Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds: October 13 -17, 2025
Dear Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds Families,
Last week, the children’s play made a subtle and beautiful shift. There is a fascinating phenomenon that unfolds when children are given open-ended time in a natural environment: their play begins to echo, almost instinctively, the rhythms of the creatures and natural world around them.
As autumn settles in, the squirrels and woodland creatures busy themselves with gathering and storing for the colder months ahead. In just the same way, the children began the joyful work of building “our stick house.” With great focus and collaboration, they gathered most of the toys, tools, and treasures of our forest classroom and placed them carefully into the deep hole they began digging earlier in the year. Together, they covered and camouflaged it with sticks and leaves, creating a nest of their very own. What a gift it is to witness children moving and playing in a way that so beautifully honors their instincts and natural development.
Our week was also brightened by the making of our child-sized scarecrows. Little hands joyfully stuffed hand-me-down clothes with straw and leaves, tied on fabric heads, and helped the figures come to life. Immediately, these friendly beings were welcomed into the children’s world. They hugged, named, and lovingly cared for them. Throughout the day, the children prepared “snacks” in the mud kitchen to share with their new straw friends. In the most endearing way, the scarecrows were given the same name as their makers, with each child referring to them by their own name. What a tender reflection of the deep identification and empathy young children bring to their creations!
This week, we will continue to honor the days of diminishing sunlight as we hear the story of The Little Lantern House, a nod to the upcoming festival of Martinmas and our Lantern Walk. The Lantern Walk is a celebration of carrying our own small light out into the darkening world. We will begin learning our lantern song and crafting our lanterns to prepare for this special time.
Announcements & Reminders:
October 27: All School Meeting (Fall) 6:30 - 8:00 pm (adults only, please)
November 5 & 6: Joyful Beginnings Lantern Walk (In the Sanctuary from 12:10-12:30)
Warmly,
Ki Alycia
