Our early learning philosophy
Children growing by connecting with the world around them
Connection sits at the heart of life at Gumboots & Grasshoppers.
We believe children thrive when they feel secure in their relationships, connected to the environment around them and confident to explore their own ideas.
Our philosophy is centred around three important areas:
Connecting with people.
Connecting with nature and the environment.
Connecting through learning.
Connecting with people
Children learn best when they feel safe, valued and understood.
We create a warm, welcoming environment where children and their whānau can build genuine relationships with our teaching team and develop a strong sense of belonging.
Our relationships are built on trust, warmth, kindness, responsiveness and respect.
We also recognise that parents and caregivers know their children best. By sharing knowledge and working together, we can better support each child's interests, strengths, wellbeing and development.
Children are encouraged to build positive relationships with other children, teachers, whānau and people in our wider Te Kowhai community.
Connecting with nature and the environment
Our rural environment is an important part of what makes G&G special.
Children have plenty of room to run, climb, investigate, create and experience the changing natural world around them.
Our gardens and animals provide real-life opportunities to learn about where food comes from, sustainability and caring for living things.
Children can take part in experiences such as planting and harvesting fruit and vegetables, composting, recycling, collecting rainwater and, feeding animals and caring for our worm farm.
We believe there's enormous value in spending time outside.
And sometimes that means putting on the gumboots and heading out in the rain.
Connecting through learning
We see children as capable, curious and confident learners.
Our role is to create an environment where children feel comfortable trying new things, asking questions, exploring ideas and persevering when something is challenging.
Children have time for uninterrupted play and exploration alongside intentional teaching and shared experiences inspired by their interests and strengths.
Stories, music, movement, conversation, creativity, problem solving and hands-on experiences all contribute to learning.
As children move towards school, we help them develop confidence, independence, social skills and early literacy and numeracy foundations to support a positive transition.
Most importantly, we recognise that every child is unique.
It's a privilege to be part of their early years and to learn alongside them.
Contact our team
info@gumbootsandgrasshoppers.co.nz
07 595 0514
708 Te Kowhai Road, Waikato
Our Hours
We are open from 7:30am - 5:30pm, Monday to Friday.
We are open year round, apart from Statutory holidays.
