Is it alright to let them get wet?

On our walk to the woods, we cross Fagley Beck which on rainy days, bubbles up through a grate in the ground and flows down the lane. It provides the perfect opportunity for some serious puddle splashing. Elm group were presented with a particularly large puddle on their first walk to the woods and their joy at discovering a watery wonderland is infectious.

Sometimes it can be tricky to know when to step in and bring water play to a close. This time of year, getting wet can quickly turn from being exhilarating to miserable. Our children are kitted out with waterproof suits and wellingtons, but after a good old splash around, there will inevitably be a few soggy socks and trouser legs. We do carry some spare clothing with us, but it isn't practical to  bring changes of clothes for the entire group, so we have to make a judgement call. Do the weather conditions mean it is ok for the children to experience a degree of discomfort after getting wet? The easy option would be to stop the children from getting wet at all. After all, we have a duty of care. However, think of all that fun and learning we would be depriving them of. Also, is it not important for children to learn about the consequences of the decisions they make? I want to play in the water, but if I do, I might get wet. If I get wet, I might get cold and feel uncomfortable. Am I ok with that? How long am I going to be cold for? Will being cold and wet stop me from being able to do other things?

By experiencing a degree of discomfort, children gradually begin to learn where their tolerances lie. Some children will happily slop back to school with wellies over-brimming with water, whilst others will begin to shut down at the mere thought of damp toes.

Guiding them through this journey, as with many things they will experience at Forest School, requires a delicate balance between intervening and letting a situation play out. As our relationship with each child grows and in turn, their relationship with the environment deepens, striking the right balance becomes more intuitive.