Firefly Classrooms
Our classrooms are thoughtfully and beautifully designed to make children feel both comfortable and inspired to explore. The environment is carefully prepared with engaging activities that spark curiosity and invite hands-on learning.
We also follow a systematic curriculum that helps children connect deeply with the real world, providing the nourishment their minds need to grow and thrive.
Our teachers are a vital part of the classroom—not as traditional instructors, but as loving guides. Through gentle language and intentional interactions, we nurture each child’s curiosity, confidence, and independence.
Together—through meaningful activities, a purposeful curriculum, and compassionate guidance—we support the development of each child’s executive function and multiple intelligences:
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Linguistic Intelligence – Word Smart
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Logical-Mathematical Intelligence – Reasoning Smart
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Musical Intelligence – Music Smart
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Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence – Body Smart
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Spatial Intelligence – Picture Smart
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Interpersonal Intelligence – People Smart
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Intrapersonal Intelligence – Self Smart
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Naturalistic Intelligence – Nature Smart
Executive Function
Executive functions are the foundation for getting things done—they’re essential for success in life, learning, and future careers. These powerful mental skills, made up of 11 key components, are rooted in the brain’s frontal lobe, often called the brain’s “control center.”
Although executive functions don’t fully mature until adulthood, their development begins in early childhood—as early as age two. That’s why the toddler years are such a critical window for building these life-shaping abilities.
Response Inhibition
The ability to pause before acting—like resisting the urge to grab or shout.
Sustained Attention
Staying focused on a task, even when it’s not immediately rewarding.
Organization
Keeping track of belongings and arranging work spaces with order.
Goal-Directed Persistence
Sticking with something challenging—like finishing a puzzle or dressing independently.
Working Memory
Holding and using information in your mind—like remembering a two-step direction.
Task Initiation
Getting started without constant prompting—like beginning to clean up after lunch
Time Management
Understanding the passage of time and transitioning between activities
Metacognition
Thinking about our own thinking—starting with self-talk like “I can do it!” or “Oops, I made a mistake.”
Emotional Control
Managing big feelings in healthy ways—like calming down after disappointment.
Planning & Prioritization
Figuring out how to reach a goal and what steps are needed—starting with simple choices.
Cognitive Flexibility
Adjusting when things don’t go as expected, or shifting attention from one idea to another.
Practical Life & Sensorial
Toddlers LOVE Practical Life!
A simple activity like peeling an egg engages toddlers in so many important ways—it builds concentration, fine motor skills, observation, working memory, and problem-solving. Best of all, they get to enjoy the final product! The joy and pride on their faces after completing the task say it all.
'The senses, being the explorers of the world, pave the path to knowledge.'
At Firefly, we believe that sensory development lays the foundation for intelligence. We help children refine all six senses: visual (seeing), auditory (hearing), olfactory (smelling), gustatory (tasting), tactile (touching), and stereognostic (perceiving objects through touch and movement). Rich sensory input stimulates the brain and supports optimal synapse formation—nourishing the mind during this critical stage of development.
Math & Language
At Firefly, math comes to life through hands-on activities that help toddlers develop a keen sense of numbers, shapes, and logic. These playful explorations lay a strong foundation for future success in mathematics—one joyful discovery at a time!
Language blossoms in a rich, stimulating environment—and that’s exactly what we provide. Our bilingual setting in English and Chinese gives children a powerful head start. Research shows that this dual-language approach boosts brain development, enhances communication skills, strengthens executive function, and nurtures cultural awareness—opening the door to a lifetime of learning and connection.
Culture & Science
At Firefly, we believe that “the beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.” In our classrooms, that belief comes to life! We joyfully celebrate a wide range of cultures and holidays through music, art, stories, food, dance, and more—creating a vibrant tapestry of experiences that help children appreciate the richness of our world.
And as for science? We like to say, “Science is magic that works!” Our toddlers dive into the wonders of the natural world with awe and excitement—watching seeds sprout, mixing colors, observing reactions, and asking endless “why” questions. At Firefly, every day is an invitation to discover real-life magic and spark a lifelong curiosity.
Creativity & Physical Exercises & Social Emotional Development
At Firefly, our mornings are thoughtfully structured with focused, closed-ended activities that build concentration, coordination, order, and independence. Afternoons bring a joyful shift to open-ended experiences that ignite imagination, creativity, and free movement.
Emotional intelligence is woven into our daily rhythm. We follow a unique three-step approach—Accept, Recognize, and Manage—to help children understand and navigate their feelings. Emotions are openly discussed, creating a safe and supportive space where empathy and self-awareness can grow.
We gently guide children toward calm, respectful, and friendly social interactions—helping them develop the skills to connect, communicate, and collaborate with others.
Physical development is just as important! Our days are filled with opportunities to run, skip, dance, climb, and tackle obstacle courses—building strong bodies, confident spirits, and joyful hearts.
The Power of Language at Firefly
Language is the blood of the soul into which thoughts run and out of which they grow.
Language is not just about words—it’s how we connect, teach, and shape the minds of young children. At Firefly, we believe that the words children hear from caregivers become the voice inside their heads as they grow.
From infancy, the tone of our voice, the warmth in our eyes, and the calm in our body movements all communicate powerful messages. Children are constantly reading not just what we say—but how we say it.
We choose words that build:
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Inner motivation
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Confidence rooted in effort
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Awareness of emotions
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Respect for self and others
❌ “Good job!”
✅ "You did it!”
❌ “You’re being bad.”
✅ "I see you're upset, but hitting hurts. Let's find a better way to express how you feel."
❌ “You’re so smart!”
✅ “You worked hard to solve that puzzle!”
❌ “If you don’t listen, no snack!”
✅ “You can choose to come now, or I can help you in a moment.”
❌ “Stop crying.”
✅ “You’re feeling really sad right now. I’m here with you.”
❌ “Hurry up!”
✅ “Let’s take one more deep breath and get ready together.”
FireflyFM is now an AMS member school!