Školka Na Dvorku

Kindergarten Courtyard

The unique family nature kindergarten is located in a recently reconstructed listed farmhouse dating back to 1837 which is situated located on the village square in Plzeň-Koterov.

The intention was to create the most pleasant and beneficial environment possible, both in the residential part of the kindergarten and in the spacious garden or nearby orchard.

Our goal, as adults, is to play the role of guides and guardians within the child's world of discovery. Our approach is based on the principle of individualization and autonomy. We acknowledge the importance of boundaries and rules that are meant to provide the children with a sense of safety and security.

We perceive our task as being a one of guiding, preparing and involving children in society in a way that they could later be able to assume their chosen social roles while at the same time having and cultivaning an attitude of friendliness, kindness and respectfulness towards their surroundings. We are striving to help children grow up to be people with strong moral principles , eager for knowledge and living in harmony with nature. People who can clearly distinguish between good and bad.

We feel good in nature!

We consider nature to be a very beneficial "textbook" for a healthy development and growth of a child. Therefore if the weather is favorable, the classes often take place outdoors, either in the orchard, a forest or a nearby farm. We support the development of the child through either spontaneous and or guided activities. The principles of experiential and cooperative learning as well as spontaneous social learning are being applied. We do not forget that in the first seven years of life, a child learns through imitation.

Our classes

The main advantage of our small team is that we can approach the children as unique beings having specific needs and learning habits. Based on these, we can work with them more intensively and effectively, thus assuring them a sense of safety and security. The rather small number of children in the particular classes makes it possible to organize a diverse range of activities: theater performances or exhibitions are attended and all-day long trips to nature take place on a regular basis. Sports activities are also an integral part of our kindergarten, children try out activities that are otherwise less available in the preschool years, such as climbing, skating, skiing or rope obstacles.

Our team

Radka

You can find her everywhere: running between classrooms with a basket of fruit, joining in the children's games, or—most often—found in the office, organising and managing the kindergarten. She also joins all our sports adventures.

Adam

You'll usually find him with the preschoolers or preparing an adventurous outdoor expedition. And if he's not inside, just look around—you'll most likely see him running behind the fields or exploring the nearby woods.

Deni

She is the guide in the Courtyard Class. Rain or shine, she loves spending time in the forest or by the river. With care and enthusiasm, she tends our garden, where you will surely find her among the trees and flowers.

Lenka

Her main workspace is the Cottage Class. She is an amazing athlete, an enthusiastic creative, and a compassionate teacher. Her charming smile never fades, and she loves making all sorts of things out of anything.

Martina

Together with Johanka, she guides the younger children in the Little Hill Class. She shows them that everything is easier with a smile and a bit of movement—probably why you'll often see her and her class dancing happily in the Koterov meadows.

Renča

With love and patience, she cares for the little ones in the Courtyard Class. You can often find Renča, Deni, and their class in the meadows or forest, accompanied by our friendly dogs.

Johanka

A constantly smiling girl from Moravia with a big heart, who loves animals. She's been riding horses since childhood, adores nature, and rescues living creatures. Her class, the Little Hill Class, cares for the animals on a neighbouring farm, and she rewards the children with horse rides.

Vendy

She is part of the guide team for the preschoolers in the Hilltop Class. She carefully supports the oldest children in their school readiness activities and loves going on expeditions that always bring something new and exciting. And if not, she invents and creates something surprising for them.

Kačka

She loves exploring nature, reading, cycling, and going for runs just for fun. She has always dreamed of working with preschool children, and now that dream is coming true every day. She enjoys helping little ones discover new things, play and learn in a joyful and playful environment.

Větvík

The youngest member of our animal team. You'll mostly spot him disappearing into the treetops. If you are quiet and patient, he'll purr and let you stroke his soft fur.