The first rainy day
This post originally appeared in Dr. Rachel A. Larimore’s weekly Samara newsletter on September 21, 2021. If you’re interested in receiving these emails, scroll to the bottom of this page to subscribe.
Last Monday was a rainy day here in Michigan. As I was working at my desk with a warm cup of tea it clicked that it was also the first day of school for many preschoolers in my town. I was immediately struck with just how important it is to communicate with families in advance that yes, we'll be going outside even when it’s raining.
As a nature-based preschool director I was always shocked by the number of families who would ask on the first rainy day, “Are you really going outside today?” Ack! Yes! It seems no matter how much you say it, some still don’t really believe it.
We can help reduce stress on the first rainy day (including when the rain coincides with the first day of school) with clear communication up front. A few strategies to consider…
→ Include rainy & muddy photos in marketing materials (on the website, social media, printed registration booklets)
→ Have photos of children outside in rain & snow posted during marketing Open Houses
→ In the Family Handbook remind families you'll be outside every day unless the weather is dangerous
→ Include very specific clothing lists in the Family Handbook (This can even include specifying brands, where to purchase, and coupon codes to incentivize getting the preferred gear. Also mention what is NOT welcome such as umbrellas.)
→ Mention the weather during Family Orientations (we’ll be out, what to wear, etc.)
→ Send an email &/or text the night before the first rainy day with a forecast update & suggested clothing
→ Include the 10-day forecast in your weekly newsletter home to families
Hopefully these strategies will help to reduce the surprise for families on the first rainy day. Yet, even with these strategies in place, there will inevitably be someone not prepared for the weather, which is why it’s also important to…
→ Ensure the extra gear library is ready to go from Day 1 (Donations, purchases from thrift shops, & mini-grants are all strategies for building up your gear library)
In the end, remember these efforts are worth it. After all, there is joy in playing in the rain when we're dressed for the occasion!
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.
