Teaching with Heart, Not Fear
Fatima Mazmanova was born and raised in Almaty and holds a degree in pedagogy —
although becoming a teacher wasn’t always part of her plan. As a child, she was naturally
creative and never imagined herself working in education. Everything changed when she
entered university. After switching her major from journalism to education, she discovered a genuine love for foreign languages and realized that learning them came easily to her. That’s when a simple thought appeared: why not share this knowledge with children?
Along the way, she became deeply interested in psychology and human behavior, especially how personality, emotions, and environment shape a child’s development. Reflecting on her own school years, she often felt that emotional connection and understanding were missing in the classroom. This experience became a turning point — she decided that if she were to teach, she would do it differently.
With experience came a clear understanding of how much responsibility education carries. While many believe that strictness is the only way to teach, she believes children learn best when they feel safe, respected, and genuinely seen. In her classroom, curiosity is encouraged, questions are welcomed, and children are free to express themselves and explore new ideas.
She has worked in several preschools, gaining hands-on experience in understanding children’s needs, effective teaching methods, and supportive approaches to early development. She strongly believes in encouraging children, supporting them emotionally, and helping them grow into confident, independent, and resilient individuals.
Her teaching philosophy is built around a play-based approach, supported by international research and proven educational practices. For her, play is not a pause from learning — it is learning. Through play, children develop curiosity, problem-solving skills, emotional strength, and motivation. At the same time, she values structure and
consistency, believing that gentle discipline and clear routines create a sense of security and long-term success.
Today, working in a preschool is more than just a profession for her — it’s a personal mission. This preschool is a place where every child is treated as an individual, parents are true partners in the journey, and learning happens through care, attention, and respect.
although becoming a teacher wasn’t always part of her plan. As a child, she was naturally
creative and never imagined herself working in education. Everything changed when she
entered university. After switching her major from journalism to education, she discovered a genuine love for foreign languages and realized that learning them came easily to her. That’s when a simple thought appeared: why not share this knowledge with children?
Along the way, she became deeply interested in psychology and human behavior, especially how personality, emotions, and environment shape a child’s development. Reflecting on her own school years, she often felt that emotional connection and understanding were missing in the classroom. This experience became a turning point — she decided that if she were to teach, she would do it differently.
With experience came a clear understanding of how much responsibility education carries. While many believe that strictness is the only way to teach, she believes children learn best when they feel safe, respected, and genuinely seen. In her classroom, curiosity is encouraged, questions are welcomed, and children are free to express themselves and explore new ideas.
She has worked in several preschools, gaining hands-on experience in understanding children’s needs, effective teaching methods, and supportive approaches to early development. She strongly believes in encouraging children, supporting them emotionally, and helping them grow into confident, independent, and resilient individuals.
Her teaching philosophy is built around a play-based approach, supported by international research and proven educational practices. For her, play is not a pause from learning — it is learning. Through play, children develop curiosity, problem-solving skills, emotional strength, and motivation. At the same time, she values structure and
consistency, believing that gentle discipline and clear routines create a sense of security and long-term success.
Today, working in a preschool is more than just a profession for her — it’s a personal mission. This preschool is a place where every child is treated as an individual, parents are true partners in the journey, and learning happens through care, attention, and respect.
