Art & Science Explorers

“Welcome to our little world where inquisitive children come to explore, create, build, deconstruct, experiment, and light the spark for life-long learning.”

~Jenni Shelgren, Educator

About Art & Science Explorers

  • Designed as a comprehensive learning experience that extends and enriches preschool learning past the typical academic boundaries. While we don't practice the ABCs and 123s, our little ones lead their own learning through questions and hands-on exploration. They get messy, build masterpieces, and dig deep in our science and nature content.

  • Introduces topics, concepts, and vocabulary that students will revisit more in depth at every stage of life and learning. Approaching these introductions in a hands-on and concrete manner will build a solid base to make meaningful connections. Topics may include: space, dinosaurs, plants and animals, the human cardiovascular system, the physics of transportation, gravity, construction, and abstract art.

  • While this is considered a drop-off class, it’s fine for a caregiver to stay if the child requires it.

  • Children with special needs are welcome; as are their therapists.

  • Ages: 3-5 years (at the time of registration)

  • Children should be independently capable of using the bathroom.

  • Snacks are provided — goldfish or a treat related to a theme being explored during class. We ask that you send a drink for your child. Alternative snacks are acceptable as well depending on any food allergies students may have (please let us know about any food allergies)

  • Children should bring: a backpack and labeled bag of extra clothes appropriate for the season

  • Schedule: Meets weekly from Sept through May. The studio is closed for major holidays.

  • Location: Offered at our 2nd St studio in Boyertown, PA.

  • We go out into the community for field trips in the fall and the spring, accompanied by parents/caregivers. Previous trips have included Elmwood Park Zoo and Steinmetz Family Farm.

  • Class size: Classes typically have between 4 and 8 students.

  • View current schedule, pricing, and registration details for all of our early learning programs.

What Do We Do In Art & Science Explorers?

The class schedule may vary depending on lesson and related activities but will typically include many of these:

  • Play at independently selected centers for 30-minutes (centers include themed sensory-bin, building, puzzles, magnets, fine motor muscle-building activities, pretend play stations, water works play, and more)

  • Join the teacher-led circle time

  • Move around to warm up our bodies and minds

  • Listen to a story related to the current content and participate in a song or finger-play

  • Do science experiments

  • Watch an art demonstration with the goal of recreating the art themselves

  • Participate in large motor activities, such as scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, running games to get us all moving!

  • Pause for snack time and bathroom break

  • Get one-on-one time with the teacher to work on the craft or activity for the day.

  • Clean up together after crafting

  • End our class by meeting together for another book, song, and whole group game to complete the lesson.

  • Practice transitioning between activities

  • Develop an awareness of the class schedule and structure to help us recognize the pattern of the routine.

  • We also stop to celebrate holidays and special events through the year, embracing their magic as well!

  • A young child uses apple slices and green and yellow paint for his artwork during class.

    Ms. Jenni is such a wonderful teacher! She has a natural kindness that makes every child (and parent) feel welcome and comfortable. She’s not afraid to get messy right alongside the kids, which makes learning hands-on, fun, and engaging. Her patience shines through in the way she guides little ones at their own pace, always encouraging curiosity and creativity. Each class feels thoughtfully planned with activities that are both educational and exciting. We are so grateful for the joy and care she puts into every lesson—she truly makes learning a special experience.

    —C.M. (Facebook Review)

  • A preschooler uses glue while working on an art project during class in Boyertown PA.

    We’ve been so lucky to have Ms. Jenni as a teacher for our 3 year old daughter. She’s been part of both the Parent & Me Preschool and the Art & Science Explorers class, and it’s been such a wonderful experience from start to finish. Ms. Jenni couldn’t have created a more fun and welcoming environment. It was always our daughter’s favorite part of the week, and that’s all thanks to the way Ms. Jenni makes learning feel like a joyful adventure. She works incredibly hard to make sure every child feels included, has fun, and is learning something new. We’re so grateful for the energy, creativity, and kindness she brings to her classroom. Thank you, Ms. Jenni! 💛

    —K.C. (Facebook Review)

  • Children gather excitedly around a model of a volcano erupting with a safe chemical reaction.

    Ms. Jenni is the best teacher! My daughter absolutely thrived in her program, and she still talks about her all the time. Ms. Jenni is patient, nurturing, and so creative. I honestly wish that Ms. Jenni could be my daughter’s teacher forever, she is that wonderful. I’ve been recommending her classes to everyone I know with young kids.

    —S.J. (Facebook Review)