Explore. Discover. Play.

Forest school programs aligned with the Ontario curriculum, nurturing the whole child.

Kindergarten Readiness

Spring 2026

Ages 3 - 5

Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 am- 12 pm ~ 14 weeks starting Tuesday, March 24th

Near Heber Down Conservation Area

1:5 Educator Ratio

durhamnatureschool@gmail.ca

Spaces are limited

About Our Kindergarten Readiness Program

A gentle, fully outdoor, forest school program designed to support children as they prepare for Kindergarten — socially, emotionally, and developmentally. Children learn through play, exploration, and meaningful experiences outdoors. Readiness for school emerges naturally as children build confidence, independence, curiosity, and connection through child-led, inquiry-based learning.

Our program is:

Fully outdoor, rain or shine
Play-based and inquiry-led
Curriculum-informed (Ontario Kindergarten Program)
Rooted in forest school pedagogy
Mindful, gentle, and relationship-centered

Through activities such as loose-parts play, creative nature crafts, shelter building, storytelling, and guided exploration of the forest, pond, and stream, children engage deeply with their environment in ways that are joyful, unhurried, and developmentally appropriate.

This balanced approach gently prepares children for the routines and expectations of Kindergarten while honouring childhood as a time for wonder, play, and connection to the natural world.

This Program is Designed for:

Children eligible for Kindergarten in September 2026
Homeschooling families seeking a structured, social learning experience
Families who value gentle, small-group, individualized care
Families seeking a calm, nurturing environment for their children that prioritizes positive early-life experiences for physical, emotional, and social development

Saturday Explorers ~ Spring 2026

Ages 5- 8

Saturday mornings 9:30-12:30

Heber Down Conservation Area Trail Exploration

1:5 Educator Ratio

Please email with inquiries or to be placed on the waitlist

Kindergarten Readiness Camp

Ages 3 - 5

July & August

2-3 Full days per week

Heber Down Conservation Area

1:5 Educator Ratio

Please email with inquiries or to be placed on the waitlist

Forest Preschool

Ages 2 - 4

September 2026 - June 2027

Full & Part-time options available

Outdoor Play + Education ~ Land-based, inquiry driven +child led

Please email with inquiries or to be placed on the waitlist

Why Outdoor Learning?

Research shows that regular time spent outdoors supports children’s physical health, emotional well-being, and ability to focus and thrive. Nature invites open-ended exploration, creative thinking, and joyful movement — all foundations for confident learners. Outdoor learning isn’t just enjoyable — it’s impactful. It nurtures the whole child — mind, body, and spirit.

Children who spend time in natural settings:

Feel calmer and are better able to focus
Build confidence, resilience, and independence
Develop creativity and problem-solving skills
Strengthen social skills through collaboration and play
Move their bodies in rich, diverse ways
Deepen their connection to themselves, their community, and the world

“Time in nature is not leisure time; it’s an essential investment in our children’s health (and, by the way, in our own).” — Richard Louv

Learning Through Place & Play

Our program is 100% outdoors, held on 2 private acres of forested land near Heber Down Conservation Area, with access to trails and rich natural play spaces. Meeting in the same location each week allows children to develop a deep relationship with the land, fostering a sense of belonging, connection, care, and environmental stewardship.

Children learn through:

Exploration and imaginative play
Inquiry, discussion, and observation
Hands-on experiences guided by seasonal changes and children’s interests

We believe children are capable, curious learners. Their questions, ideas, and interests help shape the learning that unfolds each day.

All-Weather Learning

We learn outdoors rain, snow, or shine. With proper clothing and support, children build resilience and discover joy in all kinds of weather — from calm sunny days to windy, rainy adventures. Our location includes a shelter, tables, and a composting toilet.

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