Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds: January 6 - 9, 2026
Dear Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds Families,
It was a joy to welcome the children back to campus after a few weeks away. They settled back into the rhythm of school with remarkable presence, noticing and sweetly naming both what had remained the same and what had changed. This attentiveness to even the smallest details reflects young children’s deep need for consistency and predictability. By gently and incrementally introducing change within a familiar rhythm, we support the gradual development of resilience and adaptability. When we remember that even small changes can feel very big to young children, we can better understand why transitions or out of the ordinary occurences, such as holidays or travel, sometimes bring big feelings. When everything feels different, it is comforting to ask: what can stay the same?
Indoors, a few new “stuffies,” a handmade baby doll, a handful of additional wooden blocks, and the simple exchange of one wooden tow truck for another were enough for some children to declare the classroom entirely “new.” During our cozy morning time, the children colored with beeswax crayons, listened to a new story about a lost mitten, and enjoyed a sweet fingerplay about five snow children. Those children nearing four years old are beginning to form more recognizable human figures with heads and radiating lines in their drawings. This marks an important developmental step as inner images of self and others begin to awaken and find expression on the page.
Outdoors, the forest was greeted like a long-lost friend. Upon arriving at the Hummingbird Nest, one child exclaimed, “Oh my, there is so much work to do,” and the children quickly set to chopping and building at their familiar stumps and logs. A highlight of the week was the discovery of a “gold mine of magic crystals” atop the hill on the far side of our classroom boundary. Digging deep, the children uncovered hidden rocks, taking turns, negotiating shovel use, and joyfully announcing each discovery at the sound of metal meeting stone. It was a rich, collaborative, and deeply sensory experience shared by all.
As the children re-enter the rhythm of school, we are also revisiting our campus manners; using soft “fairy” feet in the hallways and quiet, mouse-like voices out of respect for other classes. The children largely manage this well, and as several are rising toward kindergarten next year, this practice helps prepare them for that meaningful next step.
Announcements & Reminders:
Please join us for our MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 19th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. You are also welcome to sign up to donate food items or drop off new socks and/or underwear during carpool any day until the 16th. Please see the Main Messenger or contact Ki Holly or Ki Kim for more information.
January 19: MLK Jr. Day of Service (No school)
January 31: Community Work Day
February 7: Early Childhood & Grade Curriculum meeting at 11 am & All School Meeting (Spring) at 12:30 pm
Warmly,
Ki Alycia
