Outside Time - Morning, Afternoon or Both?

[Cat Herder]

I have a bunch of slow eaters so we are going outside for longer in the morning and staying in during the afternoon. Not enough time between snack and pickup

IME, PM Snack on the playground (when possible) creates less mess and has fewer "slow eaters". It also helps with cooperation and time management during clean-up for going home (I change everyone into fresh clothes) because no center toys come out after nap. I offer manipulatives on rugs, in small groups, during that transition. Makes closing cleanup take less than 15 minutes since the majority is already done during nap.

[hwichlaz]

10 am for an hour before I start lunch.

430 pm until pick up

[sahm1225]

We go outside whenever we can. Weather permitting.
It depends on the weather but any time we can be outside, we are.

This. Less mess inside to pick up and they’re happy and tired when picked up! I’m in Chicago so it will be soon cold enough for only small outside breaks but we go in the yard every chance we get

[Ariana]

IME, PM Snack on the playground (when possible) creates less mess and has fewer "slow eaters". It also helps with cooperation and time management during clean-up for going home (I change everyone into fresh clothes) because no center toys come out after nap. I offer manipulatives on rugs, in small groups, during that transition. Makes closing cleanup take less than 15 minutes since the majority is already done during nap.

I did this over the summer for sure but it is freezing here right now so no go! Big bulky coats, hats, mits, splash pants and then food? Nope :: we are done nap at 3pm and my first child gets picked up now at 3:45pm and everyone is gone by 4:30pm so even if it was warm it wouldn’t be worth the hassle after diapering and snack. We do play doh or colouring until pickup. Thanks though!

[LK5kids]

10:00-11:20 spring, summer, fall and 3:30-4:30/5:00 spring, summer, fall.

I don't do snowsuits, UGH!

We go out in the winter and play on the sidewalk or walk to the park two houses down. There is a covered picnic area and a large blacktopped area that they play on until the snow Doesn't melt on it.

Kids wear hats, boots, mittens. They are fine. We are outside 15 to 45 min. Morning and afternoon.