Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds: August 11 - August 15, 2025
Dear Joyful Beginnings Hummingbird Families,
It was wonderful to see you all on campus for Meet & Greet last Saturday! We look forward to building a strong parent community to support the Hummingbirds as they embark on their school journey.
The first week of school is all about establishing strong rhythms and connections. In these early days, we choose simplicity over activity, allowing the children time to become comfortable in their new physical and social environment.
Our daily rhythm is intentionally built to mimic the warmth and familiarity of home. We begin indoors, where children naturally gravitate toward quieter play, much like a slow morning at home with parents. From there, the classroom helper begins assisting the teacher in setting the table. These activities are never treated as “busy work,” but rather as meaningful moments that are approached with care and attention as we sing, hum, and place our wooden cups, cloth napkins, pitchers of water, and mealtime candles on the table. After the table is set, the “fire fairies” visit our snack table as the teacher lights a candle. It is amazing how the subtle glow of a candle sets the stage for reverence during mealtimes.
After our snack, the children are ready to move their bodies and explore the forest. The forest classroom can feel incredibly vast for young children. We begin our time in the forest with Morning Circle, where we greet the trees and the creatures around us. This allows the children to take in their surroundings one element at a time before jumping into free play.
As the children learn to work and play together this year, you may hear teachers repeating simple phrases that set the tone for how we move through the day. If you wish, you might consider using the same phrases at home for the sake of continuity:
“Gentle and kind” – to guide play and social interactions
“Slow and steady” – to encourage mindful movement, especially indoors
“Play together, stay together” – a safety reminder that we remain with our group throughout the day
Please note that your child may be especially tired during the first few weeks of school. The warm weather, active forest play, and emotional energy of adjusting to a new environment can be wonderfully fulfilling, but also quite tiring for young children. Extra cuddles, afternoon rests, and early bedtimes can help support their transition.
The year ahead promises to be filled with growth and plenty of giggles. Thank you for sharing your children with us!
Announcements & Reminders:
If you have not yet signed up for a week (or two) to bring in apples for the class, please SIGN UP HERE.
August 23: Community Work Day
September 1: Labor Day (No School)
September 2: Early Childhood Curriculum Night, 6:00-7:00 pm (adults only, please)
September 3: Grades Curriculum Night, 6:00-7:00 pm (adults only, please)
Warmly,
Ki Alycia