2025-26 Smart Start Week 23

This week we began exploring the letter A, and friends quickly discovered just how many exciting things begin with this special letter. Through play, creativity, storytelling, and hands-on experiences, children were invited to notice the sound, shape, and meaning of the letter A in many different ways. As always, our learning unfolded through curiosity and imagination as friends followed their interests and shared ideas with one another.

Animals were a big focus this week as we explored words that begin with A. In our play spaces, friends spent time playing with farm animals, building homes and habitats, and creating their own imaginative farm stories. Our dramatic play area also became an animal adoption center, where children lovingly adopted animals and practiced caring for them. Friends fed their animals, rocked them, and made sure their new companions felt safe and loved.

Creativity filled our art studio as we explored several different art experiences. Friends experimented with apple printing, discovering the patterns and shapes apples can make when dipped in paint. We also created colorful artwork inspired by artist Alma Thomas, using bright colors and repeated shapes to design beautiful abstract pieces. These experiences encouraged children to explore color, pattern, and self-expression.

Our classroom was also full of movement and imagination. Friends created paper airplanes and tested how they flew across the room, making observations and trying different ways to launch them. Some children also enjoyed acting and dramatic play, using their voices, bodies, and creativity to tell stories and play different roles.

Of course, no Letter A week would be complete without apples! Friends became little chefs as they helped prepare apple pies and baked apple dumplings. They explored the ingredients, observed how the apples changed while cooking, and enjoyed the delicious smells filling our classroom. Cooking together provided a wonderful opportunity to practice teamwork, patience, and following steps while creating something special to share.

It was a joyful week of discovery as we explored the letter A through art, animals, apples, and adventure. We loved watching the children’s ideas grow as they played, created, and learned together.

See you soon,

The Smart Start team