Outdoors
A classroom that is outside, with a room inside
A morning outside
From 8:30 to 12:30, children are outside for most of the morning: stumps for the circle, a sandbox, a garden of desert plants and a table in the shade. Inside there is a closed, cool room, our base, for when the weather asks for it.
Fixed shade over the play and snack areas
A closed room as a base
Desert plants to look at, not touch
The weather rules
Each morning we decide by the forecast. These are our rules.
Heat
We check the forecast each morning. With an extreme heat warning, the morning is indoors. Families know before they leave home.
Rain
With light rain and no storm, we go out in boots and jackets. With lightning, we stay inside.
Wind and dust
If there is strong wind or dust in the air, the morning is indoors.
Cold mornings
Winter mornings are cold: children go out in a jacket and hat, and snack is something warm.
What to dress your child in
Comfortable clothes that can get dirty, and always a change of clothes in the backpack.
Fall and spring
Layers that go on and off, a wide-brimmed hat, closed shoes and a labeled water bottle.
Summer
Light long-sleeved clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, closed shoes and a water bottle.
Winter
A jacket, hat and gloves in the backpack, and spare socks.
All year
A change of clothes, and sunscreen put on at home.
Come and see the yard
The tour is in the morning, when the classroom is working.