Getting Dressed For Winter Play, Help!

[e.j.]

yikes?
what do you guys do when they have to go potty?

I change the diaper and then start the process all over again because usually, while I'm changing that one kid's diaper, the other kids are stripping off all of their winter gear. I dread the coming winter and snow and am already looking forward to next spring!

[BumbleBee]

I have a collection of snowpants, mittens and gloves that I picked up from a thrift store. This week, before the snow hits, I've put all of those items in the house area. For whatever reason the kids LOVE putting the stuff on for dress up play and it gives them practice at the same time!

I also love BC's method. Something I've done in the past with all youngers (16 kids ages 14 months-2 in my class with 3 'helpers') was get everybody into snowpants and mittens/gloves and hats in the playroom then boots and coats right before we went outside. That way nobody got too hot waiting for everybody else. Though I'm going to try BC's method this year since 3 of my 6 can dress themselves (when they want to)

[SignMeUp]

I have a collection of snowpants, mittens and gloves that I picked up from a thrift store. This week, before the snow hits, I've put all of those items in the house area. For whatever reason the kids LOVE putting the stuff on for dress up play and it gives them practice at the same time!

I also love BC's method. Something I've done in the past with all youngers (16 kids ages 14 months-2 in my class with 3 'helpers') was get everybody into snowpants and mittens/gloves and hats in the playroom then boots and coats right before we went outside. That way nobody got too hot waiting for everybody else. Though I'm going to try BC's method this year since 3 of my 6 can dress themselves (when they want to)

This reminds me of a few years ago. I can't quite remember why, but it worked for that group. As kids got up from nap, they pottied or got changed, then put their snowpants right on, before snack. They ate snack, then put on jackets and gaiters and hats. Then out to the porch for boots & mittens.
Maybe ALL of my kids had snowpants that year, as opposed to some in snowsuits.

[daycarediva]

.....wait!! Are implying that I was once sane?!? ::

I knew I was missing something

I should print that out and put it in the daycare room.

Our routine is similar to BlackCat's - we kind of get dressed layer by layer. For me, that eliminates the toddler who I've gotten fully dressed, who then fully undresses by the time I have the next toddler dressed.
And don't forget "The Daycare Flip" when having children dress themselves!
Stand by the neck (I used to say hood, but some jackets don't have hoods)
Put your two arms straight in (into the sleeves, yes, with the coat upside down)
Then FLIP! (bring the jacket up and over your head, keeping your arms sliding into the sleeves)

Probably everyone uses it, but just in case ... ::

We call it the flip trick, and I teach it to everyone as soon as possible with zip up sweatshirts.

I have a similar routine to BC, but I have the youngest potty/diaper and then I start that one, the rest go from youngest-oldest going potty and then they start getting themselves ready a piece at a time. The oldest helps the youngers and we are all out the door in under 15 minutes. It's a nerve wracking time as the youngest WILL start stripping layers, but I just readjust her as soon as I am ready.

My 6 kids are all 2-4, but only 2 can do everything but zippers themselves.

We sing songs, count mittens, hats, boots, chat about the weather, whatever it takes to stay entertained for that time.