’25-’26 S3 Storybook Explorers – HeartWise Homeschool

STORYBOOK EXPLORERS

Storybook Explorers is a 14-week hands-on program where literature, sensory play, and early learning come to life! This session focuses on Movie Magic—exploring beloved tales that have been featured on the big screen like Paddington Bear, Madeline, Curious George, Peter Rabbit, The Lorax, and so much more. Through engaging circle time, hands-on learning activities, themed snacks, and playful exploration of literary devices, students will discover how good stories fuel wonder, imagination, and creativity. Families take home an optional guide to compare the movie and book together, continuing the magic at home.

Ages 3-5: Little learners will explore each story through sensory play, early phonics practice, basic number sense activities, and circle time songs—building foundational skills through play and wonder.

Ages 6-8: Young explorers will dive deeper with all the hands-on fun, plus creative writing time where they’ll add new characters to familiar tales, create alternate endings, continue adventures, and craft their own magical stories inspired by what they’ve read and watched. No writing experience necessary! Students can use invented spelling, dictate their stories, or write independently—the goal is creative expression, not perfection.

“Where beloved books spark wonder!

This class is taught by Ms. Valerie, Kitoodle instructor and Heartwise director. A homeschooling mother to 4 with decades of experience mentoring children, holds a BA in Business and completed a graduate certificate in Art & Theology at Regent College. She recently journeyed from the Pacific Northwest back home to SoCal. Her passion is to bring literature to life through play and memory-making, and spend lots of time exploring nature with her children.