CURRICULUM
The curriculum at mi kids is based on Gardner’s Theory.
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
Learning style description
Children show an interest and exhibit extensive knowledge about scientific topics and natural phenomena. Spontaneously offers information about these topics and regularly asks questions about things they have observed. Making predictions based on their observations and comparing and contrasting materials, events or both. They can be taught by including natural resources in the learning environment using tools including animals and natural resources like rocks and sticks.
Program: Wetland Wednesdays
The Wetlands Wednesdays Program is a time where Preschool Children embrace sustainability and nature in their outdoor environment. The playground is stripped from most conventional play toys and replaced with loose parts such as ropes, tyres, PVC pipes, branches, and household items together with educators who facilitate the use of these items in their play. Also, the Bush Tucker Garden is visited and talked about and at times they may also do a walk through our neighbouring Wetlands. Interacting with, observing and noting the fauna and flora that is present in our local environments. The sensory sustainable environment awakens and cultivates the joy of discovery in children as well as an appreciation of one of the most sustainable cultures in the World, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Culture and People.
Our Linguistic and Verbal Program
Learning Style Description
These learners have highly developed auditory skills and often think in words. They enjoy being read to and learning new words in English and in other languages. Also playing word games, making up stories or doing a performance in front of the class. They can be taught by encouraging them to say and see words, and read books together. Tools include computers, games, multimedia, books and tape recorders.
Program: Portuguese Language Program
Having a strong Brazilian Community and Culture at mi kids we have Portuguese intermeshed in group times so to expose all children to another language. Also, some of our educators with multicultural backgrounds, share their mother tongue to the children in their rooms. Language is displayed in many forms from culture, songs and music and movement as words. Joana, our Assistant Director and Senior Preschool Educator, is from Portugal and facilitates the program.
Our Music Program
Learning Style Description
These learners show joy in listening, producing and composing music using items around them and even their body parts like hands and feet. They are sensitive to dynamics (loud and soft) and tempo and rhythmic patterns that music create naturally in their environment and in music pieces. Also, they can identify different instruments and sounds in music they are listening to and can maintain good pitch and rhythmic patterns. They may study better with music in the background. They can be taught by turning lessons into lyrics, speaking rhythmically, tapping out time. Tools include musical instruments, music, radio, stereo, CD-ROM, and multimedia.
Program: mi kids jam
mi kids Jam Program is where Local Musicians will have an opportunity to jam with the children and staff in the playground area while children play. The objective of this program is for children to appreciate and be exposed to the different musical instrument families- woodwind, strings, percussion, brass and keyboard used by professional artist.
Our Visual and Spatial Program
Learning Style Description
These learners think in terms of physical space and love to create and move in this space, as do architects and artists. They are very aware of their environments and like using multiple media to draw, do jigsaw puzzles, read and create maps. They can be taught through drawings, verbal and physical imagery. Tools include models, graphics, charts, photographs, drawings, 3-D modelling, video, television, multimedia, and texts with pictures/charts/graphs.
The Art program
Inspired by Reggio Emilia’s approach the art program is based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery through a self-guided curriculum. Where the art educator (atelier) exposes children to the different art mediums (such as clay, wire, water paints, wood, paper, wool and cotton etc) instructing children how to use the materials in effective ways and then let children self-explore and create.
Our Bodily Kinesthetic Program
Learning Style Description
This type of learner likes to use the body effectively, like a dancer or a surgeon and has a keen sense of body awareness. They like movement, making things, and touching. They communicate well through body language and be taught through physical activity, hands-on learning, acting out, role-playing and sensory activities manipulating playdough. Tools include equipment and real objects.
Program: Playball
Coach Dan runs the Playball program, which is available for all Preschoolers. Playball is a multi-sport program that develops sports skills to keep children engaged and active. It also has benefits in building strong emotional intelligence, social skills, sportsmanship and confidence. The active program promotes healthy lifestyle habits and a strong sense of well-being. Children feel valued and accepted by the coach and others. Also, the children love it!
Our Intrapersonal Program
Learning Style Description
These children have an understanding one’s own interests, and goals. These learners tend to shy away from others. They’re in tune with their inner feelings; they have wisdom, intuition and motivation, as well as a strong will, confidence and opinions. They can be taught through independent study and introspection. Tools include books, creative materials, diaries, privacy and time. They are the most independent of the learners.
Program: Yoga
With a specialised yoga instructor children with have an opportunity to have some directed yoga sessions during quiet time learning to engage their core, balance and thoughts in a child-friendly and calming program. The perfect circuit breaker to help wind down and relax before and after lunch.
Our Interpersonal Program
Learning Style Description
These children display an understanding of others and interact well with others. These students learn through interaction and have many friends. They can be taught through group activities, seminars, and dialogues. Tools include the telephone, group activities and resources where they need to work together with others.
Program: Social skills
This program will assist children to develop their social skills so they can create friendships and have a sense of belonging, through the following:
- communication skills – using the right words for the situation, smiling, using eye contact and listening
- entry skills – knowing how to join a group
- skills for sharing, taking turns, following rules, cooperating, managing conflict, helping others
- skills for being a good friend – thinking about how others might feel, being kind, helpful and being empathetic
- The centre focuses on one social skill each month, the children are encouraged to practice these skills at home as within mi kids.
Our Logical and Mathematical Program
Learning Style Description
These children show skills in reasoning, calculating, thinking conceptually, and abstractly and are able to see and explore patterns and relationships. They like to experiment, solve puzzles, ask cosmic questions. They can be taught through logic games, investigations, and mysteries. They need to learn and form concepts before they can deal with details.
Program: Cooking
mi kids cooking programs happen twice a week and are available for all of our Toddlers and Preschoolers to participate in. Children are part of cooking for the next day’s morning or afternoon tea with an educator facilitating the process. The recipe is read out and discussed with the children by measuring out the ingredients and following the recipe assisted by an educator. There is a lot of discussion about quantities, mass, changes in states, procedures and shapes. This multi-sensory activity encapsulates many learning areas, whilst engaging many types of learning styles such as the bodily-kinesthetic, visual as well as the logical and mathematical.