Outdoor kindergarten ready for fall in Calgary

Grandpa might have walked both ways uphill in the freezing cold to get to school, but some kindergartners will get a chance to one-up him by spending almost all their time outdoors — even in the winter.

"Nature kindergarten ... is when children spend about 80 per cent of their day outdoors in a natural setting," said Kristi Kraychy, who sits on the board of Common Digs which will operate the school.

"Because it is Alberta Education approved, we do follow the mandated curriculum. It just takes place in an outdoor environment and is very much play-based and learner-led as well."

That could mean children take an interest in worms wiggling about after some rain and the teacher turns that interest into a counting exercise, or they discuss the letter W.

"That's the emergent learning that we're seeing taking place in a lot of kindergartens now, but it's so organic in this outdoor setting with real hands on, real-life experiences," said Kraychy.

No matter the weather

The students will wander through Lloyd Park, a semi-private nature enclave near Spruce Meadows, no matter the weather. There is an indoor space nearby where students can warm up and do indoor activities when the mercury really drops. 

"So, obviously, in really terrible weather, the children will have a retreat indoors," said Kraychy. "But what we also teach is very much how to dress and pack appropriately for all types of Alberta weather."

Kraychy says the program will likely appeal to most children, and be an effective means of education, though it might not be the best fit for all families.

The cost of the kindergarten is $320 per year, with "basic material fees" on top.

There are still spaces available for this fall. For more information and registration, visit commondigs.com for more information and for registration.