Course Schedule

Core Activities

Day 1:

Introduction to STPM and building connections

Start the week with an active introduction to the Smart Teachers Play More (STPM) approach, emphasising the importance of collaboration, creativity, and well-being in education. Participate in energising ice-breaking activities to connect with European colleagues and build a supportive learning community. Discover Spain’s rich cultural heritage through “The Spanish Corner,” featuring engaging activities and traditions. Explore digital tools for sharing resources and fostering collaboration. Conclude the day with a relaxed social gathering at a local venue, setting the tone for a dynamic and inspiring course.

Day 2: 

Get to know Smart Teachers Play More (STPM) methodology

Learn the core principles of STPM in the early years, exploring movement games and multi-modal techniques to teach key concepts while supporting teacher and child well-being. Discover the value of “Now Minutes” for quiet, mindful activities that reinforce early concepts and social skills.

Day 3:

Movement games and Storytelling in Action

Explore the use of travel modes in STPM core activities including classroom obstacle courses and taking part in the Move to the Middle core game.  Experience active storytelling techniques and calming story activities using natural objects.  

Day 4:

Learning, reflecting, and building relationships in Altea

Experience a day of inspiration and relaxation in the picturesque village of Altea, blending learning, exploration, and cultural exchange. Begin the day by transforming the local beach into a dynamic outdoor classroom. Engage in whole-class teacher-directed movement activities and calming games designed for open spaces, fostering creativity and mindfulness. Following refreshments and a reflective session, enjoy free time to connect with European colleagues while exploring Altea’s charming streets, unique shops, and Mediterranean views.

Conclude the day with a cultural evening, featuring presentations of participants’ local foods, drinks, music, and traditions. Enjoy team-building activities and music games, creating a vibrant atmosphere of connection and celebration.

Day 5:

Sharing good practices and managing movement in the classroom

Share and be inspired by positive practices in a collaborative session where participants exchange successful early year activities and ideas from schools all over Europe.

Explore how to set up and manage STPM learning stations in a simple way, with active participation and practical classroom management tips.

Day 6:

Yoga and Reflection

Learn simple yoga, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to integrate into class routines for student and teacher well-being. 

Using digital collaboration, develop a vision plan with actionable goals, and share intentions in a commitment-creating session. Conclude with course evaluation and feedback.

Day 7:

Reflection, Storytelling and STPM at Santa Barbara Castle 

Participants begin the morning with a short interactive storytelling session exploring a local legend connected to Santa Bárbara Castle and how storytelling, history, and multimodal learning can be combined through the STPM methodology. The day continues with a guided educational field trip from Hotel Maya through Monte Benacantil up to the different levels of the castle, followed by a walk down through Parque de la Ereta and the Barrio Santa Cruz. Along the route, participants engage in several learning stations, including mindful listening activities, mindful observation of the horizon and castle silhouette, and a team spotting and sketching challenge using cardboard frames to identify natural features, landmarks, and elements of the local environment. The experience models how outdoor and urban spaces can be used as meaningful learning environments that encourage wellbeing, creativity, reflection, and active learning.