Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds: September 29 - October 3, 2025

Oct 3

Dear Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds Families,

As the air turns crisp, friendships deepen, and our school rhythms take root, we feel a sense of ease and belonging in the class environment, a true “settling in.” In much the same way, our beloved forest begins to soften and quiet, making its early preparations for the colder months ahead. The harmony between the children’s growth, play, and development and the natural cycles of the seasons remains one of the great wonders of forest schooling.

Last week, the Hummingbirds experienced first-hand the subtle seasonal shifts through forest free play, of course, but also through song, story, and movement. Our early autumn circle takes a narrative form: we sing and recite verses about a family gathering apples, then returning home to bake an apple and blackberry pie.

The children had the joy of working with wool roving to wet-felt balls, which became either acorn necklaces or the heads of pinecone and kudzu fairies. Wet felting is done with wool roving, warm water, and a little soap. The children rolled the wool in their hands with a “rolly-polly” motion, fusing the fibers together into the desired shape. This process requires focus, coordination, and the use of small muscles, while also offering a calming sensory experience as they squeezed and wrung the warm, soapy water from the wool.

This week, we will paint with cool blue watercolor, and for those interested, blunt needles, thread, and wooden beads will be available for simple needlework. Through play and quiet observation, we will continue to let the forest guide us toward the deeper mood of autumn.

Announcements & Reminders:

School Pictures will be on Wednesday, October 8th, for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday students. Thursday, October 9th, will be for Thursday and Friday students. These will be individual photos only. In the Spring, we will take the class picture and any makeup photos.

Parent/Teacher Conferences are October 9th and 10th. Please sign up here: Hummingsbirds