Curriculum

Our programs nurture every learning style.

The curriculum at Mi Kids is based on Gardner’s Theory and a description of each learning style and the programs supporting each learning style are outlined as :

“Anything that is worth teaching can be presented in many different ways. These multiple ways can make use of our multiple intelligences.” – Howard Gardner.

Our Nature and Science Program

At Mi Kids, we nurture children’s natural curiosity about the world around them. Our Nature and Science Program encourages children to explore, question, and connect deeply with their environment, building their understanding of scientific concepts and fostering respect for Country and nature.

Understanding Nature and Science Learners

Children with a strong interest in nature and science show curiosity about the natural world and how things work. They love observing, asking questions, making predictions, and comparing and contrasting what they find. These children thrive when they can explore with their senses, investigate natural resources, and learn through hands-on experiences in nature.

Program: Wetland Wednesdays and Nature Explorations

Our Wetland Wednesdays Program is an integral part of our Preschool Program, fostering a lifelong love of nature, sustainability, and cultural knowledge. The program includes:

Guided Wetlands Walks: At the start of each year, children participate in a wetlands walk led by an Aboriginal educator. This experience shares deep cultural knowledge about the land, native plants, and animals, and builds respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.

• Weekly Nature Exploration: Throughout the year, preschoolers revisit the wetlands and surrounding environments, applying the knowledge shared. They identify native flora and fauna, observe seasonal changes and weather patterns, and use all their senses to be fully present in nature.
• Observational Drawing and Sensory Experiences: Children draw what they see, create with clay and natural loose parts, and engage their senses to deepen their understanding of the environment.
• Physical Development: Climbing trees and exploring uneven natural terrain builds their arm and leg muscles, balance, and confidence.
• Sharing Knowledge: Children discuss and share what they learn with peers and educators, building language, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation.

Extending Nature Connections to Our Community

We extend our nature learning beyond Mi Kids through excursions to local natural environments, including Narrabeen Lagoon and the Coastal Environment Centre. These experiences broaden children’s understanding of waterways, coastal ecosystems, and local environmental stewardship, connecting their learning to the wider community and building a sense of responsibility for caring for Country.

Bush to Bowl Visits and Bush Tucker Garden

Each week, Bush to Bowl visits Mi Kids to share cultural knowledge and deepen children’s connection to our Native Bush Tucker Garden. Children learn about native plants, traditional uses, and caring for Country, embedding sustainability and respect for Aboriginal culture in everyday learning.

Through our Nature and Science Program, children develop a sense of wonder, responsibility for the environment, and cultural understanding, equipping them with knowledge and values that will guide them throughout life.

Our Linguistic and Verbal Program

At Mi Kids, we nurture children’s love of language, communication, and storytelling. Our Verbal and Linguistic Program encourages children to develop strong listening and speaking skills, expand their vocabulary, and build confidence to express their ideas in meaningful ways.

Understanding Verbal and Linguistic Learners

Children with strong verbal and linguistic intelligence have highly developed auditory skills and often think in words. They enjoy being read to, learning new words, telling stories, playing word games, and performing for others. These children thrive when given opportunities to hear, speak, and engage with language in different forms.

Program Focus: Language, Culture, and Communication

Our program supports children to:

• Build vocabulary and language skills through books, songs, rhymes, and storytelling.
• Engage in word games and group discussions to build confidence in speaking and listening.
• Experience performances, role play, and group presentations to express ideas creatively.
• Practice the 5 L’s (Legs crossed, Lips closed, Listening ears, Looking eyes, Learning brain) during group times, preparing them for primary school expectations while strengthening listening, speaking, and conversational reciprocity skills.
• Share news and special items from home, giving children opportunities to speak confidently in front of their peers and strengthen connections between home and Mi Kids.

Multicultural and Aboriginal Language Exposure

At Mi Kids, we are proud to have a team of educators from diverse cultural backgrounds who intertwine their mother languages into everyday routines. This broadens children’s awareness of the world around them and provides natural exposure to different languages through greetings, songs, and conversations, fostering respect for cultural diversity.

We are also privileged to welcome Bush to Bowl educators, who share Aboriginal language endemic to their Country during their visits. This deepens children’s understanding of Aboriginal culture, language, and connection to Country, embedding respect and cultural knowledge into our daily practices.

Library Excursions

Fortnightly, our preschoolers visit the local library to engage in storytelling sessions within the community. These excursions show children that stories can be shared and enjoyed in different spaces beyond our Mi Kids walls, nurturing a love of reading and building familiarity with local community resources.

Letterland Phonics and School Readiness

As part of our preschool program, we use Letterland Phonics to help children understand that symbols such as letters create sounds and convey meaning. This approach makes learning phonics engaging and meaningful, laying strong foundations for reading and writing as they transition to school.

Keyword Signing

To support all children, including those who are non-verbal or find it challenging to express their needs, Mi Kids incorporates keyword signing across all rooms. Each month, we focus on a keyword sign, with educators integrating it into daily routines and experiences. These signs are also shared with families, empowering them to communicate more effectively with their child at home.

Family Connections: Sneak Peeks

Our family-friendly “Sneak Peeks” program guides families in how their child can contribute to room learning and inquiry focuses each week. This strengthens the home-centre connection, builds language for sharing, and ensures children feel a sense of purpose and belonging in group learning.

Through our Verbal and Linguistic Program, we build confident communicators who can express themselves, connect with others, and develop the literacy and language skills needed to thrive in primary school and beyond.

Our Music Program

At Mi Kids, we celebrate the joy and power of music and movement as part of children’s daily learning and wellbeing. Our Music and Movement Program nurtures children’s creativity, rhythm, coordination, and confidence in a fun and meaningful way.

Understanding Musical Learners

Children with strong musical intelligence show joy in listening to, producing, and creating music. They are sensitive to dynamics (loud and soft), tempo, and rhythm in their environment and music pieces. These children enjoy exploring different sounds and instruments, using their voices, and moving their bodies to music. They thrive when lessons include song, rhythm, and movement.

Program Focus: Creativity, Expression, and Fun

Our program supports children to:

• Listen and respond to music with their bodies, developing rhythm and coordination.
• Explore dynamics, tempo, and pitch through singing, dancing, and using instruments.
• Build confidence to express themselves through creative movement and performance.
• Learn about different musical instruments, sounds, and cultural music from around the world.

Weekly Happy Feet with Miss Teela

Each week, children participate in a creative music and movement session with Miss Teela from Happy Feet, who brings themed sessions that integrate music, dance, storytelling, and drama in fun and imaginative ways. These sessions support children’s physical development, musicality, and confidence while fostering creativity and joy.

Daily Music and Movement Experiences

Music and movement are woven into everyday experiences in every room at Mi Kids. Educators use scarves, tapping sticks, bells, shakers, percussion instruments, and children’s own bodies (clapping, stomping, and dancing) to explore rhythm and sound. Music is also part of our yoga sessions, combining calm breathing with gentle, rhythmic movements to support children’s wellbeing.

Through our Music and Movement Program, children learn to express themselves creatively, develop strong coordination and listening skills, and experience the joy that music brings to learning and life.

Our Logical and Mathematical Program

At Mi Kids, we nurture children’s natural curiosity to explore, question, and make sense of the world through numbers, patterns, and problem-solving. Our Logical and Mathematical Program builds strong foundations for mathematical thinking and confidence.

Understanding Logical and Mathematical Learners

Children with strong logical and mathematical intelligence enjoy reasoning, calculating, experimenting, and thinking conceptually. They love puzzles, exploring patterns and relationships, asking big questions, and investigating how things work. These children thrive when learning involves logic games, investigations, and real-life problem-solving.

Program Focus: Numberland and Everyday Maths

In our Preschool Room, we implement the Numberland Program, which explores:

• Numbers 0–20: Building number recognition, counting skills, and understanding that numbers represent quantities.
• Number sense and awareness: Developing an intuitive feel for numbers, counting forwards and backwards, and understanding concepts like more, less, before, and after.
• Shapes: Exploring 2D and 3D shapes, their properties, and where we find them in our environment.
• Measurement: Understanding length, height, weight, volume, and time through hands-on activities and real-life contexts.
• Data: Sorting, classifying, and representing information in simple graphs, fostering early data awareness.

Numberland concepts are interwoven into daily routines, group times, inquiry learning, and play experiences, ensuring maths is meaningful, engaging, and connected to children’s world.

Our Visual and Spatial Program

At Mi Kids, we value children’s creativity, imagination, and ability to express themselves through many different forms. Our Visual and Spatial Program is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, where the art space – known as the atelier – is more than an art room. It is a place for creative exploration, experimentation, and expressing ideas through “the hundred languages” of children.

Understanding Visual and Spatial Learners

Children with strong visual and spatial intelligence think in pictures and love creating and moving within spaces. They are very aware of their environment and enjoy drawing, building, designing, and working with different materials. These children thrive when learning includes visual imagery, hands-on creation, and opportunities to express ideas through art and design.

Our Atelier-Inspired Art Program

At Mi Kids, our art program is grounded in the Reggio Emilia principles of respect, responsibility, and community, encouraging children to explore and discover through a self-guided curriculum. In our atelier-inspired art spaces:

Educators (atelieristas) introduce children to a variety of art mediums such as clay, wire, watercolours, wood, paper, wool, cotton, and natural materials.
Children are guided in how to use these materials safely and effectively, then encouraged to self-explore, experiment, and create freely.
The art space becomes a place where children can express their ideas, emotions, and theories visually, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and confidence.

Projects are often connected to inquiry learning, integrating their art with science, nature, culture, and language to deepen understanding across all areas of learning.

Our atelier is a vital part of Mi Kids, fostering each child’s creativity, self-expression, and appreciation of beauty while developing fine motor skills and visual thinking needed for school and life. 

Our Bodily Kinesthetic Program

At Mi Kids, we understand that movement is an essential part of children’s growth, learning, and wellbeing. Our Bodily Kinesthetic Program supports children to build confidence, coordination, and a strong connection between their mind and body.

Understanding Bodily Kinesthetic Learners

Children with strong bodily kinesthetic intelligence learn best through movement, touch, and hands-on experiences. They have a keen sense of body awareness and enjoy activities that involve making, building, dancing, climbing, and role-playing. These children thrive when they can communicate and learn through their bodies.

Program Focus: Movement, Strength, and Confidence

Our Bodily Kinesthetic Program supports children to:

• Develop gross motor skills through climbing, balancing, running, jumping, and dancing.
• Build fine motor skills through sensory activities, playdough manipulation, construction, and creative projects.
• Communicate confidently through body language, drama, and role play.
• Participate in hands-on learning experiences that engage their whole body and senses.

Munch & Move and Fundamental Movement Skills

As part of our commitment to children’s physical wellbeing, Mi Kids implements the NSW Health Munch & Move program, promoting healthy eating and physical activity every day. Within this program, we focus on a Fundamental Movement Skill each month to build children’s coordination, balance, and confidence. 

These include:

Adaptation for Different Age Groups

Our educators adapt these movement experiences to suit the developmental stages of each age group:

Babies and Toddlers: Focus on foundational movement skills such as tummy time, crawling, cruising, pulling up to stand, walking, climbing over low obstacles, and simple balancing experiences. These foundational skills build core strength, coordination, and confidence, laying the groundwork for more complex fundamental movement skills later on.

Preschoolers: Engage in targeted Fundamental Movement Skill activities, refining their running, jumping, catching, throwing, and balancing skills with increasing complexity, precision, and confidence to prepare them for school sports and active play.

Educators teach, model, and practise these skills throughout the month, integrating them into daily routines, outdoor play, and intentional physical development activities.

We also share the monthly Fundamental Movement Skill focus with families, empowering them to continue supporting their child’s physical development and confidence at home.

Through our Bodily Kinesthetic Program, children build strong, healthy bodies, develop spatial awareness, and gain the confidence to move, play, and engage fully with their world.

Our Intrapersonal Program

At Mi Kids, we recognise the importance of supporting each child’s self-awareness, emotional understanding, and ability to reflect on their own thoughts and feelings. Our Intrapersonal Program nurtures children’s inner wellbeing and builds the foundations for resilience, self-regulation, and confidence throughout life.

Learning Style Description

Children with strong intrapersonal intelligence are deeply aware of their own emotions, strengths, and challenges. They learn best through self-reflection, independent activities, and quiet thinking time. These children thrive when given opportunities to set personal goals, reflect on their learning, and make choices about their day.

Program: Self-Awareness, Mindfulness, and Safety

Our Intrapersonal Program supports children to:

• Understand and name their feelings.
• Build confidence in their abilities and decision-making.
• Reflect on their experiences and learning.
• Develop resilience and strategies to manage emotions positively.
• Yoga and Mindfulness Integration

All Mi Kids educators have been trained in yoga through specialised workshops, equipping them to integrate yoga and mindfulness practices throughout the year. Yoga is used in daily routines or as needed to help children:

• Regulate their emotions and calm their bodies.
• Improve focus, balance, and body awareness.
• Build confidence through mastering poses and breathing techniques.
• Develop strategies for relaxation, reducing anxiety, and feeling grounded.

Supported by Our Child Safety Program

Our Child Safety Program underpins every aspect of the Intrapersonal Program. By fostering a culture of safety, respect, and trust, we create an environment where children feel secure to explore their emotions and inner world. This program:

• Empowers children to recognise and express their feelings safely, knowing their voices will be heard and respected.
• Teaches children about body autonomy, personal boundaries, and self-advocacy – key elements of self-awareness and intrapersonal growth.
• Ensures emotionally and physically safe environments where children can confidently engage in mindfulness, reflection, and yoga practices.
• Builds strong, trusting relationships between educators and children, ensuring every child feels protected, valued, and supported.

Through our Intrapersonal and Child Safety Programs working hand in hand, we empower children to know themselves deeply, advocate for their needs, and carry a strong sense of inner wellbeing as they transition into primary school and beyond.

Our Interpersonal Program

At Mi Kids, we understand that social and emotional development is at the heart of a child’s well-being and future success. Our Interpersonal Program supports children to build the skills they need to connect confidently with others and form meaningful friendships – essential foundations for thriving at school and in life.

Learning Style Description

Children with strong interpersonal intelligence understand and interact well with others. They learn best through group activities, discussions, and cooperative experiences. These children thrive when given opportunities to communicate, collaborate, and build positive relationships.

Program: Social and Emotional Skills (PALS)

Our PALS (Playing and Learning to Socialise) Program is an integral part of our Preschool Program, supporting children to develop social and emotional skills that prepare them for a smooth transition to school. The program focuses on:

Communication skills: using appropriate words for different situations, smiling, making eye contact, and active listening.
Entry skills: learning how to confidently and respectfully join group play or conversations.
Sharing and cooperation: understanding turn-taking, following rules, working together, managing conflict calmly, and helping others.
Friendship skills: developing empathy by thinking about how others feel, showing kindness, helpfulness, and building trust with peers.
Each month, our educators focus on one social skill, embedding it within daily experiences and intentional teaching. Families are encouraged to continue supporting these skills at home, creating a consistent approach to social and emotional growth.

Connecting to Our Preschool Program

As part of our comprehensive Preschool Program, the PALS Program ensures children are not only academically prepared but also socially and emotionally ready for their next stage of learning. By developing confidence, resilience, and strong interpersonal skills, our preschoolers leave Mi Kids with the ability to navigate new environments, build friendships, and thrive in primary school and beyond.

Our Logical and Mathematical Program

At Mi Kids, we nurture children’s natural curiosity to explore, question, and make sense of the world through numbers, patterns, and problem-solving. Our Logical and Mathematical Program builds strong foundations for mathematical thinking and confidence.

Understanding Logical and Mathematical Learners

Children with strong logical and mathematical intelligence enjoy reasoning, calculating, experimenting, and thinking conceptually. They love puzzles, exploring patterns and relationships, asking big questions, and investigating how things work. These children thrive when learning involves logic games, investigations, and real-life problem-solving.

Program Focus: Numberland and Everyday Maths

In our Preschool Room, we implement the Numberland Program, which explores:

• Numbers 0–20: Building number recognition, counting skills, and understanding that numbers represent quantities.
• Number sense and awareness: Developing an intuitive feel for numbers, counting forwards and backwards, and understanding concepts like more, less, before, and after.
• Shapes: Exploring 2D and 3D shapes, their properties, and where we find them in our environment.
• Measurement: Understanding length, height, weight, volume, and time through hands-on activities and real-life contexts.
• Data: Sorting, classifying, and representing information in simple graphs, fostering early data awareness.

Numberland concepts are interwoven into daily routines, group times, inquiry learning, and play experiences, ensuring maths is meaningful, engaging, and connected to children’s world.

Our Cooking Program

Our Cooking Program, offered twice a week for toddlers and preschoolers, is another powerful way we embed mathematical thinking. During cooking experiences, children:

• Measure and weigh ingredients, exploring quantities, mass, and volume.
• Follow steps in a recipe, learning sequencing and procedural language.
• Observe changes in states (such as mixing, melting, or baking), linking maths to science.
• Discuss shapes and sizes, comparing and categorising ingredients and utensils.

Cooking engages children’s bodily-kinesthetic, visual, and logical-mathematical learning styles in a rich, multi-sensory experience.

Through our Logical and Mathematical Program, children develop confidence in using numbers, reasoning, and problem-solving – building skills that will support them throughout school and life.