Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds: September 8 - 12, 2025
Dear Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds Families,
One student recently summed up the Hummingbirds’ early school days with poetic simplicity. After climbing to the top of a forest structure, they turned to their teachers and peers and declared, “Look, I’m learning!” Indeed, they are. As the children move through the day, in work, in rest, and in play, they are learning.
Last week was full of sensory-rich experiences. The children painted with vibrant red watercolor, made pinecone bird feeders, brushed the goats at the farm, and delighted in the fragrance and texture of marigold and goldenrod blossoms as we prepared a batch of golden garment dye.
The pinecone bird feeders offered both creativity and care for the surroundings. With wooden spoons in hand, the children spread nut butter into the pinecones’ crevices, then sprinkled sunflower seeds and other “bird treats” across the sticky surface. This was a highly tactile activity, with many little fingers returning again and again to the texture of the seed mixture. Once finished, the children thoughtfully chose just the right branches to hang their feeders, and eagerly checked them the next school day to see which ones had been visited by hungry beaks.
Our “pot of gold” dyeing process was a slower, unfolding experience and an opportunity to savor the beauty of handmade work. Petal by petal, the children placed the golden flowers into a large brew pot, watching the color deepen over the course of several school days to a rich, golden hue. Finally, each child dipped their plain white silk into the dye bath, gently stirring as it transformed before their eyes into shades of yellow and gold. The silks were then rinsed, wrung, and hung on the clothesline to dry in the sun. Please note that some children completed this activity last week, while others will participate this week, depending on their attendance schedule. Their golden courage capes will be sent home this week.
This week, the children will again hear the story of a brave creature who journeyed to the top of Misty Hill to retrieve the golden apple, which held the last warmth and brightness of the summer sun. In connection with this tale and in honor of the Day of Courage, each child will bring home a special token: a courage stone. We encourage you to ask your child about the meaning of their stone, which may serve as a small reminder of their own growing strength and bravery.
Announcements & Reminders:
Parent/Teacher Conferences are October 9th and 10th. Please sign up here: Hummingsbirds
September 19: Day of Courage (Early Dismissal), Joyful Beginnings’ pick up time is from 12:00 - 12:15 pm
September 22 - 26: Fall Break
September 29: Teacher In-Service (No School)
October 9: Parent Conferences (Half Day)
October 10: Parent Conferences (No School)
Warmly,
Ki Alycia
