Butterflies Pedagogy

Nurturing Future Leaders Through Complete Development
BUTTERFLIES PEDAGOGY

Building foundations and developing competencies for tomorrow

Our approach is built on four pillars to nurture well-rounded growth that respects each child’s individuality and pace. The four foundations are cognitive, social-emotional, motor, and creative development.

We cultivate lifelong skills that we call Key competencies.  These are curiosity, resilience, communication, self-awareness, and collaborative leadership, guiding children from simple discoveries to purposeful, independent problem-solving.

Our bilingual, nature-rich environment fosters complete growth empowering children to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Through intentional play, outdoor exploration, and democratic participation, we equip every child with the tools to adapt, innovate, and lead in a diverse world. Discover how we turn childhood potential into lifelong purpose.

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OUR FOUNDATIONS

We foster four pillars of development

At Butterflies, we empower children to grow into conscious, resilient, and creative individuals. We believe in the integration between:

Cognitive Development: Building critical thinking, problem-solving, and curiosity.

Social & Emotional Growth: Cultivating empathy, collaboration, and self-awareness.

Motor Skills: Enhancing physical coordination and confidence through movement.

Creativity: Encouraging innovation and self-expression.

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ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Key Competencies for Lifelong Success

We nurture essential skills through progressive stages, respecting each child’s unique pace:

– Curiosity:
From asking questions to deep exploration.
Children learn to investigate, innovate, and apply knowledge creatively.

 – Autonomy & Commitment:
From simple decisions to long-term dedication.
We guide them to balance independence with teamwork and responsibility.

 – Resilience:
Adapting to challenges and learning from setbacks.
Children develop perseverance and emotional strength.

 – Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving:
Analyzing information and designing solutions.
Equipping them to navigate complex situations with confidence.

 – Communication:
Expressing ideas to articulating complex thoughts.
Children master active listening, adapt messages to diverse audiences, and engage in respectful dialogue.

 – Self-Awareness:
Recognizing emotions to aligning actions with values.
They learn to understand their emotions, reflect on personal strengths, and grow through self-reflection.

 – Leadership & Collaboration:
Participating in teams to driving collective success.
From teamwork to strategic leadership, children build empathy, motivate peers, and foster inclusive environments.

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BILINGUAL CURRICULUM

Bilingual children develop superior cognitive skills, like problem-solving and multitasking, by alternating between two languages.

Our students perform better in academic areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics due to their exposure to two languages. It helps them connect better with different cultures, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity.

Our curriculum follows the Portuguese educational framework incorporating globally inspired best practices, ensuring academic rigor and complete growth.

NATURE RICH ENVIRONMENT

At Butterflies Education, we believe that a strong connection with nature is essential for children’s complete development. Our location in the beautiful Quinta da Beloura provides ample opportunities for outdoor learning and exploration. Our spacious outdoor areas are designed to stimulate children’s senses and encourage exploration. We have gardens, play areas, and visit nature trails, where children can connect with the natural world and learn through hands-on experiences.

We integrate nature into our curriculum through outdoor lessons and activities, using the natural world as a living classroom. Children participate in gardening activities, learning about plants, ecosystems, and the importance of environmental stewardship. We also organize regular nature walks and field trips to explore the local environment and learn about different habitats and species.

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ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION

Monitoring Progress and Celebrating Achievements

We use a combination of observation, project work, and formal assessments to monitor children’s progress and celebrate their achievements. Our assessment methods are tailored to each age group and are designed to provide a comprehensive picture of each child’s development.

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"At Butterflies, we champion a complete development, empowering students to excel academically and thrive personally"

Teresa de Gruyter – School Director

OUR INSPIRATIONS

Our approach is inspired by several key educational philosophies.

Montessori:  From the Montessori method, we embrace child-centered learning that fosters autonomy and hands-on exploration. We believe in creating organised and accessible environments that encourage both internal and external discipline.

High Scope:  The High Scope approach emphasises active participation, consistent routines, and the development of strong adult-child relationships. We value experiential activities where children actively shape their own learning journey.

New Nordic:  Finally, drawing from the New Nordic approach, we prioritise outdoor play, creativity, and democratic participation, placing a strong emphasis on well-being, connection with nature, and developing a sense of global citizenship.

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EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

Bilingual and Complete Education for a Conscious Future

The Educational Project outlines our educational philosophy, curriculum, and approach to fostering complete development in children. It details our commitment to bilingual education, active learning, and creating a nature-rich environment. 

DOWNLOAD EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

Download our “Projeto Educativo” document for a comprehensive overview of our pedagogical framework and educational philosophy.