The Importance of Wet Weather Play – Embracing the Elements at Small Sprouts
At Small Sprouts, we believe that rainy days are just as valuable for learning as sunny ones! Rather than keeping tamariki indoors, we embrace wet weather play as a time for exploration, creativity, and connection with nature.
New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, Te Whariki, encourages learning that is holistic, play-based, and connected to te taiao (the environment). Rainy days provide rich sensory experiences and opportunities for tamariki to develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and a deep respect for the natural world.
Let’s dive into the benefits of wet weather play and how it aligns with our values, philosophy, and Te Whariki curriculum.
Why is Wet Weather Play is Important for Tamariki?
🌱 1. Connecting with Te Taiao (The Natural World)
At Small Sprouts, we foster a love for the environment by encouraging children to experience nature in all seasons. Wet weather play allows tamariki to:
Observe how rain nourishes plants and creates puddles.
Discover the sounds, smells, and textures of nature after rainfall.
Learn about cause and effect (e.g., “What happens when I jump in a puddle?”).
🔎 Te Whariki Link: The strand of Exploration | Mana Aoturoa supports children in making sense of the natural world through active exploration.
💡 Example at Small Sprouts: Our tamariki love collecting rainwater, watching worms come out after the rain, and splashing in puddles—all activities that deepen their appreciation for the world around them.
💪 2. Building Resilience & Confidence
Playing in the rain teaches tamariki that not everything in life is neat and predictable—and that’s okay!
Encourages adaptability when faced with different weather conditions.
Develops gross motor skills through running, jumping, and balancing on wet surfaces.
Builds confidence as children challenge themselves in new environments.
🔎 Te Whariki Link: The strand of Well-being | Mana Atua encourages children to build physical confidence and resilience through active play.
💡 Example at Small Sprouts: We encourage children to put on their raincoats and gumboots, step outside, and embrace the rain. They quickly learn that getting a little wet is part of the adventure!
🎨 3. Sparking Creativity & Imagination
Wet weather play is full of open-ended learning opportunities, where the natural world becomes a canvas for creativity.
Puddle play turns into science experiments—tamariki discover what floats and sinks.
Rain on leaves and mud inspires nature painting and sensory play.
Pretend play comes alive—are they explorers, scientists, or builders?
🔎 Te Whariki Link: The strand of Communication | Mana Reo supports tamariki in expressing ideas through play, movement, and exploration.
💡 Example at Small Sprouts: We set up mud kitchens, stick boats for puddles, and leaf races, encouraging tamariki to turn the wet weather into a world of discovery.
🤝 4. Strengthening Social Skills & Teamwork
Outdoor play in all weather encourages tamariki to cooperate, negotiate, and problem-solve together.
Working together to build shelters, dig canals, or collect rainwater.
Learning to take turns and share resources in muddy play areas.
Helping each other balance, climb, and navigate slippery ground.
🔎 Te Whariki Link: The strand of Belonging | Mana Whenua supports tamariki in developing relationships and a sense of community.
💡 Example at Small Sprouts: We see tamariki working together to build “rain cafes” in the mud kitchen, taking on roles and serving up creative concoctions made from mud, leaves, and rainwater!
Wet Weather Play & Our Philosophy at Small Sprouts
At Small Sprouts, our play-based philosophy values:
Curiosity & Exploration – Rainy days provide a different lens through which tamariki can discover their world.
Risk & Resilience – Wet weather helps children develop confidence and adaptability.
Connection to Nature – We nurture a love for the outdoors by encouraging tamariki to engage with their environment, rain or shine.
By embracing outdoor play in all conditions, we ensure that tamariki develop a strong sense of self, confidence in their abilities, and a deep connection with nature.
Practical Tips for Wet Weather Play
For tamariki to fully enjoy and engage in wet weather play, being prepared is key! Here’s how we ensure they stay warm, safe, and comfortable:
Rain Gear Ready – We recommend waterproof jackets, gumboots, and warm layers so tamariki can explore freely.
Towel & Spare Clothes – A quick change into dry clothes after outdoor play keeps tamariki comfortable.
A Positive Mindset! – We model excitement and curiosity about the rain, encouraging tamariki to embrace the adventure rather than shy away from it.
💡 Tip for Parents: Pack extra socks and a warm hat to keep little explorers comfortable after their outdoor play!
Final Thoughts: Let’s Celebrate the Rain!
Wet weather play is an essential part of early learning, fostering resilience, curiosity, and a lifelong love for nature. At Small Sprouts, we embrace all weather conditions because we know that every puddle, raindrop, and muddy adventure is an opportunity for learning and growth.