At Gaztelueta School, personalised attention is one of the fundamental pillars that characterise its educational model. This philosophy is reflected in multiple activities and initiatives that seek to strengthen the relationship between families and the educational team. Among them, a unique and special proposal aimed at the families of Infant Education pupils stands out: the Classroom Café. This programme allows parents not only to gain an in-depth understanding of their children's dynamics and progress in the classroom, but also to become actively involved in their children's learning and development.
The Classroom Café is a regular meeting in which the parents of each class meet with the class teacher in an informal and friendly setting, designed to allow the dialogue to flow in a natural and pleasant way. The idea is that parents feel comfortable and can find out first-hand how their children's day-to-day life at school is going. During these sessions, the tutor of each group explains the routines of the classroom, the evolution of the group and the individual progress of the children, all while sharing a coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.
Routines are an essential part of children's learning and development. In the Classroom CaféIn this way, families can understand the value of these everyday activities and how they help their children acquire skills and confidence in the school environment. The tutor explains how each routine contributes to the development of specific skills: from autonomy and responsibility, to the ability to socialise and work as part of a team. In addition, families can learn about the overall progress of the group and how peer cohesion is being strengthened, a vital aspect for the children's emotional well-being.
Each meeting becomes an opportunity for parents to learn in detail about their children's progress, seeing first-hand how they are progressing in different areas and how they are adapting to the rhythms of the classroom. This also allows parents to become familiar with the teaching methodologies used by the school, which fosters greater understanding and collaboration at home, creating a positive synergy in the children's learning.
One of the most enriching activities of the Classroom Café is the review and analysis of classroom images. The tutor projects photos of significant moments of the school day, allowing parents to observe how their children interact in class, how they relate to their classmates and how they respond to the proposed activities. This visual tool is particularly useful, as parents can directly see their children in the school context, in situations that they would not otherwise be able to witness.
The observation of the pictures generates an enriching dialogue between the parents and the tutor. Together they analyse the children's behaviour and can better understand their interests, strengths and areas where they might require additional support. This activity helps parents to feel that they are actively involved in their children's school life and to make informed decisions about how they can supplement learning at home.
The main purpose of the Classroom Café is to create a space where families feel accompanied and supported in the educational process of their children. At Gaztelueta, we firmly believe in the family as the primary educators; this initiative therefore strengthens the bond between the school and the families, fostering a relationship of trust and collaboration that greatly benefits the pupils.
By being close to families and offering them this personalised attention, the school aims for parents to perceive the closeness and commitment of the Infant School team. This allows parents to feel an active part of the educational community, understanding that their role is fundamental to the success and well-being of their children. In addition, the Classroom Café becomes a space where families can express their concerns and needs, allowing the school to adapt its strategies and offer an appropriate and personalised response to each student and their family.
The Classroom Café not only enriches families, but also the teaching staff. Teachers can gain a more complete picture of each child, thanks to the information parents share about their children. This exchange allows for an even more personalised approach, where the individual needs of each pupil can be comprehensively addressed.
Gaztelueta is committed to Classroom Cafés as a tool that strengthens the relationship between the school and families, promoting an educational model based on personalised attention. This type of meeting reinforces families' confidence in the school and allows them to play an active part in their children's educational process.
