Tours will start in May! Contact us today to schedule a time to visit and see how our program can benefit your explorer's learning journey.
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Our Mission
At Gather + Grow Wisconsin, we are dedicated to providing enriching experiences through child-led exploration and discovery. Our programs are designed to foster a love for learning and growth in a nurturing environment while following the seasonal rhythms. We aim to build a supportive community and empower those we serve, in building foundational life skills that will last a lifetime.
Exploration + Flow Learning
Discovering the Natural World
Our programs build independence and resilience by trusting and supporting children in exploration. Nature provides a soothing, supportive environment for children to handle stress and risk. Not only does this foster our children's ability to problem solve, but it also cultivates safe risk-taking and stress management skills.
​​ Children are naturally inquisitive. The natural world around us sparks imaginative play. Sticks become wands, rocks become muffins, logs become rafts. Flow learning, also known as child-led or interest-led learning, is a natural type of learning that comes from children’s curiosities. Flow learning may be influenced by the seasons, plants and animals, or individual interests. Some of our greatest childhood memories are from when we were in "the flow".
Children will work both together and independently to create, solve, and propose new situations as they arise in the natural environment. There will be ample opportunities for unstructured, free play...something so many children are missing in today's world.​​
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Physical, Social, + Cognitive Development
Promoting Healthy Development
Activities in nature improve balance, coordination, and fine motor skills more effectively than conventional indoor settings.
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Our programs incorporate "Mixed Age Learning" which means a range of ages and children in different developmental stages will learn together and from one another. This fosters positive peer interactions, collaboration, empathy, and student-led leadership skills. It also boosts verbal and non-verbal communication.
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Children will have the ability to care for and raise animals on the farm. They will learn various skills associated with caring for animals through hands-on experiences. This also helps teach empathy towards others and animals.
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Children will have the opportunity to learn about food systems. At Gather + Grow Wisconsin we will have a community garden where children will plant, grow, and harvest their own foods. We will learn about gardening, seasonality, and local foods. ​​
Building Connection
Establishing Our Roots
We understand the importance of connecting with ourselves, nature, and other friends and families who share the same mission.
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Maybe you are a seasoned homeschool family, or perhaps you are new to the world of homeschooling...either way we are happy you found us! Although our classes may appeal more to homeschooling families due to the time of day, Gather + Grow Wisconsin welcomes children of all schooling philosophies.
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We offer summer programs and occasional community events for those who attend traditional schooling.
Classes expand the entire year with ongoing enrollment, pending availability. The year long commitment provides children with the opportunity to learn in a consistent environment and build strong social bonds with peers they see on a regular basis.
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"Roots of understanding grow deep when curious minds are nourished in nature." -Nell Regan
"Unrestricted and unsupervised play is one of the most valuable educational opportunities that we can offer our children."
-Angela Hanscom
Our Core Beliefs
1. We believe that all children are inherently curious and competent.
2. We believe that learning and personal growth is not limited to a classroom.
3. We believe in ample time and space for unstructured play in order to build resilience, imagination, creativity, and social skills.
3. We believe in the power of unplugging from technology, and building connections with self, others, and nature.
4. We believe in kindness and respect for others, nature, and ourselves.
5. We believe that nature is our primary educator, and immersing children in the outdoors develops a deep environmental connection.
6. We believe there is an inherent value to risk and learning how to assess and navigate it is an important part of development.
7. We believe that through our program children will receive a sense of community, socialization, and hands-on educational experiences in nature.
A BIG THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS!
