We go outside daily all year long unless it is colder than -10 in winter or there is a heat/smog advisory in affect that is dictating do not go outside at all for our area ... if I had my way my entire program would be outside whenever possible!

I also look at the 'dressing and undressing' that it entails as part of the self help learning program so do not mind the time it takes this time of year cause they are 'learning' while doing it and the gross motor skills of dressing are important ... it is an investment in giving the children time to master getting dressed and undressed themselves, fine motor skills, independence and confidence etc.

By 18 months most of my crew is able to get dressed almost independently with just needing help with zippers and tucking stuff in or over this time of year. I also help the children in stages so that no one is sitting dressed for long periods of time ... so everyone gets help with the snow pants on together, everyone gets coats on together, boots on together and finishing touches are last etc so that they are all basically dressed at the 'same time' or within minute of each other so no one is sitting fully dressed while others are 'undressed' so to speak ... the older quick to dress independently children are encouraged to help the younger ones with me to keep us all on track ... so it is a team exercise!

I being outside though which I think makes a huge difference to being motivate to see the benefit for myself and the children to make the effort winter dressing requires.