2025- 26 Smart Start Week 11

Last week we explored the letter G, and it was the perfect opportunity to focus on gratitude and giving. Our friends worked together to create a bright, cheerful banner to show appreciation for our garbage collectors and thank them for all they do in our community. We also collected canned goods for God’s Food Pantry, learning how even small acts of kindness can help others. It was a wonderful week of learning, caring, and growing together.

Our letter G invitations offered so many playful ways to learn and explore. Friends stretched rubber bands across geo-boards to create shapes, letters, and fun designs, and they enjoyed a variety of games that encouraged teamwork and problem-solving. They also loved building with giant blocks, working together to build towers and grand structures. One of the favorite spots was the gumball invitation, where children sorted, counted, and scooped colorful “gumballs.”

In the Wiggle Room, friends had a blast playing Duck, Duck, Goose, practicing taking turns, running with control, and building confidence. We also focused on the sound of the letter G, using movement and repetition to help the children hear and feel how the sound is made. During Circle, we enjoyed reading some of our favorite stories, including a giant book about a flower garden. The oversized pages and bright illustrations made it extra exciting as we talked about gardens, growing, and all the beautiful things that start with G.

Our art invitations this week were full of creativity and exploration. Friends used glue to design abstract faces inspired by Picasso, experimenting with shapes, lines, and expressions in their own unique ways. We also enjoyed watercoloring pictures that began with the letter G, blending colors and adding details to bring their ideas to life. To extend our learning, we discovered the artist Alberto Giacometti and studied his tall, textured sculptures. Inspired by his work, the children created their own Giacometti-style figures, shaping and molding materials to form expressive sculptures.

Our Imagination Station transformed into a bustling grocery store this week, and friends loved every moment of it. They took turns being shoppers, cashiers, and stockers, practicing social skills, counting, and sorting as they filled carts, checked out items, and restocked the shelves. The grocery store offered so many rich opportunities for pretend play and conversation, all while reinforcing our letter G theme in a fun and meaningful way.

During Explorations, friends engaged in hands-on activities that stretched their thinking and sparked curiosity. We continued our letter review by matching colorful gumballs to the letters inside our gumball machine. The Guessing Bag was a big favorite—children reached in to feel mystery items like peas, Jell-O, spaghetti, and more, then used descriptive language to make guesses about what was inside. We also created beautiful galaxy jars by repurposing water bottles and filling them with acrylic paint, glitter, and water. Watching the colors swirl and sparkle was magical, and friends were so proud of their unique creations.

It was a wonderful week full of gratitude, giving, and joyful learning as we explored the letter G. Our friends engaged in meaningful play, creative projects, and hands-on discoveries that helped them grow in confidence and community. A heartfelt thank you to our families for sending in canned goods for God’s Food Pantry—your generosity helped our children see the impact of caring for others. We’re grateful for your support and look forward to more fun and learning in the weeks ahead!

See you soon,

The Smart Start team