Local businesses are the backbone of communities, yet despite this glaring truth, more and more small businesses close their doors each year. Last year, we set out on a movement to lend our own voice and shine a light on the amazing small businesses doing remarkable things in the suburbs and communities we serve. This extends to the brands whose products you'll find stocked in our shops. Three support local events later since the start of 2024, and this month, we're thrilled to introduce you to Bianca Yee from Little Minds in Motion, a children's school readiness program that's transforming how young minds learn and grow, nestled in the heart of Crow Nest.
Little Minds in Motion aims to empower children with the fundamental skills they need to thrive in school. These include pre-reading skills, pre-writing skills, numeracy skills, social & emotional skills, cognitive skills and independent skills. The transition from pre-school to kindergarten and beyond is one that Bianca has thoughtfully streamlined through her small business.
The Experience
We set out to discover how Little minds in motion makes such a profound impact in the local community of Crow Nest so we paid her a visit.
Our day with Bianca began by observing one of her engaging sessions in action. The thoughtfully designed space immediately caught our attention—colourful learning materials organised with purpose, natural light streaming through windows, and an atmosphere that invited curiosity and exploration.
We watched as Bianca guided the children through activities designed to stimulate both their minds and bodies. Her approach was gentle yet effective, creating moments of discovery where you could literally see the children making connections. What impressed us most was how each child received personalised attention within the group setting.
Behind the Business
After the session concluded, we sat down with Bianca to uncover the story and principles that form the foundation of Little Minds in Motion. Her passion for early childhood development radiated through every answer she shared.
Here's our conversation.
Interviewer: I'd love to hear how your journey in children's education began. What sparked your interest in this field?
In high school, I was torn between two career paths—graphic design and teaching. I knew I wanted to do something creative, hands-on, and work closely with people. Initially, I pursued graphic design, but after completing my course, I felt like something was missing. While I loved the creativity, I craved a more dynamic and interactive environment. I knew I had to give teaching a try, or I might always wonder "what if." Luckily, I did—and I’ve never looked back. Teaching has been the perfect blend of creativity, connection, and purpose, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
What was that moment when you knew this was exactly what you wanted to dedicate yourself to?
Before my son started school, I had already taught kindergarten, so I knew exactly which foundational skills would help him feel confident and prepared as he stepped into the classroom. In the lead-up to his first day, I worked with him on these skills, ensuring he had the tools to navigate school life with ease.
When he started kindergarten—and while I was teaching my own class—I quickly realised the advantage he had. I saw firsthand how my experience as a teacher benefited him, while some of my students struggled with basic tasks like cutting, holding a pencil correctly, or even asking for help. This reinforced just how crucial early learning experiences are in setting children up for success.
That realisation is what led me to create Little Minds in Motion. I’m passionate about helping parents equip their children with the fundamental skills they need for a smooth and confident transition into school. By sharing my expertise, I hope to empower more families and give more children the strong foundation they deserve.
When you think about your approach to teaching children, what core philosophy guides everything you do?
My core philosophy is simple: learning should be fun! I believe that when children are engaged and enjoying themselves, they absorb knowledge naturally—often without even realising they’re learning. Every lesson I create is designed to be interactive, hands-on, and playful, ensuring that children develop essential skills in a way that feels exciting and rewarding.
I've noticed your space has such a unique energy to it. How does your teaching environment reflect your values?
I designed my teaching environment to be a vibrant, welcoming space where children feel excited to return each week. It’s important to me that they feel comfortable, supported, and free to express themselves. I’ve created an open and airy setting that fosters both learning and creativity, allowing children to engage with activities in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. My goal is for every child to walk in feeling confident and leave feeling eager for their next session.
Every founder has challenging days. What keeps you coming back each morning, especially during the difficult times?
Knowing that what I teach has a real and lasting impact is what drives me every day. Seeing children grow in confidence, master new skills, and develop a love for learning reminds me why I do what I do.
I'm curious - what's something about teaching children that most people completely misunderstand?
One of the biggest misconceptions about teaching young children is how much time and practice go into developing essential skills. Many people expect rapid progress, but true learning—especially in literacy and fine motor skills—requires a strong foundation built over time.
For example, if a parent wants their child to start reading, it’s not just about recognising words on a page. They first need to develop foundational skills like understanding syllables, onset and rime, blending and segmenting sounds, and having a solid grasp of their alphabet sounds.
Even something as seemingly simple as using scissors involves multiple steps—strengthening fine motor skills, ensuring the correct thumb-up grip, keeping the elbow in, and using the opposite hand to guide the paper. These small but crucial details take time and intentional practice, which is why early exposure and consistency are so important.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing when you were just starting this business, what would it be?
Don’t wear white on painting days! But in all seriousness, I’d remind myself that it’s going to be tough—there will be long days, challenges, and moments of doubt. But every bit of effort, every late night, and every hurdle will be worth it when you see the difference you’re making in children’s confidence and learning.
How has your teaching approach evolved since you first began?
When I first started teaching, I didn’t have children of my own, so my focus was primarily on delivering lessons and helping students grasp concepts. I didn’t fully appreciate the bigger picture—the child as a whole.
Now, as a parent to two boys, I see teaching through a completely different lens. I’ve realised that as educators, we wear many hats—we’re not just teachers, but also caregivers, nurturers, counsellors, and sometimes even nurses. I’m far more in tune with my students' emotions, their frustrations, and the challenges they face beyond academics. If a child is feeling upset or struggling with a task, my patience, empathy, and understanding have deepened significantly. Becoming a parent has given me a greater appreciation for the individual needs of every child and the importance of creating a supportive, reassuring learning environment.
What's a moment with the children that reminded you why all the hard work is worth it?
There are so many moments that make all the hard work worth it, but two stand out the most.
The first is when a child who once clung to their mum at drop-off, hesitant and unsure, suddenly walks in with confidence, a big smile, and excitement for the session ahead. Seeing that transformation—from fear to independence—is incredibly rewarding.
The second is witnessing that magical lightbulb “aha!” moment when a child who has been struggling with a concept finally gets it. That spark of understanding, the proud smile, and their newfound confidence in their ability to learn—that’s what makes every challenge, every long day, and every effort completely worth it.
When parents see the transformation in their children, what reactions stand out to you the most?
The most memorable moments are the heartfelt hugs and teary-eyed gratitude from parents at year’s end, seeing how far their child has come. Watching their pride and joy in their child’s transformation makes all the hard work so worth it.
Beyond the educational aspects, what life lessons do you hope children take from their time with you?
Don't be afraid to ask questions and step outside your comfort zone.Give everything a go, even when it feels challenging—what's hard today won’t be forever if you keep persisting with confidence.
How does good and nourishing food affect the development of a child?
As a teacher with over 15+ years of experience, I've seen firsthand the impact that good, nourishing food has on a child's ability to learn and focus. When children are fuelled with whole foods, they sustain their energy levels throughout the day, allowing them to concentrate and stay engaged in their learning. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in their overall development, both academically and emotionally.
The Connection to Health
As a health food store, we were particularly interested in Bianca's thoughts on nutrition and child development. She shared valuable insights about how proper nourishment supports cognitive function, consistent energy levels, and even emotional regulation in children—all crucial elements for effective learning. Studies have shown that 40% of kids diet are made out of highly processed foods which is quite concerning.
This connection between wholesome food and educational outcomes reinforces why we at Unique Wholefood are passionate about providing organic, nutrient-dense options for families in our community.
Visit and Connect
If you're interested in learning more about Little Minds in Motion, visit her website or stop by their location. For those who've been inspired by Bianca's approach, connect with her via her social channels and stay tuned for more "Support Local" features, where we'll continue exploring the incredible businesses that make our community special.
