Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds: October 27 - 31, 2025
Dear Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds Families,
Last week, outdoor play was all about mud and puddles, while indoor play was filled with cozier gestures like shelter building and candle-lit picnics. The children thoughtfully asked to use the electric tea light candles from our story in their play, and oh, how their imaginations came alive! The very same images and mood from our story unfolded in their play as they transformed the indoor climbing structure into a storm shelter, huddling together by candlelight until their imagined storm passed. A few brave friends even ventured out to the play kitchen to fetch snacks for those “taking shelter” inside.
Outdoors, little hands delighted in the simple joys of wet chalk and deep, muddy puddles. The children also put the finishing touches on their lanterns, paid a sweet visit to the donkeys and goats at the farm, and the older children were introduced to painting with more than one color. Many took such pride in their work, commenting on the unique shades of purple that appeared on each friend’s paper.
This week, we will conclude our early autumn circle. After several weeks of reciting our songs and verses, the children now move and sing with a deep sense of joy and recognition. A class favorite that can often be heard echoing through the forest each morning is:
The leaves are green, the apples are red,
They hang so high above our heads.
Leave them alone till frosty weather,
And then they’ll come tumbling down together.
The leaves are green, the nuts are brown,
They hang so high, they will not come down.
Leave them alone till frosty weather,
And then they’ll come tumbling down together.
We look forward to seeing you all at our Lantern Walk on Wednesday (for students who attend M–W) and Thursday (for students who attend Th–F). Parents of five day students are welcome to attend one or both days. The Lantern Walk is a cherished Waldorf tradition marking the turning of the season toward the winter months ahead. As the days grow shorter and colder, we gather to honor the light that lives within each of us. This is intended to be a reverent and peaceful event, and we invite families to help hold this mood by refraining from conversation, waving, or taking photos and videos during the walk.
Please plan to arrive and be seated in the sanctuary by 11:40 a.m.. The walk will begin promptly at 11:50 a.m.. Once the students have walked through the sanctuary twice with their lanterns, teachers will lead them out to the playground, where you may pick them up. On Thursday, if each family is willing to help by turning off and collecting a few tea lights on your way out, our clean-up will be quick and easy. Many hands make light work!
Announcements & Reminders:
As temperatures shift, it can be tricky dressing little ones for our ever-changing Georgia winters. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers or one another for suggestions and recommendations. When in doubt, bring extra layers! We strive for the children to enjoy, not endure, the outdoors in all weather, and wet clothing or chilly hands can quickly halt play. A thin but insulating & moisture-wicking wool base layer and wool socks make a wonderful starting point for winter school attire.
November 5 & 6: Joyful Beginnings Lantern Walk, from 11:50-12:10, in the Sanctuary
November 21: Grades Presentation in Sanctuary at 10:30 am
November 21: Thanksgiving Luncheon at 11 am (All families and students are invited)
November 24 - 28: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
Warmly,
Ki Alycia
