Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds: August 25-29, 2025
Dear Joyful Beginnings Hummingbird Families,
Thank you all for joining us for the Fall 2025 Curriculum Night. It was lovely to see so many families in attendance. We discussed the rhythm of the school day, the why of extended free play in Early Childhood, the “gift” of boredom, and healthy media habits. Continued conversation amongst the parent community is certainly encouraged, and of course, you can always reach out to teachers with questions or requests for support.
The second week of school brought slightly cooler temperatures and plenty of time and space for exploring the fullness of our forest classroom. As they played, the children drank in all the details of their environment. What a wonder for a child to discover a perfect mushroom growing in their beloved mud kitchen and to have all the unhurried time in the world to observe its intricacies!
For many, the highlight of the week was working to haul large sticks and help teachers secure a strong base for a teepee fort that the children will spend the year making their very own. Some worked to dig holes to secure the foundational pieces, while others waited with fabrics and silks to drape on top, inquiring at intervals when their tea party could begin. Similarly, the Hummingbirds worked with teachers to harvest and twist kudzu vines into a circular shape for what will become a sort of “chandelier” for the forest platform. “Buddy the brush” also made his debut appearance of the year as the children worked on their first watercolor paintings of the semester. In Waldorf Early Childhood, watercolor painting is introduced one color at a time. This approach will be discussed further in a later Garden Messenger.
This week, the children will hear a new story about quiet courage, Haven and the Golden Apple. They will also work on their very first nature project of the year—pine cone bird feeders! We look forward to watching their delight as they create something both beautiful and nourishing for our feathered friends.
Announcements & Reminders:
We are starting to collect goldenrods and marigolds to dye silks for the Day of Courage. If you have some in your garden or see some on a nature walk, please help us by picking some and bringing them to school later this week and early next week.
If you have not yet signed up for a week (or two) to bring in apples for the class, please SIGN UP HERE.
September 3: Grades Curriculum Night, 6:00-7:00 pm (adults only, please)
September 13: Community Work Day
September 19: Day of Courage (Early Dismissal), Joyful Beginnings’ pick up time is from 12:00-12:15 pm
Warmly,
Ki Alycia
