AN AMAZING WAY OF TEACHING USING NATURE AS THE MEDIUM

Philosophy

Learning languages through nature is a gentle way of teaching children to love nature. At 4Elements Galicia we recognise that we are all part of nature, that nature is not only our but everyone’s business. We love to teach in nature because we know that that love will be passed on to the learners which will in turn help to preserve our planet.

We understand that languages are alive and very much part of nature, and so we believe it is natural to make nature part of the learning process:

“Direct physical contact with natural and cultural phenomena increases the authenticity in learning by providing… We learn not only by seeing and hearing but also by smelling, feeling, tasting and touching”.

A. Szczepanski, Swedish Professor of Outdoor Education

Flow Learning: at 4 Elements we aim for children, and adults alike, to become so absorbed in the moment that the learning becomes flow state. They learn unconsciously and naturally at our wild and reflective setting.

We follow proven Forest School methodologies: encouraging and inspiring individuals to develop through an innovative, educational approach to outdoor activity.

The 4Elements Galicia idea has grown over time: our success means we stand happily and confidently by our methodology and we want to bring this experience to as many children and families as possible.

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We are a place where even the smallest children will learn to communicate in a foreign language without shyness

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We are a place where language and nature are appreciated equally

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We are a place where languages are free from the confines of classroom learning

I want be part of this!

Founders

Francis Heybrook

Co-Founder, Director

BA Spanish and Portuguese, University College London, Forest School Leader, CELTA, Forest School and Paediatric First Aid, Open Water Lifeguard, 20 years experience working with children running workshops and educational projects with a focus on biodiversity and environmental education, Forest School sessions and nature camps.

Diana Diaz

Co-Founder, Coordinator

BA Hispanic and Iberian Studies, University College London, TEFL, 15 years editorial experience working on English teaching materials for the Hispanic market for leading educational publishers in UK

Lalo Mazari

Teacher Trainer, Spanish Teaching Guide

Montessori Guide, 20 years experience working as a Montessori Guide and Emotional Intelligence Trainer for teachers and families in schools in Mexico, Los Angeles and Santiago de Compostela.

Xiana Sar

Camp and Forest School Monitor English and Spanish

Student of English Language Studies at University of Santiago de Compostela, 3 years experience working at 4Elements Galicia in Muxia as an English Forest School monitor.

Caspar Dale

Camp Monitor English

Student of Biomedical Science at University Kings College London. Experience implementing projects that promote biodiversity at his family’s organic farm in Oxford.

Rosa Ramos and Matthew Smith

English Teachers

Rosa has over 15 years experience working as a Spanish teacher at secondary schools in the UK and teaching English as a foreign language. Matt is a social worker by profession, a musician, excellent communicator and has experience working as an English teacher at school in Galicia.

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