Nicki Gorter
Wild Roots Alternative Learning Center
Areas of Educational Expertise
Specializes in early elementary education, learning through play and outdoor exploration and education.
Serving Kindergarten and Transitional-Kindergarten students for the 2024 school year, with plans to grow each year.
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"I believe that play and time in nature are essential for fostering a love of learning in children. By trusting them and encouraging their innate curiosities, we create a nurturing environment where they can explore and grow. I believe in non-coercive learning, empowering children to take charge of their educational journeys, leading to a lifelong passion for discovery."
About Me
Hello, my name is Nicki, and I am deeply passionate about nurturing children’s growth through play-based learning and nature integration. With a master's degree in Elementary Education, my journey in education has been enriched by understanding how students learn and fostering intrinsic motivation. During my studies, I conducted an award-winning action research project focused on nurturing children's intrinsic motivation, which has become a cornerstone of my teaching philosophy. My experiences have shown me time and again the incredible potential children have when given autonomy and the freedom to explore their curiosities.
My passion for education stems from a lifelong commitment to protecting childhood and ensuring children have the opportunity to play and learn at their own pace. In traditional school settings, I often found that rigid standards and pressures hindered the true potential of my students. This led me to create innovative programs like the "mini-teacher" series, where kindergarteners taught their classmates about topics they were passionate about, ranging from owls to social issues. Witnessing the pride and confidence these children exhibited in their accomplishments has been one of my most rewarding experiences.
As a Christian educator, I am inspired by Jesus Christ’s radical love for others, and I strive to reflect that in my teaching. My faith motivates me to show love and encouragement to every child, helping them grow into the individuals they are meant to be. At my learning center, I am dedicated to building meaningful relationships with each student, providing an environment where they feel valued and supported. Watching my own children play has taught me the importance of stepping back and allowing children to lead their learning journey. By enrolling at my learning center, your child will enjoy a nurturing environment that fosters deeper learning and meaningful connections while preserving their right to a joyous and playful childhood.
My services are for people who believe that:
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play is essential for children’s wellbeing and healthy development.
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being in nature is essential to healthy social-emotional development
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that we should trust children and allow them to follow their own curiosities
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that we do not need to compare children’s ability against one another, but rather we should respect the individual timeline each student is on in learning essential skills.
About My Learning Center
For the 2024-25 school year, we are excited to offer a unique and personalized learning program tailored for kindergarten-aged children. Our program runs from Tuesday through Thursday and every other Friday, from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, with flexible before and after-care options.
What sets our program apart is our unwavering commitment to fostering intrinsic motivation and a love for learning through self-driven activities, guided and directed by Nicki, an experienced educator passionate about individualized education. Unlike traditional programs, we emphasize outdoor experiences and hands-on learning, with ample backyard playtime and regular field trips to natural spaces. This approach not only enriches the children's understanding of the world but also encourages physical activity and a deep connection with nature.
Our day begins with whole-group meetings and routines, creating a sense of community and structure. This is followed by personalized lessons tailored to each child's unique learning goals, ensuring that every student receives the attention and support they need to thrive. With a small class size of just 5 to 7 students, we can provide a highly individualized and nurturing learning environment, fostering strong relationships and personalized attention.
Sessions are held at our welcoming family home in Tukwila, creating a comfortable and homelike atmosphere. Our frequent excursions to outdoor spaces and other interesting places around the greater Seattle area add an exciting dimension to the learning experience. Additionally, we involve parents in the educational journey by hosting quarterly meetings to discuss their child's progress and set learning goals collaboratively.
Join us for a nurturing, innovative, and engaging educational journey that stands out from the rest. Our program is designed to ignite curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning in every child, making us a standout choice for your child's early education.
Testimonies
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Our Class Offerings
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