Curriculum

Gardening

Gardening is a seasonal program that enables the kids to venture out into our garden to get their hands dirty! “Children who are exposed to dirt in the formative years develop stronger immune systems when compared to children who are kept in a squeaky clean environment” Kids work together to grow plants and harvest seasonal vegetables and fruits. By tending plants and growing our own food, we learn the importance of food waste, appreciate ways to take care of the planet, acquire new outdoor skills, and learn the life cycle of plants along the way. Why try to explain miracles to kids when you can have them plant in the garden?!

Science

The goal of our science class is to stimulate and satisfy the natural curiosity of children through fun experiments. Often accompanied by the need for Engineering and Design skills, we explore everyday questions such as Why are the wheels round? How does a plant grow? What ingredients make the biggest bubbles? Science is highly focused on developing one’s collaborative skills by working on team-based projects. Additionally, children are challenged to ask questions, hypothesize through reasoning, and record findings during an experiment!

Theme Class

Each month our classes are presented with a theme topic according to the natural curiosity of the age group. With the guidance of experienced and trained teachers, children broaden their knowledge on a specific topic through different indoor-outdoor activities (ie. crafts, field trips, science experiments…etc). Through teaching in themes, children develop age-appropriate language and mathematics skills and touch on basic social studies and geography. Examples of themes include “My Body”, “Under The Sea”, “Occupations”, “The Solar System”, “Animals in the Wild”.

Cooking

Children at this age love to do things themselves. During cooking class, kids are invited to our Smart Kitchen where they are introduced to the basic principles of cooking- learning to prepare foods and exploring the different ingredients by tasting, smelling, and touching. The cooking class is both a collaborative and independent approach to hands-on learning. kids thus acquire vital team-building skills such as sharing ingredients, pouring+measuring with their partner; as well as independent motor skills such as cutting with a kid-safe knife yourself. Beyond cooking, kids are taught healthy eating, nutrition, food hygiene, and table manners.

Art Class

The Art class is often held outdoor with the use of organic and natural elements/materials as a way of connecting Art with Nature; Children thus experience ‘creating’ in an open space, and draw inspiration from wild butterflies, bird churns, sunshine, and blooming flowers! During art, kids are presented with a variety of materials and learn to express themselves organically. The Art class not only exercises children’s fine motor skills but also encourages creative explorations and extends learnings for the Theme class of the month.

Library

The library session enables kids to develop a love for reading at a young age and expose them to different subjects and genres which invites discovery for personal interests. Our library is full of books from different sources; Children as young as toddlers learn how to get out and handle the books with respect, whilst older kids are taught the true value of books and the magic that can be found within the pages.

Show and Tell

Most kids love to show off their prized possessions, so Show and Tell is a time for them to do just that! The goal is for kids to practice public speaking in front of an audience and grow self-confidence as they practice communicating feelings and thoughts. Children also learn to listen to others and practice patience as they wait for their turn.

Mandarin Class

Children of all age groups are introduced to Mandarin at Smart Start in the afternoon session. Songs and stories provide the basic introduction of Mandarin for the under 4’s; writing and recognition of simple Chinese characters for the Pre-K age; and the combination of Chinese Phonetic system “Zhuyin Fuhao” symbols and sounds to create words for the Kindergarten age.

Swimming

The development of Gross Motor Skills is the central idea of the Swimming and P.E. class. Co-ordination, balance and the control of body movements are all a part of the P.E. program. The school also offers a large outdoor swimming pool where pool games including Underwater Treasure Hunting and Water Polo for the children during the warmer seasons!

Dramatic Play

A fun and imaginative way for young children to express themselves through our designated drama program. With the use of props and costumes supplied by the school, they learn to develop key social skills and different ways of expressing their emotions.

Field Trips

Monthly field trips to neighboring sites often work in combination with the theme of the month in order to give children more in-depth real-life learning. Be it an experience at the Science Education Center or a shopping trip to the local market, field trips are always a highlight to the children’s month!