‘Nature Kindergarten’ Brings Learning Outdoors in Edmonton Area

What if there was a way that learning could be taken outdoors? Can you imagine the impact that getting outdoors, exploring and learning would have on children? As a family that doesn’t do preschool, this aligns with our thoughts of what ‘true learning’ can be. Through this Parkland County program, children will spend 80% of their time outdoors.

Nature Kindergarten Pilot Program

This early years enrichment opportunity will allow children to spend the vast majority of their day outside engaged in meaningful ways with their body, mind and spirit while located in a natural setting. These students will continue with their current kindergarten Parkland School Division programming within their respective community schools. Working as a group of explorers, nature-based kindergarten children will be given additional outdoor opportunities by Parkland School Division to be self-directed through their own curiosity and play.

Using multiple natural learning environments, children will develop confidence in their own abilities to investigate and to collaborate outdoors and within their natural environment. Children will be physically active and engaged in movement skills that will facilitate their balance, stamina and strength. 

Enrollment in Nature Kindergarten comes steep, at the price of $350/month, in contrast to regular in-class kindergarten programs that come at a price of around $100/year in school fees.

There has never been a better fit for our children, who love getting outdoors and have energy to burn at the end of the day. With so much to learn in nature, I would love to see versions of this program to come to other areas of Edmonton and area.

Learn more about the initiative, here