Relaxing at the beach of El Sardinero, Santander.

The last day of our Seminar was dedicated to relaxation. We went to Santander to enjoy its fabulous beaches, relax and enjoy the sun and the sea.

That night we attended the Olmedo Theater Festival to see a production of the classical play “Jealous of herself”.

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.

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.