Our Programs
Nature-based learning for children ages 3–12, September through June
What a Day Looks Like
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.
A Day in the Forest
A gentle flow from morning circle to afternoon discovery.
Morning Circle at the Fire
We gather to connect with one another, outline our goals for the day, sing songs, and share books and poetry — sweet, simple, and meaningful mornings.
School Chores & Free Play
Children help water plants, set up for the day, and gather supplies, then follow their own play — building responsibility and belonging.
Flexible Exploration
A flexible block that rotates and combines nature walks, science experiments, artistic creation, and project-based work.
Lunch & Free Play
Children eat a shared outdoor meal at their own pace, with free play for the rest of the time.
Focused Lesson & Practice
We gather again with a story, then practise a specific skill — literacy, numeracy, or land and survival skills.
Physical Activity & Games
Co-operative games, sports, problem-solving challenges, dance, drama, yoga, and mindfulness.
Clean Up & Closing Circle
Children tidy up, pack their bags, and come together to consolidate the day and connect until pick-up at 3:00 PM.
Although we follow a general rhythm, we allow flexibility. If children are deeply engaged in an activity or make an exciting discovery, we follow that interest rather than stopping because a time slot is up — weaving it into their learning.
Learning Follows the Seasons
Each season brings its own curriculum — written by nature itself.
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 Philosophy
At Nature Nurtures Tay, we believe that children are naturally curious, capable, and resilient. Our role is to create the conditions where their innate desire to learn can flourish — and those conditions are found in the natural world.
- Creativity blooms when children have open-ended materials and time in nature
- Scientific thinking emerges from observing insects, weather, and ecosystems
- Stewardship grows through daily relationship with the land
- Resilience develops through all-weather outdoor experiences
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.