Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds: August 17-21, 2026
Dear Hummingbird Families,
As the children continued to settle into their new school environment, we introduced two activities last week: our first watercolor painting, using a warm golden yellow, and our chopping apples activity.
In our Hummingbird classroom, watercolor is introduced as a gentle journey of meeting color. We begin with one color at a time, allowing the children to experience its qualities before introducing another. Our first color is yellow—bright, warm, and full of light. Rather than asking the children to paint a particular picture, we invite them to explore how the color moves with water across the paper. In time, a new color will be introduced, and eventually the children will have the opportunity to watch the colors meet, blend, and create something new together. This gradual process gives children time to develop a relationship with each color while nurturing observation, patience, sensory awareness, imagination, and a sense of wonder. The experience is not about creating a finished product, but about experiencing the living qualities of color and discovering what happens when colors meet.
On Friday, we celebrated Gaia’s birthday. It was our pleasure to welcome her family into our classroom and share this special moment together. Birthday celebrations are also an important part of our curriculum. As we welcome each child into the world, we recognize the unique gifts and personalities that they bring to the earth. This tradition helps children experience the rhythm of the year while developing a meaningful sense of belonging to our community and the world around them.
As we approach the month of September, we turn our focus toward the transition into autumn and the celebration of the Day of Courage. A dragon story will be shared in the classroom to help the children explore the meaning of being brave and kind.
Throughout the year, there are simple phrases used to help guide the children as they learn to care for themselves, one another, and their environment.
“Gentle hands” – reminding children to treat their friends, themselves, and their surroundings with care.
“Kind words” – encouraging children to speak respectfully and thoughtfully to one another and to themselves.
“Strong hands, steady feet” – encouraging safe and mindful movement during transitions, especially when holding onto the “mousy ear” and carrying baskets.
“Walking feet, quiet voices” – encouraging calm and peaceful movement in the indoor classroom.
“Quiet snack” – helping children slow down, listen to their bodies, and enjoy a wholesome snack mindfully.
If you would like, using these same phrases at home can provide your child with a wonderful sense of consistency and familiarity as they continue to grow into their classroom rhythm. Additionally, please help your child practice carrying their basket at home. This will help them feel more comfortable and confident carrying it independently at school, a skill that will develop in the coming weeks.
Class Reminders and Announcements:
Day of Courage: We are beginning to collect marigolds, goldenrod, and turmeric powder to create golden capes for the Day of Courage. If you come across these flowers while hiking, please help us collect some. And if you have turmeric powder in your kitchen that you would like to share, we would greatly appreciate your support! We will begin our dyeing activity next week. Thank you so much for helping us create these meaningful experiences for our Bluebirds!
Conference: Our Fall Conferences will take place from October 7th to October 9th. This is a great opportunity for us to connect and discuss your child’s development and growth. Please sign up here to schedule a time to meet. Conferences are for adults only and are an opportunity to come together to talk about your child’s experiences at school, celebrate their growth, and share any questions, observations, or concerns.
September 7: Labor Day (No School)
September 8: Early Childhood Curriculum Meeting, 6:00 pm. (adults only)
September 9: Grade Curriculum Meeting, 6:00 pm. (adults only)
September 12: Community Workday
Warmly,
Ki Isabela
