Arts

Literary Arts

Children begin to write by first getting a good grasp on how to hold a pencil and gaining the strength in their hands. This is explored through fine motor activities such as drawing, painting, colouring, puzzles, and cutting with scissors. When children are ready and showing an interest in reading, Educators will then provide hands on materials for children to learn letters and sounds, how to combine sounds to make words and then begin to build sentences.

Zida Academy believes educating our children from a global perspective is vital in preparing them to become a global citizen, and we strive to implement a diverse learning environment for children through the opportunities of learning multiple languages such as French and Mandarin.  Providing children with access to different types of literature provides children with the opportunity to develop a love and passion for reading. Literature allows children to appreciate their own cultural heritage as well as those of others. Educators at Zida Academy provide opportunities for teacher-child engagement with literature as well as independent engagement.  Allowing students to come up with their own ideas and conclusions to topics encourages them to engage in critical thinking, problem solving and communication. A child’s positive early experiences with books and languages lay the foundation for lifelong academic success.

Performing Arts

Performing arts in education provides children with the opportunity to engage the mind, body and emotions into a collaborative expression. Through this program, our Educators help children explore and present great themes and ideas.

Dance

The dance program at Zida Academy allows children to freely express themselves through movement. Through dance children can learn new things like sounds, words and patterns and allows young musicians and dancers to learn new skills like balance, control and coordination. Children learn to explore outside their comfort zone, increase their self confidence and physical awareness. Our dance program led by an instructor who specializes in dance provides children with a variety of dance activities and seasonal performances.

Drama

In order for children to develop in their literacy learning, it is vital that they have opportunities to engage in literate play – something they cannot do if their day is filled with instruction. Educators at Zida Academy understand the importance of play. Providing children with opportunities to engage in dramatic play, supports the use and understanding of symbolic representation and oral language, while allowing children to demonstrate and expand their knowledge.

Through improvisation or performing on stage, children learn to think outside the box, express their thoughts and ideas, problem solve, and build trust and self reliance. Social- emotional skills are also improved as children work together as a team, listen to others and make new friends. Students will have opportunities to perform in front of families during our seasonal concerts.

Music

Music is the core component of our curriculum as we are very fortunate to have our founder and Music Director Hua (Jennifer) Lan to personally teach music theory and one-on-one piano lessons. Each child will be provided daily lessons on a Steinway-designed pianos. Studies have shown music is beneficial to brain development and helps promote better memory and attention. The benefits to music exposure from an early age has proven to contribute to cognitive development, improved language abilities, helps promote creativity and is related to high academic achievements in school. Performances will be held seasonally and are a great opportunity for students to showcase their progress.

Zida Academy is also proud of partnering with Monkey Rock Music, which provides a fun, entertaining and creative participatory music program for young children where the kids will laugh, sing, dance and cheer along with our very own Monkey Rock Music instructor!

For more information on the benefits of music training at a young age, please visit here.

Musical Theatre

Musical Theater is a combination of all our Performing Arts programs. Our specialized musical theatre instructor will teach your child how dance, drama, music and voice is used to convey character and emotion and how that understanding can help strengthen and enhance their creativity and social wellness.