Our Environment and Philosophies
We’ve embraced the ideas of
Nature-based learning
The Reggio Emilia approach
Forest Schools
and Waldkindergartens
as a guide in the creation of our environment.
GUG emphasizes purposeful and productive developmentally appropriate play-based experiences to help children grow in a holistic way — physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually.
Immersed in the outdoors, children spontaneously inquire, communicate, enjoy and actively explore their world with energy, enthusiasm and excitement.
GUG believes in providing experiences which allow children to develop initiative, persistence, creativity, and a capacity for problem solving. Our programs are designed to enrich the whole-child and allow opportunities for open-ended learning and exploration.
More than just an outdoor school
In addition to the time we spend in nature and exploring the community, we also offer many traditional learning opportunities in our outdoor classroom and our school bus.
The environment includes natural settings, multiple outdoor learning areas, and warm indoor learning spaces.
Our retro-fitted bus is a favorite place for snack/ lunch, art projects, board games, learning manipulatives, etc.
GUG teachers use a positive guidance approach to behavior management — transforming conflict into a learning opportunity.
Problem-solving is taught and practiced with the guidance and modeling of our teachers in order to deal with conflict, address emotions, or assist in decision making. Developmentally appropriate consequences are provided to help facilitate the understanding of safety and school guidelines.
GUG caters to the needs of both preschool and homeschool students by providing experiences to enrich the whole-child and allowing opportunities for open-ended learning and exploration with peers.
We believe developmentally appropriate experiences allow children to develop initiative, persistence, creativity, and a capacity for problem solving, which are all essential to future academic success.
Risk Taking Encouraged!
At GUG, students are intentionally given the opportunity to engage in 4 recommended thrilling/risky types of play. These types of play have been shown to build resilience in students, improve social skills, and provide a positive impact on healthy physical development. Adults are nearby to guide and assist but not to intrude unless safety is at risk. The categories of thrilling play children are given the opportunity to engage in are:
Play at high speeds (sliding, running, sledding)
Play at great heights (climbing on branches, walking across fallen logs, etc.)
Rough and tumble play with eye contact and consent (wrestling)
Play around thrilling landscape features (water, ice, hills, rocks)