Our approach
A play-based, multi-faceted programme
Our programme is built on the Turkish national (MEB) curriculum. We bring its learning outcomes together with activities inspired by the Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia approaches, play-based learning and the experiences gained in our forest hours.
That is why our children spend most of the day outdoors: around 80% of their time is spent in the open air. Because the classrooms are spread across different corners of the campus, they walk throughout the day, and every walk is also a chance to feel the weather and the season.
At Their Own Pace, True to Their Nature
Our children grow, learn and flourish at their own pace in groups formed mostly by age and, when needed, by development.
- Fındıklar (Hazelnuts)
- Meşe Palamutları (Acorns)
- Cevizler (Walnuts)
- Kozalaklar (Pine Cones, primary school readiness)
Each class has at most 20 children; a class teacher and a support teacher accompany them together.
Daily life intertwined with nature
Climbing trees, jumping in puddles, touching the soil, getting dirty and exploring freely are an inseparable part of children's daily lives.
Children make mud cakes, play in the rain, collect eggs from the coop and create projects with natural materials. Instead of plastic toys, they play with the surprises nature offers and come to know nature as their closest friend.
A campus in the heart of the forest
A safe living space for children on 10 decares of land, among hundreds of trees.
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Ages 3–6Areas of Development and Our Lessons
The Serpil Orman Kindergarten programme treats cognitive, physical and social development as one whole rather than separate parts. Our children mostly learn not at a desk but in nature, in workshops and on the move. The foundations of life skills such as thinking, problem solving, cooperation and free self-expression are laid through play and experience.
- Green HoursTwo lesson hours every day are spent in the open spaces of the campus and in the forest next door. Children observe nature with all their senses, set up free play outdoors and discover natural cycles where they happen. This regular contact keeps curiosity, environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility towards all living things alive.
- EnglishIn lessons woven into monthly themes, English becomes a natural part of the daily flow. With native English-speaking teachers, children pick up the language and its pronunciation through songs, games, stories and active play. Lessons take place in the English workshop and in the open spaces of the campus.
- Coding and Logical ThinkingWith screen-free, hands-on game kits and floor-based spatial activities suited to their age, children practise finding directions, sequencing, building patterns and making cause-and-effect links. The foundations of problem solving and logical thinking are laid through play, without depending on a screen.
- Physical Education and Traditional GamesThrough traditional outdoor games from our own culture and other parts of the world, children learn to move together, wait their turn, share and explore their limits safely. Alongside physical coordination, strong self-management and peer cooperation develop.
- Visual Arts and WorkshopChildren create original pieces with clay, paper and natural paints as well as pine cones, leaves, stones and twigs they collect outdoors. They give free shape to what they see and feel. The work takes place in the art workshop and in the Murt open-air classroom.
- Music and Orff ActivitiesChildren discover the world of sound by listening, telling sounds apart, singing and keeping rhythm with Orff instruments. While enjoying making music together, rhythm and harmony strengthen their focus, listening discipline and coordination.
- ChessThrough fairy-tale storytelling and hands-on materials suited to their age, children discover how the pieces move and the basic rules of the game. As they play, they build the skills of concentrating, weighing options, waiting patiently and planning moves with amateur excitement.