2025-26 Smart Start Week 13

It was Letter C week, and the timing couldn’t have been better — Christmas has taken over our classroom! Our invitations and activities were inspired by all things C, and our friends embraced every moment.

During Circle, we talked about why Christmas is such a special holiday and read some Christmas stories. We were thrilled to welcome a guest reader—Claire, who read one of our class favorites, No, David! and had everyone giggling. And the excitement didn’t stop there—Santa sent not one, but TWO elves to Smart Start! Because our school is such a special place, he chose Emilio and Mischief McMerry to keep an eye out for the wonderful things our friends are doing to earn their Smart Start dollars. One of our friends even opened his lunch to find that his elf had been up to a little mischief at home, reminding us how magical it is when the classroom and home experiences connect. We also practiced building words and letter recognition by building our names in Christmas lights inside our journals, making learning feel festive and fun!

This week, our class used watercolor to create beautiful Christmas cards to deliver to the nursing home. It was a simple yet meaningful act of service, and a wonderful way to help our children connect with the community and brighten someone’s holiday season with a little handmade cheer.

Our Letter C invitations this week included favorites like Cootie, Candyland, Connect 4, and Chutes and Ladders. Friends were eager to practice cutting with scissors, coloring Christmas pictures, scooping and pouring corn, counting, and exploring with cars. Their imaginations took the wheel—literally! From planning road trips to telling their “kids” to get back in their seats while they stopped for gas, our travelers journeyed from the sunniest beaches to the tallest mountain tops as they drove across the United States in their pretend play. The creativity was nonstop and filled our classroom with laughter and adventure!

Our explorations this week were deliciously festive! We decorated one of the most popular Christmas cookies of all time — gingerbread men — and of course, we had to taste our creations. Another day brought a chocolate tasting adventure, where we sampled white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. While many friends confidently predicted their favorites, some were surprised to discover a new taste they liked even more than expected. This week proved that trying new things can be both fun and tasty!

In the Wiggle Room, we focused on counting beats using rhythm sticks—tapping to the rhythm as we matched numbers with sound. We also enjoyed an exciting obstacle course, where friends practiced balance, coordination, and confidence as they jumped, crawled, and navigated their way through the challenges. It was the perfect mix of music, math, and motor fun!

What a jam-packed Letter C week we’ve had! As we continue celebrating the season, we are excited for our friends to preview the Santa Shop on Monday and Tuesday of this week. Shopping days will take place Wednesday and Thursday of this week, and again on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Students will have the opportunity to use their Smart Start dollars to purchase gifts for family and friends, and gift wrapping—with a little help—will be available. We can’t wait to watch the excitement and pride as our friends choose presents for the special people in their lives.

See you soon,

The Smart Start team