Grow Noto
A community of learning in nature in Sicily
Education in Nature: Vendicari, Noto - Sicily
Grow is a multicultural reality that promotes education in nature and cultural events that can involve the entire community of Noto and its surroundings.
The Education in Nature proposal was born from a group of parents united by the desire to offer their children an alternative education, which cares about their future, way of being and thinking, inclusion and protection of nature.
While continuing in parallel with traditional school as regards the achievement of objectives and skills, i
Our educators will follow different paths, which take into account the uniqueness of each child and take advantage of the precious opportunities that Nature, the true teacher, offers us.
Educational projects
- Stimulate talents
- Nourish in a healthy way body and soul
- Experiential teaching
- Respect the rhythms of Bambin* and nature
- Empathic communication
- Non -judgment
- Parallel path to public institutions
Who we are
We want to present our project to you.
Educational Project
Grow, which sees its beating heart in the educational project, wants to become a point of reference for the community of Noto and its surroundings also as a place of exchange, meeting and entertainment.
We will work to involve more and more people, artists, musicians, artisans, intellectuals and professionals in order to create moments of sharing and knowledge.
We want our girls and boys to grow up with a vision open to diversity and attentive to ecology, in order to become virtuous citizens of the world.
Inclusion
Welcoming of diversity, of different cultures, with the spirit of those who want to break down barriers and build bridges.
Responsibility
Being part of Grow includes a willingness to participate in the project to keep it alive and grow. Grow belongs to everyone, every contribution is important.
Creativity
We pay a lot of attention to the creative arts, considering it an important tool for expressing oneself in the world.
Nature protection
We are committed to respecting the nature that hosts us and to promoting initiatives and intentions aimed at caring for the spaces that we have the privilege of occupying.
Community
With our precious differences, we want to show our children that it is possible to share goals and values, help each other and grow as human beings, enriching each other.
Transparency
We are committed to being clear, sharing decisions and steps to be taken with each other in a clear and open way.
Empathy and kindness
We support the importance of healthy, kind and respectful communication between adults and children.
Organic, fresh premises
The Grow canteen is a welcoming place where children come together to share meals in a relaxing and familiar atmosphere. The ingredients used come from local producers, with particular attention to freshness and seasonality. The menu varies to reflect the balance between taste and nutrition, in line with the values of sustainability and well-being promoted by the school. The café is designed to be a space for connection and conviviality, where you can enjoy genuine food and at the same time experience moments of sharing.
Solidarity Purchasing Groups
They are associations of citizens who organize together to purchase food products or products for daily use. Their uniqueness lies in the principle of solidarity, which promotes a close relationship with small local producers who respect the environment and people.
A lively and involved Cominutà
Grow Noto is more than a school: it is a community.
Parents are invited to actively participate, conducting workshops, organizing activities, helping with maintenance or participating in decisions. Working together, we create a rich, supportive and dynamic learning environment for our children.
Eventi comunitari & raccolte fondi
Families come together to celebrate, support and grow the project
The bands
- SEMINI (0-2 years) - gradual introduction to learning through sensory experiences and outdoor games
- Sprouts (3-5 years) – Natural environments to explore, learn and develop skills through outdoor game
- Wildflowers (6-10 years) – A mix of academic subjects, practical experiences and learning in nature
Education in Nature
From 0 to 10 years
All educational activities are aimed at children aged 0 to 10 years.
The main peculiarity is that it takes place in a natural context. It is a direct and daily contact with nature, in the knowledge that this is the healthiest possible environment for living, playing and growing. Playing with the earth and leaves, walking among the trees, taking care of animals and plants, immersing yourself in the cycle of the seasons are just some of the advantages that outdoor education can offer.
Educational experiences
Knowledge of the body and emotional education are the other two key principles of outdoor education. In Italy these educational experiences are rapidly spreading. The proposed method is based on some essential pedagogical foundations and on play.
The equal relationship between adult and child plays a fundamental role as a privileged tool of educational action, non-judgment. The adult favors paths of autonomy, awareness and choice; empathic listening between adult and child allows the construction of a significant educational relationship. Education, in the etymological sense of the term, from the Latin educere, that is, to bring out, extract, represents Grow's mission.
Our pedagogy
🌿 Morning of the morning and evening:
A space to listen, share and connect
🌿 For primary school (6-10 years):
We follow the Italian curriculum (mathematics, Italian, sciences, geography, history, English, art and vegetable garden)
🌿 UNA COMBINAZIONE DI LIBRI & APPRENDIMENTO ESPERIENZIALE :
Learning takes place both through books and through real experiences
🌿 ESPLORAZIONI & LABORATORI DEL VENERDÌ :
Every Friday afternoon we organize excursions or practical workshops, such as visits to the library, meetings with local artists, discovery of small businesses and more
🌿 Optional end -of -year exam:
Families can choose whether to take the Italian official examination
Our community
We have many ideas and with your help we can make them happen
- Summer centers
- Educational laboratories
- Training courses
- Social dinners
- Parties
- Exchanges with other realities
Where We Are
Grow has its home on the grounds of Agriturismo Il Roveto, a true historical and natural heritage in the Vendicari Nature Reserve.
The grounds extend to the sea, with a view that takes your breath away. The outdoor classrooms are immersed in unique vegetation, in the shade of centuries-old olive, almond and carob trees.
For days of bad weather or for special educational needs we have an area of the farmhouse available.
Lunch, 0 km and vegetarian, will also be shared inside the farmhouse.
