Otkrivatel Montessori school is running under the auspices of Montessori Society Bulgaria, affiliated society to AMI.
As part of the AMI Training of Trainers program, Discover school had the privilege of welcoming Carla Foster – an international AMI trainer for the 6-12 age group – who observed PYP upper elementary class (Grades 3 and 4) led by Anna-Mariya Yotsova.
Carla observed every aspect of the learning environment – from lessons, follow-up work, and group projects to student interactions, transitions, and daily conversations. What she saw and shared with us is a beautiful testament to the strength of our community, which harmoniously blends the Montessori and PYP approaches.
Carla described the class as an exceptionally well-functioning environment (which is even more impressive given that the elementary program was founded less than 10 years ago), where students are highly engaged, independent, and collaborative. She witnessed children reflecting on their work, initiating their own projects, and creating meaningful tasks driven by curiosity and genuine interest. She was especially impressed by the strong bond and mutual respect between the teacher and the students – a connection that creates a sense of safety, belonging, and personal responsibility. She said: “Even if you don’t understand the language, you can see it in the way heads come together, the rhythm of the conversation, the sparkling eyes, and the way every child is engaged on a personal level.”
Among the highlights Carla shared was how art and self-expression are naturally integrated across all learning areas. They are not just “activities” but a vital part of community life, giving students a powerful means to express their ideas, emotions, and understanding of the world. Collaboration is palpable and modelled through mini-discussions, outings, and the distribution of tasks for great work. The teacher’s intention for students to be ambitious in their work and their growing awareness of the effort it takes to do things well prepare them for the next stage of their educational journey.
