A Montessori reflection from IMS Sotogrande

Halloween 2025 at IMS, children explored a fascinating question:What is real and what is not?
As part of our Halloween celebration, they learned to observe their own imaginations and discovered how their minds create stories, dreams, and sometimes even little fears that can seem very real.

The day was full of joy, curiosity and creativity. The classrooms and sensory rooms became spaces of discovery where children could experience textures, sounds and colors that brought the theme ofdreams and nightmaresto life. There was music and dancing, laughter in every corner and a great variety ofamazing costumesthat reflected both the children’s personalities and their sense of wonder.

Families and friends also joined the celebration, capturing special memories in ourhalloween photo shoot, surrounded by pumpkins, friends and smiles. And, of course, everyone enjoyed deliciousautumn delights— roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes and other seasonal delicacies that made the day even warmer.

Beyond the fun, the day had a deeper educational purpose.
At IMS, we see Halloween as an opportunity toTalk about imagination, dreams and fears.— and help children understand how their brains create images and stories, both real and imagined. By exploring these ideas in a gentle and fun way, we encourage them to distinguish between reality and fantasy with confidence.

When children learn that imagination is powerful, but that not everything they imagine is real, they begin to develop a stronger sense ofemotional security. Our role as educators is to accompany them calmly and respectfully, listening to their thoughts and feelings without judging them.

This approach helps children feel safe to express themselves and trust their own perceptions, an essential part of emotional and cognitive growth.

✨It was a beautiful day of learning, laughter and imagination: a celebration of childhood in all its magic.