Secret Heart Academy

Well-being and belonging

At Secret Heart Academy, we foster a close-knit, family-like environment where children are encouraged to take an active role in their school and classroom. They participate in various tasks, such as setting the table for lunch, cleaning up, watering plants, and folding clothes and towels, which helps them become more self-reliant and feel valued as part of the classroom community. Our mealtimes are also designed to create a warm, family atmosphere, where meals are served family-style, and teachers sit and eat with the children. Everyone pitches in to serve each other and clean up, and children are encouraged to help themselves and others while engaging in social conversations with their peers. At Secret Heart Academy, we want both parents and children to feel welcome and part of our community. Family members are always invited to participate in classroom activities, and parents can stay connected through our private social media pages, where they can see photos of their child’s day and feel involved in their learning journey.

Cognitive Development

At Secret Heart Academy, we prioritize cognitive development by providing a stimulating environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Our curriculum is designed to engage children in activities that challenge their cognitive abilities and support their intellectual growth.

We introduce foundational concepts through hands-on experiences and interactive learning, including activities that promote logical reasoning, memory, and attention. Children explore various problem-solving tasks, puzzles, and games that enhance their ability to think critically and make connections between ideas.

By incorporating a range of activities that stimulate cognitive processes, from recognizing patterns and solving simple problems to exploring cause and effect, we help children build essential skills that support their overall cognitive development. Our goal is to foster a love for learning and equip children with the cognitive tools they need for future academic and personal success.

Math

At Secret Heart Academy, early math skills begin with fundamental concepts like numbers, counting, and simple addition and subtraction. Our educators introduce children to basic math concept through songs or finger plays. We begin with learning how to count one by one using manipulative materials. We also learn how to recognize single and double-digit numbers, and once this skill is mastered, we learn how to add and subtract numbers. Visual representation is key as children learn how to build relationships between written numbers and represented items. Children also learn how to construct simple patterns and sort objects by color, shape, and size.

Science and Technology

At Secret Heart Academy, we introduce children to the wonders of science and technology through hands-on exploration and interactive learning experiences. Our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for discovery, laying the groundwork for future scientific and technological understanding.

Science

We engage children in science through experiments, observations, and nature explorations that encourage them to ask questions and make discoveries. Activities like planting seeds, studying animals, and experimenting with basic physical concepts help children understand the natural world and develop critical thinking skills. Our science activities are designed to be age-appropriate, allowing children to explore scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Technology

Incorporating technology into our curriculum, we introduce children to basic digital tools and educational software that enhance their learning experiences. We use technology to support activities such as interactive storytelling, educational games, and multimedia presentations, helping children develop foundational digital skills and understanding. Technology is integrated in a balanced way, ensuring that it complements and enriches their learning rather than dominates it.

By blending science and technology, Secret Heart Academy provides a comprehensive learning environment that encourages exploration, innovation, and a lifelong interest in these exciting fields.

Social Studies

Social studies learning begins as children make friends and participate in decision-making in the classroom. Then it moves beyond the school into the neighborhood and around the world. Here at Secret Heart Academy, we explore different cultures, places, music and backgrounds of beautiful people around the world. We use monthly Visual trips to different countries, where we show children an insight through photograph, drawing, map, artwork or firm clip about traditional customs and culture. We love exploring the world and opening our eyes to the many different beautiful people and places on this Earth!

Music and Dance

At Secret Heart Academy, music and dance are integral parts of our curriculum, offering children a dynamic way to express themselves and develop a range of skills. Our music and dance programs are designed to foster creativity, rhythm, and coordination while making learning enjoyable.

Music

Children engage with music through a variety of activities, including singing, playing simple instruments, and exploring different musical genres. Our program introduces basic concepts such as rhythm, melody, and harmony through interactive experiences like musical games and group performances. By participating in these activities, children develop auditory discrimination, enhance memory, and improve their ability to follow directions.

Dance

Our dance program encourages children to explore movement and rhythm in a fun and expressive way. Through structured dance routines and free movement activities, children improve their gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. Dance also provides an opportunity for children to express their emotions and creativity through movement.

Social Emotional

At Secret Heart Academy, we recognize that emotional well-being is fundamental to positive social interactions and relationships. Our approach to social-emotional development helps children build a strong foundation that supports their ability to form and maintain healthy relationships with both adults and peers.

Children at Secret Heart Academy learn to articulate their own feelings and understand the emotions of others, which is essential for their overall emotional growth. Our program goes beyond simply expressing emotions; it includes teaching skills such as taking turns, fostering independence, following routines, and interacting with peers through both verbal and non-verbal communication. We emphasize the importance of meaningful relationships, emotional regulation, and developing a positive self-image. These skills are crucial for successful experiences at school and home, and contribute to a child’s overall positive self-growth and social success.

Physical Development

At Secret Heart Academy, we emphasize the importance of physical development through activities that enhance both fine and gross motor skills. Our approach is designed to support children’s physical growth and coordination, ensuring a well- rounded development.

Fine Motor skills

We focus on developing fine motor skills through activities that require precise hand and finger movements. Children engage in tasks such as drawing, cutting, and manipulating small objects to strengthen their hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Activities like threading beads, using tweezers, and working with playdough help improve grip strength and fine motor control, which are essential for tasks like writing and self-care.

Gross motor skills

Gross motor development is supported through activities that involve larger muscle groups and movement. Our program includes outdoor play, climbing, jumping, and running to enhance balance, strength, and coordination. We provide opportunities for children to participate in structured games and physical exercises that promote overall fitness and motor skills.

By integrating both fine and gross motor activities into our daily routines, Secret Heart Academy ensures that children develop the physical skills they need to confidently navigate their environment and participate in various activities.

Sensory Exploration

At Secret Heart Academy, sensory exploration is a key component of our early learning approach. We believe that engaging children’s senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—enhances their understanding of the world and supports overall development. Our sensory activities include hands-on experiences with materials such as sand, water, and playdough, as well as exploring textures, colors, and scents. These activities are designed to stimulate curiosity, promote cognitive growth, and develop fine and gross motor skills.

Children engage in sensory play that encourages them to experiment, investigate, and make discoveries. This type of exploration helps them improve their sensory processing abilities, enhances their creativity, and supports language development as they describe their sensory experiences. By integrating sensory exploration into our daily routine, we create an enriching environment that fosters children’s natural curiosity and aids in their comprehensive development.

Language and Literature

At Secret Heart Academy, we cultivate a love for language and literature through engaging and interactive activities that enhance children’s communication skills and foster a lifelong appreciation for reading. Our curriculum introduces children to a variety of literary experiences, from storytelling and reading aloud to exploring different genres and formats.

We focus on building strong language skills by encouraging children to expand their vocabulary, develop comprehension, and practice both verbal and written expression. Through activities such as interactive read-aloud, creative storytelling, and language actives, children learn to articulate their thoughts and ideas effectively. Our approach integrates rich, age-appropriate literature to spark imagination and curiosity, while also supporting literacy development. By creating a vibrant environment where children can explore and enjoy books, we aim to nurture their love for reading and help them become confident, expressive communicators.

Inspire, nurture and learn. Inspire, nurture and learn. Inspire, nurture and learn. Inspire, nurture and learn. Inspire, nurture and learn.