Explorer Program

The Explorer Program has developed over many years and represents a unique opportunity for our afternoon students to explore the rich culture of San Francisco in the mornings before their afternoon preschool class. The Explorer Program is a way for children to learn in the community and beyond the classroom, and it also provides an extended day of school. The Explorer students and teachers navigate the city using Muni and do not have a classroom here at Stretch during the morning. Rather, the city is their classroom. After their morning adventures, the students join their fellow classmates for their normally scheduled preschool class. 

We have explored a variety of interesting subjects around San Francisco over the years. Some are explained below. One year, the Explorer children investigated the local artist Ruth Asawa and traveled around the city to learn more about her, her culture, her work, and her inspiration. They visited her many sculptures throughout the city, including her fountains and her wire sculptures at the de Young Museum. They also visited Japantown and came to know many of the merchants in the area.

The Explorer Program is a unique opportunity for students to explore the rich culture of San Francisco, using the city as their classroom.

Another year, the children traveled to Chinatown and investigated the many sites, smells, tastes, and traditions of this culturally rich part of our city. Children were dropped off with their teachers at Lafayette Park and took the bus to Chinatown.

It is wonderful to see how many children take their families back to retrace their adventures over the weekend and act as a guide to teach their parents what they have learned. Below you will find reflections from some of the parents who have participated in the program over the years.

Parent Reflections

“I asked Moses last night what he loves about Explorers – “everything! long city walks, city bus rides”. We can’t drive past Japantown without Moses sharing all about their time last year in the pagoda, journaling, having mochi, and exploring. The Ruth Asawa study was incredible. Similar to Japantown memories, everywhere we go in SF, Moses has stories to tell, and he’s been there – the little hiking hill above Randall Museum, Ocean Beach, Union Square, seeing Ruth Asawa at the De Young, playing in the Conservatory out front,  and seeing sculptures on the Embarcadero.

As for Chinatown – also a huge hit! Moses carried a business card home from Canton Bazaar on Grant Street. He was so eager and excited to take me there this weekend and on Sunday, Moses walked me through the store and shared what he knew about many little artifacts – pear tea “is incredible mom!” telling me about Chinese zodiac signs, where jade animals reside in the store… it’s all sensory and magical to a 5 year old. As parents we’ve always had complete trust in our Explorers teachers to take wonderful care of Moses as he’s out and about in the city. It’s incredible that at 4 and 5 years old, these kids are navigating Muni, museums, meeting local characters around town with open arms and taking in so much culture.”

"We can’t drive past Japantown without Moses sharing all about their time last year in the pagoda, journaling, having mochi, and exploring."
— Mary, Redwood Parent

“Holden has participated in the Explorers program for the past two years. The Explorers select a theme to study for the whole year, and then go out into the city to investigate that theme. Last year, the group studied the sculptor Ruth Asawa. They went forth and viewed her various works throughout the city and discussed what might have inspired her. They also studied the materials she worked with, and they learned about her Japanese heritage, even making numerous trips to Japantown to study Japanese culture.

Prior to this project we knew nothing about Ruth Asawa so it was a real treat to have Holden teach us about her. He told us about her Japanese heritage, and he even taught us a few Japanese words. He took us to various places in the city to view her work (Japantown, Union Square, and the Embarcadero), and he told us about the materials she liked to work with and what inspired her. It was really cool to see it all come together and to hear Holden talk about Ruth Asawa in such a comprehensive, enthusiastic way. The effects were far-reaching: Last spring, we were rushing through Terminal 2 at SFO, and Holden looked at one of the art installations hanging from the ceiling and said, “Mommy, that looks like a Ruth Asawa sculpture” (and he was right, it did!). Despite us being late for our flight, we literally stopped in our tracks. It was such a cool moment to see him make that connection in everyday life and educate us with his knowledge.”

"It was a real treat to have Holden teach us about Ruth Asawa. He told us about her Japanese heritage, and he even taught us a few Japanese words."
— Halle, Redwood Parent

“We have loved the experiences that Maggie has had this year in Wednesday Explorers. She is an excellent bus commuter, can easily recognize Chinese writing, and has learned from tasting that she prefers “buttermilk” tea to “sweet” tea. Without her time with Explorers, who knows if she would have had the opportunity to do these things? It has definitely opened up her world without leaving the city she lives in.”

"Since participating in Stretch’s Explorers Program, we have observed our daughter’s curiosity and confidence flourish."
— JJ and Michelle, Redwood Parents

“The Explorers excursions are typically the highlight of our daughter Jillian’s school week. The program has given her the rare opportunity to experience and explore city life apart from her family, but under safe and highly stimulating conditions. And we see the growing confidence and independence these experiences are fostering. But the best proof of the program’s value is that on Explorer days, Jillian comes home tired, happy, and eager to share the details of her day’s adventure.”