At Naramake Elementary School, Carver’s After the Bell program is serving up imagination and life skills in equal measure. Two recent hands-on enrichment activities—Acting Out with Ms. Karen Hall and cooking with Mrs. Miranda—show how after-school experiences nurture literacy, confidence, and joy in learning.
In Acting Out, local author and storyteller Ms. Karen Hall brings her famous trunk of interactive props—lovingly known as “Chester”—to inspire students to step into the world of storytelling. Dressed in costume, students performed a play about fall and Halloween, learning how to use voice, movement, and imagination to bring stories to life. Ms. Karen’s program, ideal for children ages 2 through 8, transforms storytelling into a full-body, laughter-filled experience that builds vocabulary, confidence, and empathy.
Meanwhile, down in the school cafeteria, Mrs. Miranda led a group of young chefs through the art of making quesadillas—measuring, spreading, folding, and toasting their creations to perfection. Beyond the delicious results, the children practiced teamwork, fine motor skills, and following directions while learning about ingredients and cultures.
These joyful experiences highlight what makes after-school programs like After the Bell so transformative. Unlike traditional classrooms, after-school environments create safe, pressure-free spaces where learning feels natural and personal. Children are encouraged to explore who they are and what they enjoy—whether through writing a story, performing one, or cooking something new. There are no grades, only growth.
At their best, after-school programs help children discover their voices, build confidence, and develop literacy skills that last a lifetime. At Naramake, the recipe is simple: imagination, encouragement, and a dash of fun.
