At Little Minds Learning Academy we believe that a balance of inquiry/play-based learning and academic learning is the best way to set students up for the most success in Kindergarten and beyond. This approach allows students to learn more about the things they are interested in, while still getting the academic knowledge they need in order to be successful in their school years. Our day consists of a mix of free play, outdoor exploration, direct teaching, small group activities, and many unique opportunities to make learning FUN for our students.
Our Classroom
Our learning space will be updated over early summer 2024 to accommodate 2 programs. Updated images will be added to this page as soon as construction is completed. We have every intention of maintaining our calm, state-of-the-art classroom feel within each program's learning space.
Academic Learning
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Each day we have group circle time that includes teaching early reading skills (letters/sounds, phonemic awareness, stories), math skills, music, and movement. We also have small group learning time where developmentally appropriate skills are taught and practiced based on student ages. Every small group time includes a component of fine motor work as this is a critical skill for students to learn. We do our best to make all learning activities fun and engaging for the students! Visit each program's pages to learn more.
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Outdoor Exploration
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Outdoor exploration takes place 3 or more times a day, depending on students' needs. We play outside rain or shine (except for during storms). Students are provided rain suits to stay dry and allow for maximum joy while playing in the puddles! We recently underwent a very exciting renovation of our playground. Our brand new natural playground features a play structure with a slide and rock climbing wall, a dry creek river bed, stepping logs and stones, stationary vertical tree trunks for loose parts play, and wild flower garden area. At Little Minds we believe open-ended play areas create the most meaningful outdoor learning experiences and we absolutely love being able to facilitate these experiences for our children. We will still be adding back in some of our old playground components, especially our moveable pieces, but the new additions have added so many more possibilities for creativity and imagination.
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Unique Opportunities
It is our joy to bring unique learning experiences to our students. We have multiple aspects of our every day learning that makes learning fun and engaging. We also take regular and frequent field trips with our students to local business/attractions and the Huron County Nature Center at least every couple of months. Our hope is to show our students our amazing community and also expose them to the wonderful outdoors. Lunch and 2 snacks is included in tuition. During lunch we teach students table manners and work towards a "family style" lunch where students scoop their own food, pass food to their peers, and set their own table space with help from the teachers. We follow the serving sizes that are suggested by the USDA Nutrition Standards.
Intergenerational Monthly Visits
We are lucky enough to be able to make monthly visits to see our "Grandfriends" at a local assisted living facility, Meadow Lane. These intergenerational experiences are so beneficial to our students, the residents, and us as staff! We often sing songs, play with toys with the residents, do special themed activities, and celebrate Holidays.
Rain Suits
Our rain suits allow the students to enjoy the rain or to play on the playground after an overnight storm or rain without their clothes getting muddy and wet.
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Field Trips
We take many field trips throughout the year. We work with Thumb Area Transportation (TAT) to take students from the school to local businesses and the Huron County Nature Center.
Play Stand
Our dramatic play stand changes themes based on students' current interests or learning topics. Students can take any of the "pieces" on and off the stand to play with the items in other areas in the room as well.
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