Learning Process
In line with our value of Respect for Uniqueness, our groups at LANA Harku are small and thoughtfully structured to honor the developmental needs of each age. With a maximum of 15 children per group, our educators can provide personal attention and build strong, trusting bonds with every child.
Group placement is based on the child’s age as of September 1st of the academic year, as well as their developmental readiness.
Younger Group
Ages 1.5–3 · Max 15 children
This group is often a child’s first experience in a kindergarten setting. Our primary focus is on gentle care, building trust, and joyful socialization in a warm bilingual environment. Through sensory activities, creative play, and music, children develop early motor skills, expand their vocabulary in both Estonian and English, and learn to feel secure and happy as part of a group. Our teachers also lovingly support early self-care routines and potty training.
Older Group
Ages 3–7 · Max 15 children
In this group, children begin a deeper journey of discovery, preparing them for primary school and beyond. The focus shifts towards building independence, collaboration, and a love for inquiry. Play remains at the heart of learning, but it becomes more complex as children engage in long-term, hands-on projects guided by their own curiosity. They learn to express their ideas, solve problems, and work together in both languages, growing into confident and creative thinkers.
Curriculum / PYP
At LANA Harku, we believe learning should feel like a great adventure.
Our curriculum is a unique synergy of the Estonian National Curriculum and our proprietary LANA Approach. This powerful combination ensures children achieve all local developmental goals while benefiting from an internationally inspired, holistic philosophy.
LANA is more than our name; it is our promise. It stands for four pillars that guide everything we do: Learning (through inquiry), Agency (empowering children to be authors of their own lives), Nature (as our third teacher), and Arts (as a universal language of expression).
This unique blend allows children to explore big ideas through play and hands-on experiences—developing creativity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning in a rich bilingual environment.
A Day in the Younger Group (Ages 1.5–3)
For our youngest learners, the focus is on gentle care, trust-building, and play-based exploration. This is where we help children grow their ‘roots’ of safety, confidence, and connection. Weekly themes guide our activities in both Estonian and English. Learning is fully integrated: through an art project, children develop language and motor skills; through play, they practice social skills and early math concepts. A typical week includes daily Morning Circle, sensory play, arts & crafts, storytime, and of course, plenty of outdoor time.
A Day in the Older Group (Ages 3–7)
For our older learners, we embrace a project-based learning model inspired by the principles of inquiry. Rather than studying isolated subjects, children dive into long-term projects that connect language, math, science, and art in meaningful, real-world contexts. They might spend weeks building a model of a city, creating a theatrical performance, or investigating the lifecycle of butterflies they find in our garden. Learning is enriched through weekly Music & Movement and PE lessons, often connected to the current project theme.
Our Approach to Assessment
For all age groups, progress is observed daily and documented through portfolios, photos, and development cards. Assessment is not about tests or grades—it’s about understanding a child’s unique growth, supporting their independence, and helping them take the next steps in their learning journey. Parents receive regular updates through Eliis and individual meetings to reflect on their child’s progress and plan for a smooth transition to the next stage of their education.
Daily Rhythm
Our days balance play, bilingual learning, rest, and outdoor time to match children’s natural rhythms.
