🍂Nature Play and Forest School Essentials🍂

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🍂 What to Bring for Nature Play & Forest School🍂 

*Fall Edition*

Ready for a Forest Adventure!

Getting little ones dressed and ready for a full day outdoors can sometimes be an adventure all on its own! 😊

We understand that children may need some time to adjust to new layers, boots, mittens, and seasonal gear—especially when the weather begins to change.

Please feel free to talk with us about how your child is feeling or about any accommodations that may help them feel comfortable and confident at Forest School.

Our goal is for every child to be warm, dry, comfortable, and ready to explore!

🎒 Pack These Every Day

Please send your child with:

☐ Small, well-fitting backpack

☐ Water bottle

☐ Pocket snack
A small peanut-free snack, such as a granola bar

☐ Hat

☐ Soft mittens

☐ Two layers of clothing

☐ Weather-appropriate jacket

☐ Thick socks

☐ Waterproof boots

☐ Waterproof splash pants

☐ Waterproof splash suit
For rainy, wet, or colder days

☐ Hand and/or foot warmers
For extra-cold days, when needed

🧺 Please Keep These in Your Child’s Cubby

A few extras can make a BIG difference after a muddy puddle, creek adventure, or unexpected change in weather!

☐ Extra shoes

☐ Extra socks

☐ Extra pants

☐ Extra long-sleeved shirt

☐ Extra underwear

☐ Extra jacket, if possible

☐ Extra hat

☐ Extra mittens

☐ 4 plastic or wet bags for muddy or wet clothing

💛 A Little Reminder

Please check your child’s cubbie regularly to make sure clothing still fits, is appropriate for the season, and that any items that have gone home are replaced.

💦 Waterproof = Happy Explorers!

During the fall and spring, children need waterproof gear when exploring shallow bodies of water, including our creek.

Look for properly waterproof outerwear with sealed or heat-taped seams. This helps keep water from soaking through to the layers underneath.

Some nylon clothing may be quick-drying, but nylon alone is not necessarily waterproof and may not keep your child dry during wet Forest School adventures.

🧦 Dress in Layers

The right layers help children stay comfortable as they run, climb, explore, and play.

Whenever possible, choose:

⭐ Wool
⭐ Synthetic materials
⭐ Silk

These materials tend to breathe well, dry quickly, and help keep children warm.

🌧️ What About Cotton?

Cotton is not recommended for cool or wet outdoor adventures whenever another option is available.

Once cotton becomes wet, it dries slowly and can make children feel cold.

🏷️ Label, Label, Label!

Please clearly label ALL Forest School clothing and gear with your child’s name.

Boots, mittens, hats, splash pants, water bottles, backpacks—if it comes to Forest School, please label it!

Terra Viva Forest School is not responsible for lost or missing gear. Found items will be placed in our Lost and Found, which will be cleared seasonally. Unclaimed items will be donated whenever possible.

🌦️ Be Ready for the Weather



Forest School happens in changing weather, and sometimes that means mud, puddles, rain, chilly mornings, and wonderfully messy adventures!

Having the right clothing allows children to participate comfortably and safely.

⚠️ Please Remember

Children must have the required clothing and equipment to safely participate in Forest School activities.

If an essential item is missing, we may contact a parent/guardian and ask that the item be brought to school. Your child may need to wait before joining an activity until the appropriate gear is available.

🌿 Ready, Set, Explore!

When children are warm, dry, comfortable, and prepared, they can focus on what Forest School is all about:

Exploring • Playing • Discovering • Learning • Connecting with Nature

Thank you for helping us make every Forest School day a happy and comfortable outdoor adventure! 🍁🌲🐿️

Terra Viva Montessori & Forest School

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