Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds: October 20 - 24, 2025
Dear Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds Families,
Thank you to all who attended the All School Meeting. Your contribution to the school community is much appreciated. The next All School Meeting will be held on Saturday, February 7th at 12:30 pm.
Last week, the Hummingbirds were hard at work in the forest as we began clearing the ground to subtly extend our Hummingbird Nest boundary by a few feet on one side, making room for a few new climbing trees the children have been eyeing. This was an unspoken plan, and as teachers gathered materials like a small hand saw and rake to begin the work, the children followed closely behind, bringing along their own rakes, ideas, and determination.
They have shown an impressive work ethic, pulling up hardy vines and re-homing large stumps and branches that were in the way. This project has fostered a beautiful sense of collaboration among the children, and it is clear how much ownership they are taking of their play space. One student proudly remarked, “Our construction site is the most amazing place in the world!”
In the same spirit of hands-on work, the children also began crafting their own “lantern houses” in preparation for our upcoming Lantern Walk. Using a mixture of water and glue, they carefully cut and layered strips of paper to shape the base of their lanterns. They also heard the story of The Little Lantern House for the first time this week.
In the story, George grows concerned about the shortening hours of daylight and wonders how he will preserve daylight to do all the things he loves, especially visiting his family in the neighboring tree and their lantern house. Brother Sun assures George that in the cold and dark days, there is a special light he can tend within himself. As a reminder of this, he offers George a golden spark from the waning autumn sun. The spark dances through the windows of his lantern house and lights the way to the neighboring trees. The children’s creations will soon resemble George’s lantern, each with its own special touch.
This week, we will continue working on the lanterns as the children add leaves and dried flowers. They’ll also use a dull needle to poke small holes, ensuring sufficient light can shine through. These multi-step projects build patience, perseverance, and confidence as the children see their creative visions come to life.
Announcements & Reminders:
The children have been especially enjoying our warm morning tea as the weather cools. If your child has a favorite tea they’d like to share with the class, they are welcome to bring a few tea bags. On that day, they’ll have the special responsibility of helping the teachers prepare our morning tea.
November 5 & 6: Joyful Beginnings Lantern Walk (In the Sanctuary from 12:10-12:30)
November 21: Thanksgiving Luncheon at 11 am (All family and students are invited)
November 24 - 28 Thanksgiving Break (No School)
Warmly,
Ki Alycia
