A creative, experimental and happy nursery school
Our Early Years project is based on the Culture of Thinking and an integrated methodology that combines different ways of learning. For example, we teach mathematics through EMAT and literacy through Ludilletres, two complementary methods that encourage experiential, cross-curricular, playful, creative and motivating learning.
At this stage, pupils also begin to work on projects based on their own interests. They take part in choosing the topics according to their curiosities and interests -planets, dinosaurs or the animal world, for example- and learn to investigate, discover and build knowledge around the things that spark their curiosity.
Our social and natural environment projects allow pupils to explore and deepen their understanding of the world around them. We complement this with ‘Inspira’, an educational programme that brings children closer to nature and encourages learning through experience.
‘Inspira’ is fully aligned with the methodologies we have introduced at the school in recent years, including the Culture of Thinking, Loose Parts, heuristic play, small worlds, EMAT and Ludilletres. At the same time, it strengthens the foundations of the humanistic education we have always prioritised, respecting each child’s individual pace and promoting a natural and healthy approach to learning.
Through this programme, we deepen children’s self-awareness and go beyond simply managing emotions. Children learn to become aware of how they feel and acquire tools to breathe, calm themselves, relax or concentrate whenever they need to.
We do this through engaging, hands-on experiences that children particularly enjoy, including yoga and mindfulness, with guided meditation in the classroom, yoga pose cards and emotion cards.
The entire project is an invitation to learn how to reflect, helping children identify their own characteristics, develop a balanced self-concept and become aware of their surroundings and the different groups they belong to. In this way, they learn to recognise and embrace diversity with a positive, respectful and inclusive attitude.
Discovery also takes place through the senses and experimentation. Our sensory boxes, inspired by the Montessori method, contain natural materials such as wood, natural rope, chestnut logs, paper tubes, corks and wooden pegs, inviting children to touch, handle and explore while developing their fine motor skills.
English everyday!
English is part of everyday life from Early Years onwards, when we combine four methodologies: Natural Approach, Total Physical Response, Thinking Culture (Culture of Thinking) and Drilling (learning through repetition).
The Natural Approach encourages gradual, natural immersion so that children become familiar with English and acquire it spontaneously. Total Physical Response connects language with movement through songs, dancing, gestures and physical activity, helping children understand and acquire vocabulary and expressions. The Culture of Thinking helps them connect language with reasoning and the expression of ideas, while repetition helps consolidate structures and vocabulary.
The school’s natural surroundings also play an important role, offering endless everyday opportunities to observe, discover, play and communicate in English in a lively and meaningful context.
Constant interaction with families
Being a small, close-knit school creates a warm and positive environment where pupils have the calm and confidence they need to deal with the different situations they encounter in everyday life. Their wellbeing and emotional development are a priority and, with the support of our Educational Psychology and Guidance Department, we provide personalised support that allows us to get to know each pupil, build on their strengths and identify and support any difficulties that may arise.
Communication with families is open and close, and is an integral part of the way we understand education. Throughout the school year, we share celebrations and special occasions such as Els Pastorets, the Early Years Festival, Tree Day, Sports Day and the P5 Graduation.
Families can also follow pupils’ day-to-day activities through Classroom, as well as discover other activities and events on the school blog and our Instagram profile, @escola_el_pino.
