Our Programs
Nature-based learning for children JK - Grade 8, September through June
A Day in the Forest
Like the rings of a tree, each day grows steadily from the centre outward — one gentle layer at a time.
- 9:00a.m.
Gather Around for Morning Circle at the Fire
This time can be utilized for unstructured conversation; a time to connect with one another, outline our goals for the day, sing songs, read books & poetry — sweet, simple, and meaningful mornings.
- 9:30a.m.
School Chores & Free Play
Watering plants, helping set up, gathering supplies, etc.
- 10:00a.m.
Flex-Time
This time will rotate between or combine nature walks, science experiments, artistic creation, project-based work, etc.
- 12:00p.m.
Lunch
Students eat lunch at their pace & have free play for the remainder of time.
- 1:00p.m.
Specific Lesson & Time to Practice
We collect together again with a story, then this time is used for a specific lesson or for time to practice the specific learned skill set in mathematics, literacy, survival skills, etc.
- 2:00p.m.
Physical Education & Co-operative Games
This can include sports, problem-solving games and challenges, dance, drama, etc.
- 3:00p.m.
Clean Up & Pack Up
Students use this time to help tidy up from the day, pack their bags, and come together to consolidate our day and connect until pick up.
- 3:30p.m.
Pick Up
Even though we have a general outline to follow, we allow flexibility and change in direction in the learning process. If students are fully engaged in an activity or project, their focus is encouraged rather than stopped because the allocated “time slot” is up. If a discovery in nature is made, and becomes the area of interest, we find ways to use that interest to build onto their academic knowledge.
Our Programs
Every day at Nature Nurtures Tay follows a gentle rhythm that balances structured learning with open-ended exploration. Children spend their days outdoors — rain, snow, or shine — immersed in the natural world.
Rooted
Full-TimeKindergarten-Primary
In order to run the full-time program we would need a minimum of 5 school aged kids, ages 6+. This program would be geared towards kindergarten and primary range children, ages 6-9, with the possibility of then including 3 JK-SK students.
A Day in the Life
Rooted allows children to connect deeply to nature daily through play, gardening, project-based learning, or one of the many other unique learning opportunities experienced at Nature Nurtures Academy. Students in this program will develop mathematic and literacy skills daily, meeting each student at their ability level. All core subjects and more are interwoven and while learning is often student lead there are relevant and necessary moments when lessons are teacher directed.
Students will create a small portfolio to showcase and document their learning throughout the year. Protecting a child's self-confidence and natural desire to learn is why we focus on providing feedback over letter or number grades. We also strongly encourage families and students to participate in quarterly conferences for tracking individual learning and goal setting. Learning is more meaningful when there is purpose and collective investment in the process.
Maples
Part-TimePreK-Kindergarten
A Day in the Life
Maples allows children to learn through play-based methods. Students will have daily exposure to building basic literacy and mathematical skills, developing a strong foundation of phonetic awareness. Most importantly, nature is the teacher.
Cedars
Part-TimePrimary
A Day in the Life
Cedars allows primary aged students to exchange the classroom for the outdoors for a day. This program will enhance and build on existing academic skill sets while providing them with hands on, real life experiences. Play meets practical and wilderness education.
Oaks
Part-TimeFamily Connection
A Day in the Life
Oaks is the perfect program for families looking to be more involved in their child/ren's education. It provides families a day to spend learning together, connecting through nature, and a chance to see how understanding complex concepts unfolds naturally and children thrive organically when they are given the freedom to feel empowered.
Evergreens
Part-TimeCurrently Under RevisionJunior-Intermediate
A Day in the Life
Evergreens allows junior and intermediate students to exchange the classroom for the outdoors for a day. This program largely focuses on survival skill sets, mapping, gardening, foraging, identification, and more. Empowering students to use problem solving, critical, and creative thinking skills to feel confident and connected in nature.
Hydrangeas
Summer ProgramComing SoonKindergarten-Primary
More information coming soon.
Sage
Co-op StudentsComing SoonWant to do your co-op with us?
Send us a message and we will be more than happy to reach out!
Learning Follows the Seasons
Each season brings its own curriculum, written by nature itself. New questions. New observations. New discoveries.
Autumn
Harvest, migration, leaf studies, forest changes, seed collection, and land stewardship.
Winter
Animal tracking, snow science, shelter building, winter ecology, and fireside storytelling.
Spring
Planting, pond life, bird nesting, mud kitchens, and watching the forest come alive.
Early Summer
Water exploration, insect studies, gardening, outdoor art, and end-of-year celebrations.
Learning Opportunities
Children develop a wide range of academic and life skills that together build a strong foundation for future growth. A day might include any of these:
Our Policies
A summary of a few key policies we are committed to. A full copy will be provided in your registration package.
As a new community-based non-profit, we are actively developing our policies, staffing, and procedures ahead of opening. Details will be confirmed with families before the program begins.