Little Explorers

Pre-K | Mon—Thurs

Ms. Elizabeth & Ms. Kendra

Our focus is on building a strong foundation for success by helping our students to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Classroom Philosophy

Children this age are ready and eager to learn so many things. They absorb language at an amazing rate and are rapidly developing socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively, and spiritually. Our classroom uses a variety of learning centers in which children learn though hands-on games and activities. In addition, daily group times allow for instruction, discussion, songs, and stories. Because developmental levels can vary greatly among children at this age, we differentiate instruction to allow each student to progress at a rate appropriate to his or her level. Daily prayer and devotions reinforce Christian values and remind children that they are created by and loved by God.  

Daily Schedule

Mon—Thurs

9:00 – 9:25

Learning Centers

 

9:25 – 9:35

Clean-Up, Bathroom

 

9:35 – 9:50

Morning Group Time

9:50 – 11:00

Learning Centers

 

11:00 – 11:10 

Clean-Up, Bathroom

 

11:10 – 11:40 

Lunch

11:40 – 11:50

Independent Book Time

 

11:50 – 12:15

Playground or Playroom

 

12:15 – 12:30

Afternoon Group Time

 

Music – Wednesdays at 11:55
Chapel – Thursdays at 9:30

Centers & Group Time

Centers include: arts and crafts, book nook, building blocks, manipulatives, sensory table, play dough, easel, puzzles, writing, dramatic play (kitchen, dress-up, puppets), and math/science.

Group times include: discussion of the week’s theme, letter of the week, daily helpers, daily and weekly schedule, the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, weather, books and songs, the Fruits of the Spirit, and show and tell.

Our Teachers

elizabeth-russler

Elizabeth Russler

Ms. Elizabeth has been at NPK for 4 years. She graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has taught 1st and 2nd grade. She has lived in Ohio, Georgia, Wisconsin, and now North Carolina! She lives in Mills River with her husband and two daughters. Her family loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking!

kendra-prast

Kendra Prast

Ms. Kendra has been at NPK for 6 years. She graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Her family moved from Indiana to Asheville 9 years ago and they love it here. She lives in Arden with her husband Jared of 11 years and their two children Sam (10) & Maddie (7). Her family also loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking!