Explore Me a Story ~ Mindful Nature Preschool currently offers a Monday through Friday morning preschool program for children ages 2 to 5 years.
Our Program focuses on the development of the ‘whole child’ ~ mind, body and heart, and is built on the foundations of love, respect, inclusion and mindfulness.
We offer a unique child-centered, experiential, nature infused, Reggio Emilia inspired learning environment for young children, providing engaging activities that stimulate an eagerness to learn and inspire curious minds to explore and investigate.
A significant portion of our day to day experience will be spent outside in our natural environment. We believe that children thrive best when they are connected to nature and free to explore the world around them. Our passion is to ignite children’s imagination and creativity through this means.
In addition to learning and benefitting from being outside in nature, our program will provide children with opportunities to learn through:
free-play
cause and effect relationships
yoga & mindfulness
cooking
gardening
exploration of a variety of materials & environments
Preschool currently runs from 8:30am - 11.:30am, Monday through Friday with 8:00am early drop-off and 12pm late pick-up options. We follow the Holiday closings in line with the Lancaster City School District calendar.
Our preschool morning will take the form of a mindful flow beginning with inviting indoor or outdoor exploration activities followed by a ‘welcome circle’ of sharing, empowering each child with their unique voice and the opportunity to express themselves.
We are passionate about making learning engaging, fun and meaningful for every child. During our time together we will move through ‘free play’ choices both indoors and outdoors, focused developmental activities based on children’s interests and play patterns, a ‘family style’ snack time, yoga, music and movement, outdoor exploration and focused ‘together time’ where we sing, rhyme, share books, explore phonics and celebrate ourselves and each other!
We teach a ‘phonemic awareness’ curriculum that provides the foundations for literacy; speaking, listening, reading, spelling and writing. This is scaffolded by a phonemic based reading scheme.
Joanna Johns is the owner, director and lead teacher of EMAS and will be accompanied by experienced early childhood teachers, who fully support the ethos and approach of the program.
Joanna has 30 years experience working with children teaching at the primary and elementary level, responding to the developmental, social and emotional needs of children. Her experience includes an expertise in early literacy, professional teaching positions including education director of a progressive preschool in NYC, early years consultant and certified children’s yoga and mindfulness teacher.
We have strong educational partnerships with the local community including Fairfield County District Library Outreach Services and Fairfield County Parks visiting Naturalist.
We encourage parent volunteers and invite parents to sign up for our rolling volunteer schedule. We also encourage parents to visit us and share their expertise with the children, helping to build community and the ‘family feel’ of our program.
Families will be required to provide a daily snack/lunch and water bottle drink for their child.
Once registered, parents and guardians will receive a parent handbook detailing all relevant information about Explore Me a Story ~ Mindful Nature Preschool, including all policies and procedures.
Please feel free to contact Joanna with any questions you may have about the program, enrollment of your child or to be added to the waiting list.
Tel: 740-215-8530
Email: exploremeastory@gmail.com