FUMC’s half-day preschool provides a nurturing, loving, Christian environment that allows children to build positive social relationships with teachers and peers. Teachers provide developmentally appropriate environments and activities that encourage children to grow socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically as they explore and discover their world through play and hands-on learning.
We believe young children learn best when they are actively engaged, curious, and having fun. Through play-based learning, children build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning in a safe and supportive environment.
What is Play-Based Learning?
Learning Through Play
Play-based learning means children learn by exploring, creating, imagining, and interacting with the world around them. Rather than focusing on worksheets or formal instruction, teachers carefully design activities that encourage children to learn naturally through play.
During play children:
- Develop language and communication skills
- Learn how to share, cooperate, and solve problems
- Strengthen fine and gross motor skills
- Build early math, literacy, and science understanding
- Practice independence and decision making
Our teachers guide and support children’s play, asking questions, introducing new ideas, and helping children make connections- all while honoring each child’s unique pace of development.
Faith-Centered Learning
Growing in God’s Love
Christian values are gently woven throughout our day. Children experience God’s love through:
- Daily prayer and simple Bible stories
- Songs and music that celebrate faith and kindness
- Lessons that encourage compassion, gratitude, and respect for others
- Weekly, age-appropriate, chapel service with Pastor Jason
Age-Appropriate Play-Based Activities
2-Year-Old Program
Our youngest learners focus on exploration, routine, and social development.
Activities may include:
- Sensory play (water, sand, play dough, textures)
- Music and movement
- Simple art projects using paint, crayons, stickers, glue, and glitter
- Story time with songs and finger plays
- Pretend play (kitchen, dolls, cars)
- Outdoor play to build gross motor skills
At this age, children learn through hands-on discovery and begin practicing sharing, listening, and following simple routines.
3-Year-Old Program
Three-year-olds begin expanding their independence, imagination, and social skills.
Activities may include:
- Dramatic play centers (house, community helpers, dress-up)
- Art and creative expression
- Early literacy experiences (letter recognition, rhymes, storytelling)
- Simple math concepts (counting, sorting, shapes)
- Science exploration (observing plants and animals, simple experiments)
- Cooperative games and group activities
Children are encouraged to ask questions, try new things, and build friendships as they learn through guided play.
4-Year-Old Program
Our pre-kindergarten-age children build skills that prepare them for kindergarten in a playful, developmentally appropriate way.
Activities may include:
- Early reading readiness (letters, sounds, sight words)
- Math exploration (patterns, counting, measuring, graphing)
- Problem-solving and building projects
- More structured group activities and games
- Service-focused projects that encourage kindness and helping others
Children develop confidence, independence, and a strong foundation for future learning- while still enjoying plenty of time to play.
Our Classroom Environment
Our classrooms are designed to be:
- Safe, welcoming, and engaging
- Filled with hands-on learning materials
- Structured with predictable routines that help children feel secure
Small class sizes allow teachers to build strong relationships with each child and family.
We Would Love to Welcome Your Family
Our preschool offers a joyful place for children to learn, grow, and feel God’s love. We invite you to contact us to learn more, schedule a tour, or ask questions about enrollment.
You may reach our director, Kelly Austin, at 336-722-9260, or kellyhaustin@gmail.com