During the visit.

This morning we visited the Early Childhood Center of the Valladolid City Hall, Mafalda y Guille, in the Parquesol district. In this center we were received by Chus Torres, Director and Begona Perez, Early Childhood Specialist of the City Hall, who guided us through the fantastic facilities of the school and who explained the work they carry out there.

At the Mafalda y Guille school.

We had the chance to see firsthand the work in different classrooms, talk with various members of the center’s team and, especially, to see the children enjoying their day at the center.

In the Sagrada Familia school.

From there, we went to the Sagrada Familia  School, of the Hijas de Jesus order, where Carmen Sastre and Celia Rivera, Representative and General Director of the school, respectively, along with Maria Jesus and Josefa, received us in a most splendid manner. After a delicious snack, we attended an audiovisual presentation about the history of the school, its philosophy and development and we then toured the ample facilities of the school that left us very impressed.

It was very pleasant to have a chance to converse with the four members of the directing team of the school who showed us facilities, equipment and media and who shared their opinions, hopes and goals with us.

Visiting the facilities.

Without any doubt, this is a landmark center, led by an exceptional group of professionals. We enjoyed the visit very much and we are very thankful for the hospitality provided to us.

At the entrance of the school.

In the afternoon, we travelled to Medina de Rioseco to board the boat that cruises along the Canal de Castilla.

At the boarding ramp of the Canal.

This is a very pleasant ride in which we also had the opportunity to learn a little bit about the history of Castilla y Leon and its economic development at the time the Canal was built.

On board the boat.

We also visited the Holy Week Museum, to stroll around the picturesque streets of the town and, of course, to taste the delicious bakery products made in the town.

Visiting Medina de Rioseco.

Today we had a very different activity in the Seminar’s program. During our visit to the Jorge Guillen Early Childhood and Elementary School, and thanks to the kindness of the Summer Program Coordinator, Martha Gutierrez, the participants in the Seminar, instead of observing the activities, led them, sharing a little bit of their country of origin with the children in the program.

Nallely Ruiz telling a traditional story.

For example, Nallely Gutierrez, from Veracruz, Mexico, told a traditional story, shared with the children phrases in various indigenous languages and taught them how to play the traditional Mexican lottery game.

Playing Mexican Lottery.

Lilia Gomez, from Queretaro, Mexico, taught different songs and games to the groups she visited. The “rabbit” game was very successful among all.

Lilia Gomez explaining a game.

Libertad Ruiz, from Queretaro, Mexico, shared games and songs with all the groups. The “chicken” song will surely be heard among the children for the weeks to come…

Libertad Ruiz leading the "chicken"

Josefina Arellano, also from Queretaro, Mexico, taught the children all the steps needed to dance the “Marcha de Zacatecas”.

Josefina Arellano leading the "Marcha de Zacatecas".

Thanks to the excellent coordination of Martha Gutierrez and her team, the activity was a great success. We are very thankful to them for their hospitality and enthusiasm.

Participants in the program with Martha Gutierrez and Guadalupe Vidal.

We then proceeded to the El Peral Early Childhood and Elementary School where there was a great surprise waiting for us. The Summer Program Coordinator, Nuria Pinacho, showed us the brand new facilities of the school that are truly outstanding. We were able to see the children enjoying their recess time and returning to their classrooms to carry on with their regular activities. And, at the end of the visit, one of the youngest groups sang for us the traditional birthday song of “Las Mananitas” that they had prepared especially for us. So, they had the first half of the song and the participants in the Seminar sang the second half and, then, altogether, we sang the complete song.

Participants with Nuria Pinacho.

This was a truly interesting and enriching visit and we are very thankful to the team of leaders and Nuria for their kindness.

In the afternoon, we visited Peñafiel, to see the castle, the Wine Museum, the Plaza del Coso, the church of San Pablo and the picturesque streets and plazas of that town.

At the Francisco Pino school.

We began our work day with a visit to the Francisco Pino Early Childhood and Elementary School of Parquesol, Valladolid. When we arrived there, the members of the pedagogical staff of the summer program explained for us the program objectives, the student body they serve, the organization and main activities.

Reviewing materials

During our visit we were able to review the classroom materials of various grades, the work calendars and the space organization and distribution of the center.

Observing group activities.

We were also able to observe the work being done in various classrooms, with different age groups.

With Raul, Coordinator of the Summer program.

Raul, the program coordinator was a great host who showed us the entire center and answered our many questions and inquiries.

At the viewpoint of the castle.

After the visit, we travelled to Burgos. We began our visit at the castle, atop of the hill to enjoy the wonderful panoramic views of the city and its monuments.

In the cathedral.

We had a guided visit of the Cathedral, during which we were able to see the various chapels, comment on the restoration work currently in progress and enjoy the many art treasures kept in the church.

After this visit, we had time to take a walk around the city, do some shopping and see the main buildings in the old town.