Set up & Teach kids to put on snow gear independently
I’ve been teaching my kids independence since they were old enough to begin to learn independence. Having taught in early childhood, I know the teacher cannot possibly help all the kids at the same time. You think getting your kids outside before they sweat their snow clothes back off is hard, do it with a whole class (16+ kids). I vowed if would teach my kids to do as much as they are able to lighten their teachers load.
Early Work
I start by teaching the kids each individual step when it is appropriate. We wear coats daily. We wear boots and coats more often. I walk them through snow pants when they come out.
I have found that if I lay everything out the same way when we do the individually (coat hood by their feet, boots next to each other, velcro undone, apart) they recognize it and can complete it. I then lay the items out in order they should put them on.
The coat flip trick is also KEY to young ones doing it alone!
Order and prep
- Snow pants laid out, open straps to the side so they don’t go between legs
- Coats hood to them so they can flip over their heads
- Boots correct foot correct side, ties/velcro undone, tongue pulled so they can step in.
- Hats and mittens together.
- I’ll help engage zippers and tuck in at the end.
My kids can:
•Nolan (6) can get snow pants on and zipped (he’s my most frequent strap between the legs kid so I check before he gets too far). Flip coat, boots with a lot of limping around, pull an engaged zipper, and his own hat. Mittens are touch and go.
•Stella (4.5) everything completely independently
•Bryce (1.5) legs in snow pants. Needs help pulling over his shoulders. He’ll zip. Coat flip independently, boots he can step in, I strap. Can zip an engaged zipper. Hat and mittens he brings me.
Our Snow Gear
