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Learning in the Wild: Why We Embrace Outdoor Play in All Weather
- Gabby
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
At Te Ōki Early Learning, we believe nature is one of the best teachers. In the words of Magda Gerber, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” And we couldn’t agree more.
No matter the season, you’ll find our tamariki exploring outdoors—rugged up in winter gear or sun-smart in summer. Our philosophy is simple: the benefits of outdoor play are too powerful to be limited by the weather.
Why All-Weather Play Matters
Children don’t just tolerate outdoor conditions—they thrive in them when they’re dressed appropriately and supported to explore. Being outside in all seasons helps children:
Develop curiosity – Nature is constantly changing. Tamariki discover ice on a frosty morning, muddy puddles after the rain, and the way rain feels on their skin. They ask questions, test ideas, and build their understanding of the world.
Grow resilience – Adapting to changing weather teaches persistence and flexibility. Wet grass, cool wind, bright sunshine—each is a new challenge that supports problem-solving and self-awareness.
Feel joy and balance – The sun lifts our mood. Fresh air calms our senses. Outdoor play has a powerful effect on emotional wellbeing—and it supports better sleep too, especially for infants and toddlers.
🧠 Research tells us that outdoor experiences help regulate the body’s natural circadian rhythm, improving sleep patterns in young children (Coyle, 2011), and time outside supports emotional regulation, attention span, and general wellbeing (Söderström et al., 2013).
Real-World Learning in Nature
Our outdoor environment is filled with hands-on experiences that spark wonder and nurture working theories (Te Whāriki). Tamariki learn:
Why ice melts as the sun rises ☀️
That soil and sand changes texture with rain
How to care for our animals and grow kai in the garden
The importance of sustainable practices and community connections through our Little Explorers initiative, van trips, and local excursions.
Wairua and Connection
In te ao Māori, the natural world is deeply connected to our wellbeing. Spending time outdoors nourishes wairua—the spiritual aspect of a child’s wellbeing and their connection to people, places, and the wider world.
At Te Ōki, this shows up in the calm focus tamariki display as they tip and pour with water, in the joyful yells on a windy day, and in the stillness of a child watching birds fly overhead. These are learning moments. These are wellbeing moments.
What the Research and Curriculum Say
Outdoor play supports learning across every domain. Te Whāriki recognises that:
Research also supports this:
Better sleep and brain development – Outdoor light and movement improve infant and toddler sleep and mood (Coyle, 2011).
Social-emotional learning – Natural play supports co-operation, negotiation, and empathy (Söderström et al., 2013).
Physical confidence – Climbing, running, and balancing builds gross motor skills and coordination.
Language and working theories – Real-world discoveries provide rich language and thinking opportunities.
What We Ask From You
Please send your child each day with the gear they need to be comfortable outside—whatever the weather. A raincoat, gumboots, and a change of clothes make a world of difference! We’ll provide the rest: the warm beanie, the extra gumboots, and the supportive kaiako ready to guide learning.
If you ever have questions about what your child needs or how we support outdoor play, we’re happy to kōrero.
At Te Ōki, we don’t shy away from a little mud or drizzle. We embrace it—because we know that when tamariki are outside, they’re not just playing… they’re learning how the world works, how their bodies move, how to adapt, persevere, and thrive.
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