Outdoor play supports children’s endless amounts of engagement in an environment which tests them both physically and cognitively.

When you add in the celebration of rain, the learning possibilities for play based learning are both fun and limitless!

Playing in puddles is one of life’s simplest and greatest joys – especially in a country challenged by drought.  

Pop on some gumboots and raincoat, have a towel and some dry clothes ready to change into when you’re finished, and head outside.

Here’s a song to invite us outside to celebrate playing in the rain.

It’s raining today
It’s raining today
Hello Rain
Hello Rain
We want to play outside today
We’re glad you came to play
Hello Rain
Hello Rain

Learning in the rain

Playing outdoors is so beneficial for children’s health and wellbeing, playing in the rain, or outside after the rain adds a whole new array of possibilities for learning that challenge and engage children both physically and cognitively.

Learning to dress and undress and feeling the different textures of clothing and boots develops an awareness of physical capabilities. Once those boots are on children learn to test slippery paths before stepping on them and keep their balance in different types of shoes and on different surfaces.

Raindrops and puddles invite investigation and thinking. Testing the movement and flow of water, from drops of rain to puddles and gently flowing streams, children connect with nature and engage in careful observation as they test actions and reactions. Children will notice movement, reflections, or how surfaces change colour when they are wet. Children will make discoveries about how their world changes with the weather and the seasons.