Little Explorers

Pre-K | Mon—Thurs

Ms. Carolyn & Ms. Kasey

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

carolyn-anderson-2

Carolyn Anderson

I am excited to return to NPK for my fourth year in the Little Explorers classroom. I have a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and worked as a registered OT in both hospital and nursing home settings. Our family joined Nativity Lutheran church 15 years ago when we moved to Fletcher, and I enjoy serving in the music, worship, and education ministries. My husband and I have two children; our daughter is a college sophomore and our son is a high school senior. We like to hike and play with our two rescue pups, and otherwise explore all this amazing area has to offer.

kasey-gruen

Kasey Gruen

I am very happy to return for my second year at Nativity. I was previously the Pre-K assistant and I am excited to work with Ms. Carolyn in the Little Explorers classroom. I have a BFA in Art/Design from UNC-Greensboro and have worked as a graphic designer and wedding and family photographer for 15 years.  I have experience assisting in the preschool setting, and have worked as an elementary assistant. I enjoy working with children and love watching them grow throughout the school year. I am married and have two boys (9 and 7 years old). We spend our free time hiking, biking and running outdoors in these beautiful mountains!