Why choose us
Let’s put the relationship at the centre
At Giocomotiva, every child’s development stems from participation, relationships and shared experiences. It is through these experiences that children build trust in themselves and in others.
Every day, we create an environment where listening, connection and care come together, respecting each child’s own pace and embracing their individuality. A setting in which every child can feel valued and supported on their own journey.
We believe that feeling well is essential for growth and learning. That is why we plan each day so that the children feel safe, welcome and free to explore the world.
Welcoming, supporting, listening
We know that the early years of life are crucial. Every child has their own pace, and we respect that, day after day.
Thanks to the role of the educationalist, who works alongside the educational team on an ongoing basis, Giocomotiva’s centres are environments capable of understanding children’s needs, supporting families and building relationships of trust over time.
Communication with families is not a secondary service: it is an integral part of our educational programme. The school and the family have different roles, but they share the responsibility of supporting the children’s development.
How does this work in practice?
On a typical morning at Giocomotiva, you might listen to a story in Italian and English, go out to the park to collect leaves, have a go at modelling clay, and enjoy a leisurely lunch together, whilst learning to do a little more on your own each time.
- Learning through play and hands-on experience: learning by doing, exploring and discovering
- A curriculum co-created by educators and children, based on the interests that emerge in everyday life
- Contexts that change over time: spaces transform and evolve alongside the children
- Relationships as a foundation: children, educators and families are part of the same educational community
A story that continues
La Giocomotiva was founded in 1999, with its first centre on Via Bonghi, and new schools have been added over the years. For over 25 years, we have been supporting little girls and boys as they take their first steps into the world.
Today, La Giocomotiva is part of the Becoming Education network of schools, with which it shares principles, vision and methodology. It is a story that continues to grow and evolve, whilst keeping alive the identity it has built up over the years.
Our strengths
- Italian-English bilingualism Experienced naturally in everyday life
- Outdoor Education The garden and the local area as extensions of the classroom
- Multiple intelligences Recognising and valuing different ways of knowing, expressing oneself and learning
- Learning environments Designed to encourage exploration, creativity and independence
- Emotional and social skills For recognising emotions, dealing with conflicts and building relationships
- Educational team undergoing continuous professional development Through the Becoming Academy
- Educational supervision To support the teaching team and families
- Carefully prepared, high-quality food With seasonal menus
Bilingualism
Natural bilingualism
La Giocomotiva offers Full English and Italian-English bilingual nurseries and pre-schools. Languages become part of everyday life from the very earliest years: children explore, play and discover the world through two languages, each at their own pace.
In bilingual programmes, English teachers work alongside Italian-speaking teachers throughout the day, encouraging natural exposure to both languages. In this way, children encounter English through meaningful relationships and experiences, without any pressure.
Outdoor education
Outdoor Education
Nature is a valuable learning environment. Going outdoors is a right that children have, and for us it is an integral part of our educational programme.
Children learn to look after the environment when they feel they are part of it. Every trip to the park, every neighbourhood get-together, every moment spent in the garden creates opportunities to explore, ask questions and build a genuine connection with nature and the local area: a sense of belonging, curiosity and respect.
In Milan, once a week, children aged 3 to 6 take part in nature-based activities at Bosco in Città and Cascina Carpana.
Intelligenze Multiple
Every child has their own talents; they have different ways of understanding the world, expressing themselves and learning, and there is no single type of intelligence.
The theory of multiple intelligences helps us to recognise this uniqueness, by highlighting each person’s strengths and offering a variety of experiences through which to apply and develop different skills.
Educators undergoing continuing professional development
The educators at Giocomotiva are constantly engaged in research, training and pedagogical supervision. This professional development is reflected every day in the quality of the experiences offered to the children.
Through Becoming Academy, our team takes part in training courses, workshops and opportunities to exchange ideas with experts from the world of education. Because looking after those who educate means looking after the children.
Pedagogical supervision
At Giocomotiva, a qualified educational professional works alongside the educational team on an ongoing basis, supporting the observation of the children, as well as the planning and reflection on educational practices.
The teaching staff also act as a point of contact in dialogue with families and help to build, over time, an educational partnership that is attentive to the needs and development of each child.
Frequently asked questions
Through the Becoming Academy, our educators and teachers follow a continuous path of professional development, updating their skills on innovative methodologies and pedagogical research to ensure a meaningful and conscious educational experience.
start your journey with us
Come and discover Giocomotiva: book a visit or request information. We look forward to seeing you!