The Children are Listening: What to Say Instead of, “I’m Cold.”

You’re human, too! It’s 15 degrees outside. You might just want to stay in the cozy classroom. It’s so much work to get all of your gear on and let’s be real, you feel a cold coming on. It isn’t even healthy to go outside. Yep, that’s it. We are all staying inside. We will go out next time. Not today. Is anyone else really tired? Let’s just take it easy…

The children are listening….

Instead of:

• “I’m so cold!” you can say, “Who wants to play a game to warm up?”

• “It’s gross outside!” you can say, “Sometimes the rain can feel grounding.”
• “It’s chilly today.” This one is fine- Just make sure your tone is not complain-y.
• “We should go back, it’s so cold!” you can say, “It will feel so good to peel off this winter gear and get really cozy when we get back to the classroom!”
• “My hair is soaking from the rain!” You can say, “I feel so alive!”
• “Ugh, grunt, gah, moan.” (Maybe you need more sleep?) Just get a bit more creative, you can say, “Fichaaaah! Squiyoooh! Pththththt!” (Much more interesting sound effects.)

As a teacher, you are the model and the lens through which kids view many things, including the outdoors. Whatever you say, they will internalize. If you only allow yourself to play and learn outside in lovely weather only, what message is that sending?

What sort of resilience and creativity can we cultivate with all-weather playing and learning? As long as things are safe, feel free to go outside. Say positive and meaningful things. If your tone is that of a curmudgeon, the children will begin to learn that going outside is a chore. If you find adventure, if your curiosity is engaged, if you model being strong, positive, and resilient, your children will follow. Have awareness of the words that come out of your mouth. The children are listening.