Our Approach
Learning that
honours the
whole child.
At Harmonia, we see learning as a journey that unfolds naturally when children feel safe, connected and inspired. Our approach supports the whole child: emotional, social, cognitive and creative development.
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Feeling safe, building trust and developing confidence are the foundations for all learning.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Building friendships, learning cooperation and developing empathy through community.
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
Curiosity, critical thinking and academic skills are built through real-world inquiry and exploration.
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
Imagination, expression and creativity are nurtured as essential dimensions of learning.
Four stages of
growth.
Each child moves through their learning journey at their own pace. These stages describe what your child is building, not where they should be at a given age.
ROOTS
Feeling Safe
Your child is building trust, emotional security, and confidence.
What this looks like:
-
Play
-
Connection with teachers
-
Sensory exploration
-
Language through stories and songs
SHOOTS
Exploring the World
Your child is becoming curious, communicative, and social.
What this looks like:
-
Asking questions
-
Early writing and drawing
-
Learning numbers through play
-
Building friendships
BRANCHES
Building Skills
Your child is learning to read, write, and think more deeply.
What this looks like:
-
Reading simple texts
-
Writing stories and ideas
-
Solving problems
-
Working with others
FOREST
Understanding & Contributing
Your child is becoming independent, thoughtful, and engaged.
What this looks like:
-
Confident reading and writing
-
Expressing opinions
-
Exploring big ideas
-
Taking initiative
Learning at Harmonia: Orientation
& System Mapping
This table is offered as a guidance tool for families navigating different education systems. It reflects likely developmental competencies and transitions, rather than fixed grade equivalencies. Learning at Harmonia is developmentally paced, relationship led and responsive to the individual child.
*Final placement always depends on the receiving school’s policies and the child’s individual developmental profile.
AGES 5-6
FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS
at Harmonia
Emerging literacy through play, storytelling, phonemic awareness; strong oral language; foundational numeracy; emotional regulation; bilingual comprehension
Likely Placement in Other Systems*
Italy: Final year of Infanzia / early Primaria 1
UK: Reception / early Year 1
US: Kindergarten
French: Grande Section / CP
IB: Early Years / PYP entry
AGES 6-7
FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS
at Harmonia
Growing confidence with reading and writing processes; deepening number sense; executive functioning; learning stamina; bilingual expression and comprehension
Likely Placement in Other Systems*
Italy: Final year of Infanzia / early Primaria 1
UK: Reception / early Year 1
US: Kindergarten
French: Grande Section / CP
IB: Early Years / PYP entry
AGES 7-8
FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS
at Harmonia
Consolidating literacy and numeracy; independent learning habits; confidence with transitions; readiness for more formal learning and assessment environments
Italy: Primaria 2–3
UK: Year 2–3
US: Grade 2
French: CE1–CE2
IB: PYP Year 2–3
Likely Placement in Other Systems*
CHILDS AGE
FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS at Harmonia
Likely Placement in Other Systems*
5-6
Emerging literacy through play, storytelling, phonemic awareness; strong oral language; foundational numeracy; emotional regulation; bilingual comprehension
Italy: Final year of Infanzia / early Primaria 1
UK: Reception / early Year 1
US: Kindergarten
French: Grande Section / CP
IB: Early Years / PYP entry
6-7
Growing confidence with reading and writing processes; deepening number sense; executive functioning; learning stamina; bilingual expression and comprehension
Italy: Primaria 1–2
UK: Year 1–2
US: Grade 1
French: CP–CE1
IB: PYP Year 1–2
7-8
Consolidating literacy and numeracy; independent learning habits; confidence with transitions; readiness for more formal learning and assessment environments
Italy: Primaria 2–3
UK: Year 2–3
US: Grade 2
French: CE1–CE2
IB: PYP Year 2–3