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Back-To-School Clothing for Nature School
As a teacher at a year-round nature school in Minnesota (with my own toddler who also attends!) the changing of the seasons is always on my mind. After our summer season where not much gear beyond sun hats and sunglasses are needed, come September, the cold temperatures set in. And with it, a need to keep warm and dry with proper clothing for nature school!
With our fall session starting just around the corner, purchasing the right clothing for nature school is at the top of my back-to-school list. Luckily, Jan & Jul has just the gear needed for my roll-in-the-mud type sensory seeking child, plus a few things to keep me covered while I teach! I’m always recommending Jan & Jul to parents new to nature school.
First on my back-to-school list is waterproof gear.
We love Jan & Jul’s tried-and-true Cozy-Dry Rain Jackets paired with their new Cozy-Dry Bib Pants. Because they are fleece lined and waterproof, they can be used during all three of our cold seasons. The Bib Pants come with adjustable shoulder straps to last through multiple growth spurts. The wider fit around the hips is great for nature-school, giving kids room to squat, run, and climb! Elastic foot stirrups keep the pants in place while keeping water, mud, and snow out. I feel good knowing they’re made from eco-friendly fabric without any harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional bulky snow pants, their Cozy-Dry Bibs easily roll up to fit inside my child’s backpack for school.
My three-year-old’s go-to boots for nature school are Jan & Jul’s Toasty-Dry Lite Winter Boots.
Not only are they easy for kids to put on themselves, they’re also lightweight with flexible soles. Most other winter boots we’ve tried are clunky and have only frustrated my child while trying to play. These are perfect for active kids who are always on the move. I also love how versatile these boots are; since they are completely waterproof. They make the perfect cozy rain boots for our chilly autumn and spring. The fleece-lining makes them warm enough to be used as snow boots for our freezing winters!
Fleece clothing is next on my back-to-school list!
Perfect to wear on their own or layer under waterproof gear on cold winter days. The breathable fabric of Jan & Jul’s fleece clothing wicks away moisture while retaining insulating properties, plus my little one loves wearing them! The fleece is soft and cozy, and the jacket comes with a hood and pockets. Who doesn’t love a good fleece? We get year-round wear out it, even during the summer for chilly nights around the bonfire.
Now, we can’t forget about nature school clothing for teachers!
I need to stay dry and comfortable while teaching, and Jan & Jul’s Pacific Rain Jacket has done just the trick. I love how adjustable and breathable this jacket is, making it easy (or easier!) to keep up with so many active kiddos. The length keeps me dry. The two-way zipper comes in handy to unzip from the bottom to sit down and join in the play. For some extra twinning cuteness this back-to-school season, you’ll find me and kiddo pairing our waterproof clothing with matching Jasper Hats on sunny days or the Cable Knit Beanies during the winter!
Whether you’re looking for the best clothing for nature school or just want to stay protected from the elements this back-to-school season, I hope this list was helpful. Happy adventuring!
-Kyrsten Bloch,
Nature program leader for children, photographer, and Mama to an active 3-year-old!