Pygolabides is a small, independent nursery in Zakynthos, Greece, specializing in nurturing children aged 2.5 to 5 years old. This is the pivotal stage when the term infant evolves into child. It marks the transition from the post-infant phase and the official beginning of childhood. After mastering the milestone of standing and taking their first steps, children begin exploring the world around them, initiating a journey of personal discovery. According to Maria Montessori, each opportunity for growth and development occurs during what she calls a sensitive period, unique to each child. These sensitive periods are best understood through careful observation of the child. At Pygolabides, our curriculum is designed to provide a nurturing and supportive environment, guiding your child through the important early stages of their life’s journey.Our classrooms are designed to provide children with independent and easy access to a variety of activities and experiences. We embrace the world from a child’s perspective, which is uniquely pure and distinct from that of an adult. We organize our daily routines around the personal and functional needs of each child, ensuring they have the freedom to explore and grow at their own pace.In the post-infant and toddler sections, children of mixed ages are grouped together to encourage cooperation and interaction. Younger children learn from their older peers, acquiring knowledge and developing attitudes through observation and imitation, which can only come from exposure. At the same time, the older children experience joy and confidence as they master new skills, feeling proud to share them with their younger friends. This cross-age cooperation and interaction create a nurturing environment that benefits all children.Encouraging repetition and mastery of familiar concepts, along with the stability and consistency provided by our environment, helps build the child’s self-confidence and ability to navigate daily routines. This, in turn, empowers their sense of freedom. A key part of this process is potty training, which marks the stage when the child gains control over their sphincters, leading to a natural desire to abandon their nappy. Potty training is a deeply personal and individualized process, shaped by each child’s unique personality. One of the core principles we uphold during this process is the utmost respect for each child’s body. This respect forms the foundation for helping the child establish personal boundaries, foster self-respect, and promote healthy development of their sexuality in the years to come.
My name is Athina Kakagianni, and I am a graduate of the Department of Education and Training in Preschool Education at the Kapodistrian University of Athens (study period: September 20, 2007 – July 6, 2011), with a degree grade of 8.6 (Excellent). Upon completing my studies, I was filled with passion and drive, envisioning a career in an environment where respect for children and their well-being lies at its core. This led me to begin my personal journey by attending a seminar on education as an IMA Montessori Assistant (ages 0-3). Following that, I earned my certification in Braille from the official body K.E.A.T. and also participated in Sign Language courses for two years. Furthermore, I have participated in various seminars and conferences, including:
Shortly after, my first child came into my life, revealing to me the fascinating world of infancy. Filled with wonder and admiration for the incredible abilities babies naturally possess and develop, I took part in an infant massage workshop organized by the World Organization IAIM. As a parent, I also embraced the Child Space method and the Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) approach. I refreshed my First Aid Training for infants and children and further expanded my knowledge through workshops on messy play and sensory play for children aged 1-12 years old.
-In the summer of 2009, while studying, I cared for pre-toddlers and toddlers -From September 2011 to June 2013, I worked as a kindergarten teacher at the 'Rollino' Preschool Center in Marousi. -From April to September 2014, I worked at the LearningSteps Preschool Education Center. -From September 2014 to June 2017, I worked at the Philekpediavetii Etairia in the 3rd Arsakeion-Tositsio Kindergarten in Ekali, teaching both pre-toddlers (3 Π1) and toddlers (A N1). -In June 2015, I led art workshops for children aged 4 to 12 at the Anthology of Art in Perissos. -From August 2017 to May 2019, I worked at NEW LEVEL THERAPY P.C., providing secretarial support and managing the company's accounting, legal, and financial operations. I was also responsible for developing the educational system for the Platinum Nurture – Platinum Child project, aimed at creating a holistic care environment for children from the fetal period to toddlerhood. -From June 2019 to March 2023, I focused on creative work and home caregiving in Zakynthos.
The nursery area consists of small classes with children aged 2.5 to 4 years. Our curriculum is built around love, trust, security, comfort, and nourishment—not only for our little friends but also for their parents. The program draws on years of experience in various pedagogical approaches, including Montessori (0-3), Waldorf, Forest School, and Beach Schools. Our primary goal is to foster mental balance and harmony, which emerge from a deep respect for the psychological well-being of both children and adults.
In Greece, nurseries and kindergartens form the first compulsory stage of education for children. In today’s fast-paced world, the demands of daily life have a negative impact on children. There is often pressure for them to write, read, and count before they have fully understood or experienced these concepts, leading to what can be called hollow knowledge. As a result, children may lose their natural sense of playfulness and carefree behavior.At Pygolampides, our philosophy is rooted in recognizing the unique needs, autonomy, and involvement of each child. Our goal is to foster self-awareness, which stems from understanding their feelings, thoughts, and needs. The great philosopher Plato was one of the first to recognize the importance of early education, emphasizing that it should begin at a very young age, as children are more spontaneous and creative during this period. He believed that children’s ability to invent their own games plays a crucial role in shaping the activities they will engage in as they grow older.
This is a structured set of activities designed for preschool children (4-6 years) and school-age children (5-12 years). Our workshops focus on creative expression, experiential learning, skill development, entertainment, and connecting with the natural environment. These are the core pillars of our programs. Children collaborate with one another, enriching their abilities, while adventure, emotions, and smiles take center stage! Each child leaves with positive experiences and new knowledge, which they can share with teachers and newfound friends, creating unforgettable summer memories that will last a lifetime. Read more...
Please contact Pygolabides for more information about this additional service.
Please contact Pygolabides for more information about this additional service.
A unique experience of education through observation and games is awaiting your children, via our specifically designed space, the specialist-trained staff and the utilization of modern and experiential methodsWorkshops: -Little artists: Visual arts and constructions with a different approach... Through painting, the 'collage' technique and handicrafts we activate the creativity of our children, familiarizing them with their artistic expression and we make them aware of artworks. The implementation of recyclable materials and the connection of creating without harming the environment, offers 'new life' to materials, discovering a new world full of imagination!-Theatre...playing: drama games - theater education. Through this workshop children will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the their speech, voice, movement and expressiveness. The development of their imagination, the coexistence within the group with other children, the improvisation and creative expression are key objectives of the laboratory. This program includes role plays, musical motor activities, team-bonding games, improvisations, techniques of puppetry and pantomime.-Fairy Tale Puzzles: Fairy Tales-Stories-Creative Writing. In this workshops our young and old friends are learning about literature, stories, fairy tales and myths. Through experiential narration and animation of the stories, the children come into substantial contact with them. We then use the stories and fairy tales as a foundation to enrich creative writing and develop inspiration.-Origami project : The art of folded paper that transports us to a three-dimensional space. With a piece of paper you can create something unique, while getting in touch with Japanese culture. It is a particularly relaxing and creative activity, with multiple benefits for children: calmness, concentration, motor and visual coordination, strengthening fine motor skills and memory.-Be an Archaeologist: Innovative excavation program that brings the children in contact with the world of Archaeology. This is an empirical workshop of discovery, exploration, recording and methodology. Children work in small groups and they discover by investigating, whilst the guidance of the coordinator helps them to discover new theories.-With clay, stones...and with imagination: During this workshop we will deal with raw natural materials. Utilizing clay and stone processing techniques, we will discover their qualities, creating beautiful constructions.-Junior chef- Healthy diet: Cooking- confectionery. This experimental laboratory is created with the aim of introducing and informing children about the world of healthy foods. Understanding the importance of healthy food for the body and its growth, we will create delicious savoury and sweet snacks… that raise healthy kids!-Us and the environment' : Escapes into the natural environment and earth awareness. This workshop includes short field trips on the beach and in the mountain of the area, with the aim of observing the local flora, fauna and the natural elements. During this program we will be in contact with nature and perform ecological actions.-Messy play – Sensory Play. This is an activity of discovery and experimentation with new textures and different materials. The children through play and using their senses they discover in their own individual way. The goal is sensory integration, motor development but also emotional expression of the children. Sensory play can include games with sand, dirt, plasticine, salt, flour, water, rice or paints.-Allow us to play: It is known that all children love board games. Games of memory, speed, knowledge and adventures keep our interest undiminished and activating teamwork between the children! Well-known board games, but also those that we will create, will be the subject of this laboratory. Take your seats and…the game begins!-Little Traveler : It is a workshop-journey around the world. The children will explore and learn the world, whilst they come into contact with the world of geography, multiculturalism and various cultures of the world. Come meet the world!Yoga ... for happy kids: it is an empirical activity that helps us to connect ourselves with the nature. Relaxed music and yoga movements have significant benefits for children's psychosomatic development and stress reduction. The feeling of inner peace and correct breathing will help to strengthen children's imagination, to control their body and energy, as well as to strengthen the spirit of communication.
My name is Renesi Fiorella, and I am a dedicated ESL teacher with years of experience helping students from diverse linguistic backgrounds master English. I hold a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Essex, where I deepened my understanding of language acquisition and teaching methodologies. I also earned a Bachelor's degree in English from Athens, Greece.Since 2004, I have had the privilege of teaching at private English schools in Greece, as well as providing personalized one-on-one lessons to a wide range of students. This experience has allowed me to develop a versatile approach to teaching that caters to the individual needs of each learner. I also completed an internship at the University of Essex in 2004, where I gained valuable insights into advanced teaching strategies. As an English teacher, my lessons are designed to foster not just language skills, but also a love for learning. By incorporating fun activities, songs, games, and interactive lessons, I make the process enjoyable and engaging for young students. This approach helps children develop their language abilities while building confidence in using English both inside and outside the classroom.I am committed to continually enhancing my expertise and actively seek opportunities for professional growth. I have earned a wide array of certificates, including those from the University of Cambridge in language teaching and exam preparation. My commitment to improving my teaching methods has led me to pursue additional certifications in areas such as dynamic vocabulary teaching, integrating digital tools in the classroom, innovative teaching methods, and much more. These ongoing efforts ensure that I stay current with the latest advancements in education and am always prepared to provide the best learning experience for my students.My mission is to create an engaging and supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to develop their skills in all areas of English—speaking, listening, reading, and writing. I am passionate about helping learners of all levels build the confidence and proficiency they need to succeed in English.
My name is Garifalia Gabi, I was born and raised in Zakynthos and I am a graduate of the Department of Early Childhood Education and Educational Planning of the University of the Aegean. During my studies, I had an active role as a volunteer educator during the Migration Period in the Aegean. On this occasion, I received a specialization in Intercultural Education. Upon completing my studies in 2019, I started working as a kindergarten teacher and I continue to actively work to this day. I love children and the educational process, but I also wanted to get to know another world, the world of Yoga. Thus, in 2023 I completed my studies as a professional children's yoga teacher.
My name is Eleftheria Liatsou and I was born in Agrinio. My family owned a farm that we all took care of, and our daily life involved working with animals, gardening, and being in nature. My father has always been passionate about sports, which encouraged me from a young age to get involved in various athletic activities. Eventually, I found my second family in Greco-Roman Wrestling. As the only girl in the sport for several years, I became physically strong and, as I grew older, I won three National Championships, two Silver Medals, and one Bronze Medal. Later, I pursued my studies while also being trained by the Fire Academy. I volunteered with the Fire Department for three years. My love for water led me to explore new places, and I was enchanted by the natural beauty of Zakynthos, where I decided to settle. With the arrival of my daughter, I experienced an overwhelming love, and as we grew together, I devoted myself to the world of children.
Kalamaki, Vlontos Zakynthos, 29100
