2025-26 Smart Start Week 14

Letter O Week was overflowing with curiosity, creativity, and hands-on discovery. Through open-ended play, exploration, and movement, our friends experienced the letter O in meaningful and memorable ways.

We were busy with ocean puzzles, imaginative play with superheroes and robots, and collaborative games like Hi Ho CherriO where friends practiced turn-taking, counting, and patience. We explored locks that open and close, strengthening fine motor skills and problem-solving, and built creations with Magnatiles Christmas trees.

Pretend play was in full swing as friends imagined themselves working in offices, organizing, communicating, and collaborating. Sensory bins invited exploration too—students discovered ocean animals in Orbeez and even revisited a favorite interest with dinosaurs, blending science, texture, and storytelling.

A special highlight this week was our ornithology exploration. We learned about birds, the sounds they make, and how we can care for them during the winter months. We experimented with bird feathers, observing how oil and water interact, and discussed how feathers help protect birds. To put learning into action, we made bird feeders, practicing kindness for the animals around us.

We also took time to reflect and imagine through journaling as friends shared what they think it might be like when they are old. Movement and gross motor skills were strengthened with obstacle courses, encouraging confidence and building balance.

Of course, there was plenty of joy sprinkled throughout the week—decorating sugar cookies and previewing and shopping in the Santa Shop, which brought plenty of excitement.

Letter O week reminded us that learning happens everywhere: through observation, play, creativity, and care for others. Our days were full, our hearts were happy, and our minds were busy growing.

See you soon,

The Smart Start team