Kindergarten Turtles: August 17-21, 2026

Aug 24

Dear Turtle Families,

Our first full week of school was very busy and full of new experiences. The Turtles are settling into our rhythm, and it has been fun watching them explore, play, and learn together. On Monday, we had our first weekly painting experience. In Kindergarten, we begin by exploring one color at a time. The students painted with yellow, a bright and cheerful color. The style of painting is wet-on-wet watercolor. We use liquid watercolor paint on heavy paper, which is pre-soaked in water. By starting with one color, the children can experience that color fully and get a sense for how the paint, paper, and water work together. On Tuesday, the class took our first trip to the farm, where we fed kudzu to the goats, Caramel and Marshmallow, and the donkeys, Frieda and Pacem. Wednesday brought our first group handwork activity, and together the Turtles created our handwork bags using items the children collected during a nature walk. On Thursday, we enjoyed Creekcess! The students explored the water and the creek shore, finding river rocks and clam shells, and digging and building in the sand. On Friday, we celebrated Remi’s 5th birthday. Remi’s parents and little sister visited the class to celebrate with us. Happy Birthday, Remi!.

A little more about Creekcess. The Turtles will normally go to the creek on Tuesday and Friday while the weather allows. It is usually sometime in September when it becomes too cold. Our Creekcess time is generally 10:45- 11:45, after which we return to class to change clothes before half-day pickup. The children do not need to wear special clothes to go to the creek. They wear whatever they have on that day; pants or shorts are fine. The children are only permitted to enter water that is about mid-calf depth, so they will not be swimming, though they may sometimes sit in the water. The weather can sometimes change our plans. We will not go to the creek if it rained in the previous 24 hours. Last week, it rained on Monday night and Thursday night, so we went to the creek on Thursday instead of Tuesday and Friday. We will continue to adjust our schedule depending on the weather, so that the students have as many opportunities for Creekcess as possible. Always having a clean change of clothes is important. It is also important to check backpacks each night, in case there are wet clothes.

The children are learning the words and movements to our morning Circle. The lyrics to “Good Morning Dear Earth” are included below. We will open our circle with this song throughout the year:

Good morning, Dear Earth,

Good morning, Dear Sun,

Good morning, Dear Stones,

And the plants, everyone.

Good morning, Dear Trees,

And the birds flying free.

Good morning to you,

And good morning to me.

Good morning to you,

And good morning to me.

The Turtles are such a sweet, kind, and helpful class! The children are developing friendships, and it is beautiful to see how they play together. Our first Early Childhood Curriculum Night is coming up on September 8th at 6:00 pm. Please plan to join us! Thank you again for sharing your children with us.

Class Reminders and Announcements: