Blog Montessori
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Freedom within limits
A Montessori principle in action at IMS Sotogrande One of the most distinctive aspects of a Montessori education is the balance between freedom and responsibility — a concept often expressed as freedom within limits. At IMS, we believe that true independence comes not from doing whatever we want, but from learning how to make thoughtful…
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Halloween and the Power of Imagination
A Montessori Reflection from IMS Sotogrande Halloween 2025 at IMS, the children explored a fascinating question: what is real, and what is not?As part of our Halloween celebration, they learned to observe their own imagination — discovering how their minds create stories, dreams, and sometimes even little fears that can feel very real. The day…
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Living in Alcaidesa: A Family Lifestyle with Montessori Education Nearby
Just a few minutes from Sotogrande, the coastal community of Alcaidesa is fast becoming a favourite among international families relocating to southern Spain. Known for its natural beauty, calm pace of life, and increasingly vibrant infrastructure, it offers the perfect base for those seeking space, sunlight, and a world-class education nearby. At IMS Sotogrande, we’re…
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A Message from Our Director, Olimpia
IMS was founded five years ago with a clear purpose: to place the focus on the child. For us, each student is a seed with unique potential, and our role is to nurture it with the tools, values, and skills necessary for them to grow with confidence and commitment, becoming a global citizen who is…
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Amazing After-School Clubs in Sotogrande
Discover exciting after-school activities. At International Montessori School we offer a variety of after-school clubs in Sotogrande and children’s activities, partnering with local sports academies, music schools, and expertinstructors to provide a wide selection of enriching experiences. These children’s activitiesin Sotogrande cater to different interests, including after-school clubs, sports programs,music lessons, and creative arts. Our…
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Welcome Back to a New School Year at IMS Sotogrande 2025!
Montessori Education at IMS As the summer fades and September begins, we are delighted to welcome our IMS families to another exciting school year. The youngest children in Nido, started their journey with us on Monday, 1st September, while the rest of our students will be joining on Monday, 8th September. These staggered beginnings have given us…
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6 Things to Know About Heat and Children in the Summer
It’s one of our favourite times of year—summer brings sunshine, freedom, and long days full of possibility. For children, it’s a chance to play, explore, and connect with nature in a different rhythm than the school year allows. Summer in Spain means long, sunny days and plenty of time spent outdoors—whether it’s at the beach,…
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7 Fun Montessori inspired activities you can do at home
Montessori education emphasizes the importance of independence, hands-on learning, and respect for a child’s natural psychological, physical, and social development. Bringing Montessori-inspired activities into your home can greatly enhance your child’s developmental experience by fostering creativity, exploration, and autonomy. The following activities are inspired by that designed to align with Montessori principles, providing joyful learning…
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Moving to Sotogrande Real Estate, Rentals & Lifestyle
Relocating to southern Spain can be a life-changing opportunity for families, especially those seeking a well-connected yet relaxed lifestyle. The Sotogrande region, including neighbouring communities like Alcaidesa, Pueblo Nuevo, Guadiaro, and Torreguadiaro, offers a blend of coastal beauty, quality housing, international culture, and close proximity to schools like IMS Sotogrande. Many families choose to rent…
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Guide to Sotogrande and the Costa del Sol (Hospitals, Clinics & Insurance)
Living in the Sotogrande area If you live in Sotogrande or nearby areas like San Roque, Pueblo Nuevo, or Guadiaro, it’s helpful to know what healthcare services are available close to home. Whether you need to visit a local GP, find a dentist, get a prescription from the pharmacy, or know where to go in…
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A Day in Casa de Niños: Discover a Unique Approach to Learning
Morning Welcome: A Calm and Purposeful Start In our Casa de Niños environment, each day presents a new opportunity for children to discover, learn, and grow independently in a respectful and stimulating setting.At 9:00 am, we begin the day with a warm and welcoming morning assembly, where we greet each child and review the day’s…
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Celebrating Birthdays the Montessori way at IMS
At IMS Sotogrande, birthdays are more than a date on the calendar—they’re a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the journey of each individual child. In line with Montessori principles, we mark this special occasion with a thoughtful classroom tradition known as the “Walk Around the Sun.” This child-centred experience highlights the passing of time…
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A day in the Infant Community: A Montessori Experience
A warm welcome to our Montessori school in Spain Relocating to Spain with young children can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when it comes to choosing the right educational environment. At the International Montessori school in Spain, we provide a nurturing, bilingual space where young children can develop independence, confidence, and a lifelong…
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Best Parks and Playgrounds near Sotogrande
For families living in or visiting Sotogrande finding fun and engaging outdoor spaces is essential. Whether you’re seeking a playground with swings and slides, a scenic picnic area, or a place for kids to run and explore, these parks offer a perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and adventure. With well-maintained play areas, natural spaces, and…
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Why Sotogrande is a great place to raise kids
A Family-Friendly Lifestyle in Sotogrande For families looking for a balance between nature, education, and a welcoming community, Sotogrande offers an exceptional lifestyle. This seaside town blends beautiful surroundings, top-tier schools, and endless outdoor activities, making it an ideal place to raise children. But what does daily life in Sotogrande actually look like for families?…
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Bilingual Schools in Spain: A Guide for Families Moving with Kids
Relocating to Spain with your family is an exciting adventure, but ensuring they receive the right education is a top priority for many families. Finding a school in Spain that supports both academic growth and cultural adaptation can make all the difference in helping children settle into their new home. Spain offers a variety of…
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Trasladarse a España con la familia
Mudarse a España con la familia ofrece la oportunidad de disfrutar de una alta calidad de vida, un rico patrimonio cultural y un estilo de vida saludable. Para las familias internacionales que están considerando este cambio, la zona de Sotogrande, en la Costa del Sol, destaca como un destino excepcional. Conocida por su entorno tranquilo…
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Relocating to Spain with your family
Relocating to Spain with your family offers the chance to experience a high quality of life, a rich cultural heritage, and a healthy lifestyle. For international families considering this move, the Sotogrande area on the Costa del Sol stands out as an exceptional destination. Known for its peaceful environment and high-end amenities, Sotogrande also offers…
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Educación Montessori: El poder de la concentración
En IMS Sotogrande, la concentración es más que una habilidad: es una parte vital de la educación Montessori que da forma a la capacidad del niño para aprender y crecer. Desde Nido (5 meses) hasta Primaria (12 años), la capacidad de concentración de los niños se desarrolla de forma natural a través de entornos cuidadosamente…
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Montessori Education: The power of concentration
At IMS Sotogrande, concentration is more than a skill—it’s a vital part of Montessori education that shapes a child’s ability to learn and grow. From Nido (5 months) to Elementary (12 years), children’s capacity to focus develops naturally through carefully prepared environments and engaging activities. As Maria Montessori wisely said, “The first essential for the…
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¡Bienvenidos a un Nuevo Año Escolar en IMS en Sotogrande!
Educación Montessori A medida que el largo verano se desvanece suavemente y la emoción por el nuevo año escolar se siente en el aire, estamos encantados de dar la bienvenida a nuestros estudiantes, familias y personal a The International Montessori School of Sotogrande (IMS). Estas primeras semanas han sido increíbles, y esperamos con entusiasmo las…
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Welcome Back to a New School Year at the IMS in Sotogrande
Montessori Education As the long summer gently fades, and the excitement of the new school year continues to fill the air, we are thrilled to welcome our students, families, and staff back to The International Montessori School of Sotogrande (IMS). These first few weeks have been incredible, and we look forward to the many opportunities…
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Materiales Montessori: Una Experiencia de Aprendizaje Práctico
Educación Montessori En el núcleo de la educación Montessori se encuentra un profundo compromiso con el aprendizaje práctico. Descubre cómo nuestros materiales cuidadosamente seleccionados no solo enriquecen el viaje educativo, sino que también fomentan la curiosidad, el pensamiento crítico y la creatividad en cada niño. Imagina a un niño entrando en un aula Montessori, cautivado…
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Montessori Materials: A Hands-On Learning Experience
Montessori Education At the core of Montessori education lies a profound commitment to hands-on learning. Discover how our carefully selected materials not only enhance the educational journey but also foster curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity in every child. Imagine a child stepping into the Montessori classroom, captivated by the colourful array of materials. Among them,…
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Educación Montessori: Un viaje de aprendizaje personalizado
La Escuela Internacional Montessori (IMS) está comprometida a brindar una educación Montessori única en un entorno bilingüe. Nuestras puertas están abiertas para invitar a las familias a unirse a nosotros en Sotogrande y vivir una experiencia enriquecedora que fomenta la curiosidad, la independencia y el amor por el aprendizaje para toda la vida. Los Beneficios…
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Montessori Education: A Personalised Learning Journey
The International Montessori School (IMS) is dedicated to providing unique Montessori education in a bilingual environment. Our doors are open, inviting families to join us in Sotogrande for an enriching experience that nurtures curiosity, independence, and lifelong love of learning. The benefits of Montessori Education The IMS Montessori Journey: Nido: (5-18 months) In our nurturing…
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La importancia de la educación infantil temprana
Un vistazo más cercano a nuestro Nido y Comunidad Infantil en IMS Sotogrande En los años fundamentales de la vida de un niño, cada experiencia moldea su futuro. En IMS Sotogrande, valoramos estos primeros años, ofreciendo programas personalizados en nuestro Nido (5-18 meses) y Comunidad Infantil (18 meses a 3 años). Nuestro enfoque va más…
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Why Early Childhood Education Matters
A closer look at our Nido and Infant Community at IMS Sotogrande In the foundational years of a child’s life, every experience shapes their future. At IMS Sotogrande, we cherish these early years, offering tailored programs in our Nido (5-18 months) and Infant Community (18 months to 3 years). Our approach goes beyond traditional education,…
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El día de la Mujer
En el mes en que hemos celebrado el día de la mujer, os presento a varias mujeres que hantenido un impacto importante para la educación. En octubre de 2012, Malala Yousufzai , niña paquistaní, fue tiroteada por los talibanes cuandoregresaba de la escuela. Trasladada de urgencia al Reino Unido, los médicos extrajeron la balade la…
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International Women’s Day
In the month when we have celebrated International Women’s Day, I introduce you to several women who have made a significant impact on education. In October 2012, Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl, was shot by the Taliban as she returned from school. Rushed to the United Kingdom, doctors removed the bullet from her head and…
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Dando la bienvenida a un nuevo año escolar en la Escuela Internacional Montessori
Es esa época del año nuevamente: la anticipación en el aire es palpable, la energía está desbordante y los corredores de la Escuela Internacional Montessori acogen el eco de pasos, risas y descubrimientos. Nuestras puertas están abiertas y listas para abrazar otro año de aprendizaje sin límites, creatividad y crecimiento. En la Escuela Internacional Montessori,…
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Welcoming a New School Year at the International Montessori School
It’s that time of the year again – the anticipation in the air is palpable, the energy is brimming, and the corridors of the International Montessori School welcome the echo of footsteps, laughter, and discovery. Our doors are open and ready to embrace another year of boundless learning, creativity, and growth. At The International Montessori…
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10 consejos para superar el período de adaptación
¿Qué es el período de adaptación? Es un período de tiempo diseñado para ayudar a la integración de los niños en un nuevo espacio, con nuevos cuidadores y una nueva etapa en sus vidas. Es el proceso de convertir lo desconocido (entorno no familiar) en lo conocido (un entorno seguro). ¿Cuál es el objetivo? Ayudar…
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10 Tips to Overcome the Bonding Period
What is the bonding period? It is a period of time designed to help the integration of children into a new space, with new caregivers and a new stage in their lives. It is the process of turning the unknown (unfamiliar environment) into the known (a safe environment). What is the goal? To help the…
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Cómo la educación Montessori fomenta aprendices independientes para toda la vida.
La educación Montessori ha ganado amplio reconocimiento y elogio por su enfoque único en la educación infantil temprana. Desarrollada hace más de un siglo por la Dra. Maria Montessori, esta filosofía educativa enfatiza la importancia de fomentar la independencia, cultivar el amor por el aprendizaje y empoderar a los niños para alcanzar su máximo potencial….
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How Montessori Education nurtures independent lifelong learners.
Montessori education has gained widespread recognition and praise for its unique approach to early childhood education. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over a century ago, this educational philosophy emphasizes the importance of nurturing independence, fostering a love for learning, and empowering children to reach their full potential. In this blog post, we will explore the…
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¿Qué es el Baby-led Weaning y por qué elegir este método de alimentación complementaria?
¿Qué es el Baby-led weaning? El Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) es un método de alimentación complementaria a la lactancia materna, donde el bebé toma alimentos con sus manos y los lleva a su boca de manera autónoma. Puedes introducir esta técnica entre los primeros 4 – 6 meses, cuando tu bebé comienza a usar su lengua…
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What is Baby-lead Weaning and why choose this method of complementary feeding
What is Baby-led weaning? Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is a method of complementary feeding to breastfeeding, where the baby takes food with his hands and takes it to his mouth autonomously. You can introduce this technique between the first 4 – 6 months, when your baby begins to use his tongue to chew, and will provide…
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Amor
Aprovechando la llegada del día conocido como el día del amor, el Día de San Valentín, se acerca la ocasión perfecta para preguntar a los niños sobre el amor. Si te preguntas cómo explicarle a tu hijo qué es el amor, este es el post que te dará las claves para lograrlo. Aunque la mejor…
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Amor
Taking advantage of the arrival of the day known as the day of love, Valentine’s Day, the perfect occasion is approaching to ask children about love. If you wonder how to explain to your child what love is, this is the post that will give you the keys to achieving it. Although the best way…
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¿Cómo ayudar a nuestro cerebro a aprender?
Los padres y educadores podemos ayudar a nuestros hijos y estudiantes a aprender mejor si conocemos más sobre nuestro cerebro y cómo funciona. La capacidad de aprendizaje se basa en la plasticidad cerebral y esta plasticidad depende de cuánto usemos nuestro cerebro. A pocos días de nacer ya contamos con miles de millones de neuronas…
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How to help our brain learn?
Parents and educators can help our children and students to learn better if we know more about our brain and how it works. Learnability is based on brain plasticity and this plasticity depends on how much we use our brain. A few days after birth we already have billions of neurons that can connect with…
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Celebrando Halloween al estilo Montessori.
Como saben, la base de nuestra metodología es la filosofía Montessori, y esto se puede aplicar a cualquier aspecto de nuestra vida, también en la organización y preparación de un feriado siguiendo la línea Montessori. Así que, vamos a contarles cómo celebramos Halloween y cómo cualquier festividad es una oportunidad para aprender. Si quieres saber…
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Celebrating Halloween the Montessori way.
As you know the basis of our methodology is the Montessori philosophy, and this can be applied to any aspect of our life, also in the organization and preparation of a holiday following the Montessori line. So, we are going to tell you how we celebrated Halloween and how any holiday is an opportunity to…
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Comienza el nuevo año académico
¿Esperas encender el amor por el aprendizaje en tu hijo pequeño? El enfoque Montessori para la educación infantil temprana comenzará ese proceso en un entorno alegre, seguro y amoroso en el que tu pequeño prosperará.. Contacta a nuestro amable equipo para obtener más información hoy. Nuestra clase Montessori Nido ofrece un ambiente cariñoso, amoroso y…
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The new academic year begins
Do you hope to ignite your young child’s love of learning? The Montessori approach to early childhood education will begin that process in a joyful, secure, and loving environment in which your young child will thrive.Contact our friendly team to find out more today. Our Nido Montessori class offers a caring, loving and safe environment…
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“Descubriendo los talentos de nuestros hijos” por Olimpia Tardá
Más de 500,000 niños se incorporarán al sistema educativo este año en su primer año de preescolar. Cuando estos estudiantes terminen sus estudios, habrán pasado al menos 15 años, o más si deciden ir a la universidad. Estamos hablando de los años 2035 a 2040. Y, me pregunto: ¿cómo será el mundo entonces? La verdad…
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“Discovering our children’s talents” by Olimpia Tardá
Over 500,000 children will join the education system this year in their first year of preschool. When these students finish their studies, at least 15 years will have gone by, or more if they decide to go to university. We are talking about the years 2035 to 2040. And, I wonder: what will the world…
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“Disciplina positiva” por Olimpia Tardá
Libertad y disciplina son conceptos que crean confusión y que cada familia interpreta de manera diferente. Estas interpretaciones llevarán a la aplicación de ciertas directrices educativas y estilos que nos hacen ser padres más o menos permisivos, controladores, afectuosos… Desde un punto de vista más convencional, la disciplina tiende a confundirse con corrección y castigo….
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“Positive discipline” by Olimpia Tardá
Freedom and discipline are concepts that create confusion and that each family interprets differently. These interpretations will lead to the application of certain educational guidelines and styles that cause us to be parents who are more or less permissive, controlling, affectionate… From a more conventional viewpoint, discipline tends to be confused with correction and punishment….
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“Ahora, más que nunca, nosotros los padres podemos Educar para la Vida” por Olimpia Tardá
Todos necesitamos una gran flexibilidad y habilidades de adaptación para acostumbrarnos a lidiar con el confinamiento al que hemos sido forzados. Para la mayoría de las familias, es un gran desafío combinar el teletrabajo, las tareas del hogar y las obligaciones, la escuela en línea de los niños y sus tareas… todo puede volverse extremadamente…
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“Now, more than ever, we parents can Educate for Life” by Olimpia Tardá
We all need great flexibility and adaptation skills to get used to coping with the confinement we have been forced into. For most families it is a great challenge, combining teleworking, household tasks and chores, the kids’ online school and their homework… it can all become extremely complex. And house isolation happened from one day…
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La telemedicina ha llegado a la Escuela Internacional Montessori
La Escuela Internacional Montessori (IMS) ofrece a los padres un nuevo servicio médico: Kidscare. Este es un servicio de telemedicina para facilitar la atención médica de los niños durante sus horas escolares. De esta manera, los padres pueden evitar posibles interrupciones durante sus horas de trabajo y atender los problemas de salud diarios de sus…
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Telemedicine has arrived at International Montessori School
International Montessori School (IMS) offers parents a new medical service: Kidscare. This is a telemedicine service to facilitate medical care for children during their school hours. In this way, parents can avoid possible disturbances during their working hours and can attend to their children’s daily health issues. What is Kidscare? It is a system, supported…
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El coronavirus nos obliga a volver a ser familia
El COVID ha cambiado las reglas del juego, también en nuestras familias. Me encanta la reflexión sobre el COVID-19 hecha por el psicólogo F. Morelli en el periódico El Mundo, especialmente en lo que respecta a las familias: “Creo que el universo tiene su propia manera de restaurar el equilibrio a las cosas, según sus…
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Coronavirus forces us to become family again
The COVID has changed the rules of the game, also in our families. I love the reflection on COVID-19 made by psychologist F. Morelli in the newspaper El Mundo, particularly with respect to families: “I believe the universe has its own way of restoring balance to things – according to its own laws – when…
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Niños independientes, adultos inteligentes
“¿Podrías decirme, por favor, qué camino debo seguir desde aquí? Eso depende mucho de a dónde quieres llegar”, dijo el Gato.“No me importa mucho dónde…”, dijo Alicia.“Entonces no importa qué camino tomes”, dijo el Gato (Alicia en el País de las Maravillas, Lewis Carroll). Saber a dónde queremos ir es el primer paso que debemos…
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Independent children, intelligent adults
´Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here? That depends a good deal on where you want to get to, said the Cat.I don´t much care where…said Alice.Then it doesn’t matter which way you go, said the Cat” (Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll). Knowing where we want to go is…
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¿Cómo puedo proteger a mi hijo del sol?
¿Cuáles son los factores más importantes para proteger la piel? Muchas familias finalmente comenzarán a disfrutar de los primeros rayos de sol, lo que también significa tomar una serie de precauciones para cuidar nuestra salud. La piel de los niños tiene ciertas características que la diferencian de la piel de los adultos. Aunque es más…
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How can I protect my child from the sun?
What are the most important factors for protecting the skin? Many families will finally start to enjoy the first rays of sunshine, which also means taking a series of precautions to look after our health. Children’s skin has certain characteristics that differentiate it from adult skin. Although it is softer, it actually has a thinner…
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¿Quieres viajar con niños y no te atreves a planificarlo todo?
¡Aquí tienes algunos consejos para ayudarte a anticipar todo lo que pueda suceder para que puedas disfrutar de tus tan esperadas vacaciones! La mejor manera de hacerlo es no tener miedo, seguir viajando y adaptarte un poco a sus rutinas para que se sientan cómodos estés donde estés. No es una misión imposible. Tienes que…
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Do you want to travel with children and don’t dare to plan everything?
Here are some tips to help you anticipate everything that might happen so that you can enjoy your long-awaited holidays! The best way to do it is not to be afraid, keep travelling and adapt a little to their routines so that they feel comfortable wherever you are. It is not an impossible mission. You…
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Alimentación para niños en verano
¿Sientes que tus hijos comen peor con el calor, o te preocupa que puedan deshidratarse? Aquí tienes algunos consejos sobre una dieta saludable para el verano. Durante el verano, los horarios se alteran, los niños duermen más tarde, salen a jugar y no quieren perder tiempo comiendo, consumen más dulces, helados y refrescos, reduciendo la…
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Food for children in Summer
Do you feel that your children are eating less well in the heat, or are you worried that they might become dehydrated? Here are some tips on a healthy summer diet. During the summer, schedules get messed up, children sleep later, they go out to play and don’t want to waste time eating, they eat…
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Disciplina positiva
Libertad y disciplina son conceptos que crean confusión y que cada familia interpreta de manera diferente. Estas interpretaciones llevarán a la aplicación de ciertas pautas educativas y estilos que nos hacen ser padres más o menos permisivos, controladores, afectuosos. Desde un punto de vista más convencional, la disciplina tiende a confundirse con corrección y castigo….
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Positive discipline
Freedom and discipline are concepts that create confusion and that each family interprets differently. These interpretations will lead to the application of certain educational guidelines and styles that cause us to be parents who are more or less permissive, controlling, affectionate. From a more conventional viewpoint, discipline tends to be confused with correction and punishment….
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Campamento de Verano Montessori
¿Tu hijo se aburre en casa todo el verano? ¿Te parece demasiado tiempo sin rutina? ¿Quieres que tu hijo tenga la oportunidad de interactuar con otros niños? Te damos 10 razones por las cuales un campamento de verano es tu mejor opción. Asistir a un campamento de verano brinda a nuestros niños y jóvenes muchas…
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Montessori Summer Camp
Is your child bored at home all summer? Does it seem like too much time without routine? Do you want your child to have the opportunity to interact with other children? We give you 10 reasons why a summer camp is your best choice. Going to summer camp brings our children and young people many…
