We create a safe space, set in nature, where kids can learn, play and explore as part of a community. We have a Jardim for ages three to six that supports creativity and free play. In the big school, for ages six and up, we facilitate small learning groups where kids focus on the core parts of the Portuguese curriculum. We come together for storytellings, games and creative offerings.
Jardim
For our younger children, each day unfolds through outdoor free play, storytelling, and guided arts and crafts. The Jardim offers a nurturing space where imagination, curiosity, and connection with nature are at the heart of learning. Through play, creativity, and shared moments, children grow in confidence, community, and joy.
We:
- nurture each child’s natural curiosity and desire to learn
- explore healthy social interaction through play and group activities
- offer rhythm and routine to create a sense of security
- provide a space where children can explore freely and grow in confidence
- learn Portuguese through stories, songs, and conversation
- encourage curiosity, independent thinking, and questions about the world
- introduce letters and numbers through playful, hands-on games
- celebrate and learn from each other’s cultures and backgrounds
- share meals and fruit circles together
- play, discover, and connect with nature every day
Big Kids
We recognise that learning takes many forms and happens in many places. At the same time, we value literacy and numeracy as essential tools for creativity, self-directed learning, and access to future opportunities.
We support children with core areas of the Portuguese curriculum and offer exam preparation where needed in both Portuguese and English. For families registered as home-educating in Portugal, we provide guidance and assistance in meeting educational requirements while maintaining flexibility and creativity in learning.
Folha Verde is home to a diverse international community, with families bringing a wide range of languages, experiences, and learning styles. To foster connection and balance, all Big Kids are encouraged to participate fully in both morning and afternoon sessions. Our daily rhythm helps each child feel seen, valued, and confident.
Each day begins with a Morning Meeting, where facilitators and children check in, share ideas, and organise the day’s activities and ongoing projects.
At the end of the day, we gather again for a Closing Meeting, reflecting on the highlights and challenges of the day and ending together as a group.
Once a week, we hold an Awareness Meeting, a key part of life at Folha Verde. Here, we bring up both positive observations and challenges, discussing them openly to find solutions together. These meetings offer a safe, collective space where children learn to communicate honestly, reflect on behaviour, and help shape a respectful, caring community.
Afternoon Offerings
In the afternoons, children work in small groups with facilitators and community members on a variety of projects. These include practical skills such as carpentry and carving, creative pursuits like jewellery making, painting, and drawing, and projects that extend ideas from morning sessions.
We welcome contributions from parents and the wider community—whether sharing a skill, a craft, or a personal passion. Many of our afternoon offerings grow directly from the children’s own ideas and interests, ensuring that learning remains meaningful, dynamic, and full of life.
Forest School
We believe that play and connection with nature are a fundamental part of learning and growth for everyone. Our mission is to inspire and enable positive outdoor experiences and an appreciation of nature and the environment!
Every Thursday during Folha Verde term time we have a day with nature in our Forest School. It is available for children aged 5-12 years old. The day offers space for free play sessions, encouraging children to explore and immerse themselves in nature and to take part in guided/supported learning activities. Examples of activities might include fire lighting, learning to use a fixed blade knife to whittle/carve wood, felting with wool etc. Activities are designed to freely explore elements that are always available, and encourage creativity to use nature. Kids participate in building dens, fairy worlds, playing with mud and water, climbing, playing on rope swings, natural art and crafts with materials available, observation and relaxation.
