Our Education Model

Educational Model & Pedagogical Foundation

Gymboree Preschool Education Model Our preschool programs adopt a skill-based and play-focused educational approach. During this period, it is crucial that children receive education without distancing themselves from childhood. Rather than lesson titles, the quality of the content and the way it is conveyed to children are fundamental. For example, mathematics is a logic-based subject. Accordingly, programs that develop children's logic and reasoning skills are implemented. On the other hand, music is at the core of mathematics. Rhythm and beats in music contribute to the development of children's mathematical intelligence. For this reason, Gymboree's program, which includes 18 different world music genres, is implemented in all our preschool classes. Our program is built on fundamental areas such as science, art, music, and sports. Our goal is to provide children with the skills that form the basis of these abilities rather than directly teaching them to read and write. Writing is of great importance for the development of fine motor skills. Activities in class are planned to support these skills. Since physical and cognitive development must be balanced, desk-based and active activities are evenly distributed throughout the day. The focus of our education is to prepare children for life in the best possible way while prioritizing their happiness, safety, and individual differences.

Whole-Child Approach & DRDP Integration

Our daily programs balance structured exploration with open-ended play, music, outdoor experiences, and creative work. This rhythm supports academic, emotional, physical, and social development equally. Teachers plan intentionally, observe progress, and document milestones — ensuring that every experience supports both confidence and competence.

At Gymboree International Preschool İzmir, orientation is a personalized journey rather than a fixed timetable. Each child begins at their own pace, building secure attachment and trust. Families are invited to stay during the first sessions, helping children feel safe and connected as they explore the environment.

Skill-Based Education Approach

At Gymboree İzmir International Preschool, the School Skills program and all class designs support children not only in gaining knowledge but also in discovering how they learn. The model is built around seven core skills — Confidence, Self-Control, Curiosity, Communication, Cooperation, Relatedness, and Intentionality. These skills are integrated into all classroom activities and lesson content. At the end of each learning cycle, families receive detailed feedback on their child’s developmental progress.
7 Essential Skills That Shape Children's Future

These 7 essential skills, which support children's social, emotional, and cognitive development, enable them to take strong steps in life. Supported by activities based on play, drama, discovery, and collaboration, the program strengthens both individual development and group cohesion.

SELF-CONTROL

• Games that support impulse control

• Activities for managing emotions and anger

• Exercises for developing patience and waiting skills

• Games that increase attention and focus

SELF-CONFIDENCE

• Self-awareness and discovering strengths activities

• Success-oriented, confidence-building activities

• Stage and drama activities

• Developing cooperation and leadership skills through group work

• Games that support physical and motor skills

CURIOSITY

• Exploration and experimentation activities

• Nature activities

• Problem-solving and prediction games

• Science and technology-based activities

BUILDING RELATIONSHIP

• Icebreaker and matching games

• Group games requiring cooperation

• Emotion recognition and sharing activities

• Role-playing and drama workshops

• Sharing and helping activities

PURPOSEFULNESS

• Planning and goal setting activities

• Problem solving and strategy development games

• Art and creativity-based activities

• Group cooperation and responsibility games

• Self-assessment and feedback activities

COMMUNICATION

• Speaking and listening activities

• Storytelling and drama games

• Games that develop expression skills

• Group activities

• Sound and word games

COOPERATION

• Group games

• Collaborative art projects

• Story creation and drama activities

• Construction games

• Activities requiring physical cooperation

Why Skills Based Preschool?

Basic life skills support individual development. The advantages of this approach are as follows:

01
Problem Solving
Children develop different perspectives on situations they encounter in their daily lives and naturally acquire problem-solving skills.
02
Working Together
Through group work, they learn to share, take turns, and build solidarity to achieve a common goal.
03
Self Expression
Through art, drama, and play activities, the ability to freely express emotions, thoughts, and ideas develops.
04
Preparing for Real Life
Life skills develop with age-appropriate responsibilities and experiences, preparing children for daily life.
05
Raising Independent and Confident Individuals
They are encouraged to be individuals who can make their own decisions, are not afraid to make mistakes, and have the courage to try new things.
06
Fostering Curiosity and Motivation to Learn
By keeping curiosity alive, children's desire to learn, excitement to discover, and habit of research are strengthened.
07
Supporting Social and Emotional Development
Social adjustment skills improve through activities based on empathy building, emotion management, and friendship relationships.
08
The Development of Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills
Activities are conducted that teach analytical thinking, establishing cause-and-effect relationships, and generating solutions through different approaches.
09
Providing More Lasting and Meaningful Learning Environments
Through experiential learning, discovery, and activities centered on learning through play, knowledge becomes permanent.

Rotating Classroom System

Our campus operates as an interconnected ecosystem of six classrooms and two outdoor gardens. Children rotate between the Main, Harmony, Discovery, Art, Music, and Play & Learn classrooms, each designed to focus on a specific area of development. This daily rhythm of rotation keeps children engaged, active, and curious — supporting both concentration and flexibility.

The Play & Learn Classroom is the heart of Gymboree International Preschool İzmir — a unique environment designed with Gymboree’s award-winning and patented play structures, originally developed by early childhood design specialists in the United States.

Every detail — from soft-climb modules to balance beams, slides, tunnels, and bridges — encourages safe exploration, coordination, and imaginative movement. Every three weeks, the entire setup is reconfigured, introducing new textures, colors, and challenges.

This transformation gives children the feeling of entering a brand-new classroom each time, sustaining curiosity and engagement while supporting motor, spatial, and creative development. The Play & Learn Classroom embodies Gymboree’s belief that children learn best in active, evolving, and child-centered environments, where play shapes understanding.

Orientation Process

At Gymboree International Preschool İzmir, orientation is a personalized journey rather than a fixed timetable. Each child begins at their own pace, building secure attachment and trust. Families are invited to stay during the first sessions. Teachers observe emotional cues, introduce routines gradually, and prioritize empathy, patience, and communication. Through this approach, every child’s start to school becomes a calm, joyful, and confident transition into a new community.

Let us call you

If you would like detailed information about our training programs and school, you can contact us by entering your contact information.

Working Hours
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed