning
About Rachel
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, speaker, consultant, author, and former nature-based preschool director. As the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning her work focuses on helping early childhood educators start nature-based schools or add nature-based approaches into their existing program. Learn more about Rachel here.
