Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 update
Growing a Nature Kindergarten That Can Flourish
A Canadian public school district built a lasting nature kindergarten through community planning, co-created guiding principles, and careful hiring and ongoing support of its educators.
What's new
In 2011, the Sooke School District in British Columbia set up a nature kindergarten that took 22 kindergarten students outside every morning in all weathers, drawing on European forest school models. A diverse advisory committee co-created the framework and guiding principles. The hiring, education and ongoing support of the two educators, a kindergarten teacher and an early childhood educator, were critical to success. The article covers the steps from first idea to first-year learning and remaining questions over five years.
Why it matters in Aotearoa
Schools and early learning services in Aotearoa thinking about a regular nature-based programme can learn from the planning and staffing steps one public system used.
Putting it into practice
Before launching a regular outdoor programme, form an advisory group to co-write guiding principles and plan ongoing professional support for the staff involved.
How strong is the evidence
This is a descriptive practitioner account of one programme. The authors say plainly that they are not setting out best practice.
What to read
The sections on building the framework and principles, and on hiring, preparing and supporting educators.