Enriched Program - Kindergarten Preparation

Explore Me a Story ~ Mindful Nature Preschool

Kindergarten Prep Enrichment

A Thoughtful, Developmentally Aligned Bridge to Kindergarten

What Is Kindergarten Prep?

Kindergarten Prep Enrichment at Explore Me a Story ~ Mindful Nature Preschool is a weekly Wednesday afternoon program designed to gently support children as they prepare for the transition into kindergarten.

Rather than rushing academics, this enrichment offering focuses on building the underlying skills children truly need for school readiness — confidence, self-regulation, communication, independence, and a love of learning.

Kindergarten Prep is offered as an optional enrichment, separate from our morning preschool program.

When Does Kindergarten Prep Take Place?

  • Wednesdays

  • 11:30am–2:30pm

Children remain at school for the afternoon, enjoying a slower, intentional extension of the day that feels supportive rather than demanding.

Families who also have the Full Day Add-On for Wednesdays may choose to extend their child’s day until 6:00pm.

What Children Experience

Kindergarten Prep is built on the understanding that children learn best through enjoyment, movement, and meaningful interaction. Experiences are designed to be engaging, playful, and developmentally appropriate.

Children are supported through:

  • Phonemic awareness foundations, including rhyming, syllables, blending and segmenting sounds — skills that naturally support later spelling and reading

  • Use of the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Pre-K Curriculum, offered in a playful, age-appropriate way

  • Interactive songs, rhymes, and picture books that strengthen listening and language skills

  • Movement-based learning using rhythm sticks, music, and whole-body engagement

  • Small motor activities such as play dough and hands-on materials to support hand strength and readiness for holding writing implements

  • Early literacy experiences that prioritise confidence, joy, and participation

Alongside literacy foundations, children are introduced to age-appropriate mathematical thinking, including:

  • Matching numerals with sets

  • Exploring more than / less than concepts

  • Using and understanding mathematical language

  • Engaging in hands-on math activities that support problem-solving and reasoning

All learning is offered through play, relationship, and repetition — interspersed with movement, play, silliness, nature walks, fresh air, and shared snack time — allowing skills to integrate naturally while honouring each child’s developmental timing.

Who Is Kindergarten Prep For?

Kindergarten Prep is well suited for children who:

  • are approaching kindergarten age

  • enjoy small group experiences

  • are beginning to show interest in more structured activities

  • benefit from a gentle bridge between preschool and formal schooling

Participation is discussed thoughtfully with families to ensure readiness and alignment.

How Kindergarten Prep Fits Within Our School

Kindergarten Prep:

  • is an enrichment, not full-day care

  • runs one afternoon per week

  • complements our morning preschool program

  • maintains the same relationship-led, nature-connected values

It is intentionally designed to support children without compromising the calm rhythm of early childhood.

Tuition

Kindergarten Prep Enrichment is offered as a monthly add-on.

  • $150 per month

This fee reflects the additional staffing, planning, and intentional curriculum design of the program.

Next Steps

If you’re curious about whether Kindergarten Prep is a good fit for your child, we’re happy to talk it through.

Contact Us

Joanna: 740-215-8530

exploremeastory@gmail.com

Kindergarten Prep Enrichment at Explore Me a Story ~ Mindful Nature Preschool is offered with care, intention, and respect for each child’s unique developmental journey.