2025-26 Smart Start Week 26

Last week, our learning journey was inspired by the letter R, and what a rich and rewarding week it was for our friends!

With the season of spring all around us, we embraced moments of renewal and celebration through our Easter egg hunts. There was so much joy in the air as friends searched, discovered, and shared in the excitement together. These shared experiences continue to build a strong sense of community within our classrooms.

Our Explorations took a creative turn as we experimented with crayon resist techniques while dyeing eggs. The children were fascinated to see how their designs stayed visible as the colors changed around them. This process sparked curiosity, wonder, and meaningful conversations about cause and effect.

Throughout the classroom, children engaged in thoughtful construction and design. Some worked carefully to stack rocks, exploring balance and patience, while others built towering structures with Magna-Tiles—enhanced by the addition of mirrors, which introduced the concept of reflection in a hands-on and meaningful way.

Imaginative play continued to thrive as children pretended to drive race cars, zooming through their ideas with excitement and collaboration. Nearby, others took on the important roles of first responders, demonstrating care, and a growing understanding of the world around them through role play.

We also explored robots, where creativity and problem-solving came together as children designed and interacted with their own robotic ideas using loose parts and imaginative thinking.

In our sensory experiences, rainbow rice provided a vibrant and calming invitation to scoop, pour, and explore. These moments allow children to regulate, focus, and engage their senses in meaningful ways.

Among all the excitement, we also took time to learn about something just as important—rest. Through conversations and quiet moments, we explored how our bodies and minds need time to recharge so we can continue to learn, play, and grow.

One of the most special moments of our week was the release of our butterflies. After observing their transformation, the children watched in awe as they spread their wings and took flight. This experience gave us a beautiful opportunity to reflect on growth, change, and the cycles of life.

As we reflect on Letter R week, we are reminded of the many ways children learn—through relationships, repetition, risk-taking, and real experiences. It has been a week full of wonder, creativity, and meaningful connections.

We look forward to continuing our journey together as we explore what comes next!

See you soon,

The Smart Start team