Our methods

We work in small groups, which allows us to implement an individualised approach to each child and pay attention to their needs. The methods we use in our pedagogical work include:

Nonviolent Communication (NVC)

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a method of communication developed by American psychologist Marshall Rosenberg. It is dedicated to building interpersonal relationships based on empathetic, peaceful communication.

The symbol of NVC is the giraffe, which has the biggest heart among all land animals (did you know that?). Thanks to NVC, children learn from an early age to communicate in the ‘language of the giraffe’, i.e. the language of empathy and of the (big) heart.

NVC at our preschool:

  • we build communication based on respect and understanding of the needs of the child and the adult;
  • we do not divide emotions into good and bad – we understand that all emotions are necessary and carry a message that is important to children and adults;
  • we listen to each other, because empathic communication starts with active listening;
  • we talk about what is difficult and together we look for effective strategies to meet our needs;
  • we hear and respect children saying NO, and seek solutions that take that NO into account;
  • we create space for the child to make decisions and choices;
  • we show that every choice has consequences;
  • we do not compare or generalise;
  • we encourage everyone to talk about facts, not their interpretations;
  • we create rules and set boundaries to protect the needs of children and adults;
  • we do not accept behaviour that harms others;
  • we teach children what self-regulation is.
Nasze metody

Positive Discipline, which means that everyone is important!

Positive Discipline is a parenting method that originated from the individual psychology of Austrian psychotherapist Alfred Adler and the teachings of Rudolf Dreikurs.

Individual psychology, formulated by Alfred Adler, assumes that a sense of inferiority is an essential factor shaping personality and determining behaviour. Alfred Adler believed that people, especially children, have one basic desire: they want to feel that they belong and that they matter.

Children behave better when they feel better.

5 key principles of Positive Discipline:

  1. It helps children feel a sense of connection and belonging, feel that they are important in their family and community.
  2. It is respectful and demanding at the same time: simultaneously soft and firm, i.e. hard on the problem and soft on the person. Kindness is an expression of respect for the child, while firmness is an expression of self-respect.
  3. It is effective in the long term: it takes into account what the child thinks, feels, learns and what decisions they make about themselves and their world and how they choose to act in the future in order to survive and succeed.
  4. It teaches important social and life skills: respect, caring for others, problem solving, co-operation and the ability to contribute and be useful at home, preschool, school and in the broader community.
  5. It encourages children to discover how capable and competent they are. It motivates them to use their personal power and autonomy constructively.

Proximity approach

At all Da Vinci’s facilities, we believe that education is a relationship. The proximity approach is about building a respectful and trusting bond with the child.

At Da Vinci’s, we create a safe, emotional space where children can express themselves and feel comfortable to enjoy exploring the world.

We like working with children also by using the benefits of methods such as story therapy and educational drama.