Recess Wear
Required Recess Clothing
Below 20 F: Indoor recess
Over 20 F: Outdoor recess for everyone. Listed below are the proper clothes for outdoor recess. For Primary and Extended children, see "Proper Snow Clothes" for suggestions on outdoor wear.
- 20 - 40F :
- Down or heavily lined coat
- Hat
- Gloves
- Snowpants, if sledding, or sitting in snow
- Boots, if snowy or ground is wet
- 40 - 50F :
- Coat
- Boots necessary if conditions are wet (water or snow)
- Outdoor shoes otherwise
- Hat and gloves (optional)
- 50 - 60F :
- (For those who are not involved in an active sport) Coat, polar fleece, sweatshirt, or sweater with one layer
- (For those who are involved in an active sport) Long-sleeved shirt or a T-shirt with a windbreaker or light jacket
- Boots if playing in snow, mud, or water
- Outdoor shoes for playing on paved surfaces, grass, or stone
Proper Snow Clothes for Primary and Extended Day Children
With the cold weather approaching, we take this opportunity to remind you to provide your child with proper snow clothes. We will go outside everyday as long as the wind chill is above 20 F.
Some suggestions for purchase of winter clothing:
- Warm boots that do not have removable liners. Boots should be tall enough so that snow cannot get between the snowpants and boots (to protect ankles and feet from frostbite).
- Coats should be easy to zip, button, or snap so that your child can be independent in the process of putting on and taking off outdoor clothing. Jackets should be long enough to cover below snow-pants hip line.
- Waterproof lined mittens or ski gloves with attached strings or mitten clamps should be attached to the coat. Please do not buy thin knitted gloves. They are difficult to get on, are not warm, and aren't waterproof.
- Hats should cover the forehead and cheeks. Please be sure the coat or hat provides neck coverage.
If your child cannot put it on themselves (snow pants/coats/full snowsuits), don't buy them!
Getting the children outside is very important to us. The children love it, except when their clothes do not provide proper warmth or are frustrating to get on. Getting forty-five Primary and Extended Day dressed and undressed is a challenge! With your help and forethought, your child will enjoy winter recess!
The Elizabeth Ann Clune Montessori School of Ithaca
120 East King Road, Ithaca, New York 14850
Phone: (607) 277-7335, Fax: (607) 277-0251, Email:
