Hello Explorers!
Welcome to Explore Me a Story ~ Mindful Nature Preschool
My name is Joanna. I am a mother and an experienced educator, having taught on both sides of the pond! I have been teaching young children for over 20 years. Through my career I have developed an expertise in literacy. I have worked as a classroom teacher, education director of a preschool, teacher trainer, Early Years Consultant and certified children’s yoga and mindfulness teacher.
I have a vast amount of experience working with children and my approach is viewing them as 'the whole child', treating them with love and respect and as my equal. I seek to provide meaningful, fun experiences in which children can learn and develop skills through PLAY, DISCOVERY, EXPLORATION and SELF-EXPRESSION. Through this child centered approach, their learning can be directed by following and supporting the play patterns they are demonstrating, and techniques and subjects that interest them. Children are all different and learn in so many different ways and learning through enjoyment is essential.
I am also write children's picture books, rhymes and songs and have published work in Ladybug Magazine (Cricket Magazine Group).
I am delighted to be sharing my creativity and my love for children and their playful development with you and your children.
My Philosophy = Play, Explore, Discover, Express Yourself!
‘Explore Me A Story’ is based on child centered play and therefore we:
know that learning takes place through exploration and discovery.
believe there is no ‘right way’ of ‘playing’ or creating.
provide opportunities for your children to manipulate a wide range of materials in their own way.
value the creative process rather than focusing on the end product.
encourage children’s curiosity and view it as a positive step to new sensory experiences.
“Children’s responses to what they see, hear and experience through their senses are individual and the way they represent their experiences is unique and valuable.” (Early Years Foundation Stage Framework)
Young children need to play and have fun!
Children learn through PLAY. It is their way of making connections, exploring cause and effect relationships and e discovering new concepts. It challenges their thinking and helps them feel secure in their new experiences.
Recent research has shown that if preschool children have regular contact with books, music and ‘messy play’, it has a positive impact on communication, language, comprehension and mathematical skills, as well as their social, emotional, physical and cultural development.