Junior Kindergarten, 3 Year Old Class
Brandie Martin
Junior Kindergarten 3
“Children learn through play.” I see this daily as the Junior Kindergarten Teacher and it is an integral part of my passion with teaching preschool.
Originally from Morganton, my husband and I moved back in 2014 to be closer to family and the mountains. We feel so lucky to have found MDS and to be a part of this community. My daughter and son both attend MDS and this is my 5th year teaching with the junior kindergarten program.
I have a B.A. in English Education, B.A. in English, and a minor in History from Appalachian State University. Additionally, I taught 4 ½ years in NC public schools. After the first part of my teaching career, I attended graduate school at UNCG and acquired my Master’s of Library and Information Studies and worked in various positions for 9 years in public libraries from children’s programming, circulation and reference positions, to library branch manager.
I am a lifelong learner and continue my love of learning through various trainings, webinars, early childhood education classes and conferences. I love reading, scrapbooking, hiking, and spending time with my family.
Emily Lima
Junior Kindergarten 3
I graduated from Rhode Island College in 2006 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I lived in Rhode Island most of my life before moving to North Carolina in 2017. During that time, I raised my two children and worked in public schools as a Kindergarten Teacher.
Growing up on the coast has made me enjoy the ocean and all the beach has to offer. We have lived in Morganton for 5 years and like living near the mountains. In my spare time, I enjoy live music and spending time in nature.
I have background experience as a preschool Lead Teacher and Substitute Teacher in multiple grades. I enjoy early childhood education, but the best part is watching children learn, grow and develop. I believe in a supportive, gentle environment where they can explore and play, as I believe play is an important part of child development and educational growth.
The best part of being a teacher, is the learning that goes along with it. I look forward to working with the children at Morganton Day School and I am honored to be apart of an amazing school community.
Junior Kindergarten 3 Units of Inquiry
Throughout each day, we teach key skills in social-emotional intelligence; such as: expressing our emotions through communication, listening to others, working together as a team and compassion for others.
How Our World Works: An inquiry into the natural world exploring animal characteristics, their environments and offspring.
How We Organize Ourselves: An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities:the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making: economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.
How We Express Ourselves: An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
Who We Are: An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social, and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
