2025-26 Smart Start Week 28

Letter Y week invited us to explore all the things you can do. This focus naturally unfolded into meaningful conversations and experiences centered around independence, collaboration, and caring for others.

Friends engaged in real-life roles and responsibilities, discovering what they are capable of doing on their own. They practiced caring for others, explored the experience of getting a haircut, and stepped into the many roles found within a restaurant. These moments offered opportunities to build confidence and independence while deepening their understanding of the world around them.

Equally meaningful were the experiences shared with others. Friends played games together, engineered marble runs, and took on collaborative roles within a grocery store setting. Through these interactions, they practiced communication, problem-solving, and teamwork—skills that continue to grow through shared experiences.

Our sensory invitations reflected the beauty of the season and our Explorations. Yellow dough paired with springtime cookie cutters encouraged creativity and fine motor development. Friends also enjoyed playful investigation with yellow ducks and yellow diggers, bringing an added layer of imaginative play to our focus on all things “Y.” Earth Day-inspired rice sparked conversations about our planet and how we can care for it.

During Explorations, we focused on ways we can care for the Earth. Friends repurposed materials that might otherwise be seen as “trash,” transforming them into beautiful works of art and flowers. These creations will become part of a collaborative installation and individual displays featured in our end-of-year gallery—a meaningful representation of both creativity and environmental stewardship. Friends also baked yeast rolls with Ms. Christy, working through the process step-by-step and experiencing the transformation of simple ingredients into something delicious.

One of the highlights of our week was exploring water balloon yo-yos, which brought joy, laughter, and a bit of surprise as friends experimented with movement and coordination.

We began our week with yoga, introducing strategies for balance, mindfulness, and regulating our feelings. This quickly became a favorite, and friends requested yoga throughout the week, allowing our movement time to become a space for both physical activity and emotional awareness.

As we look ahead, we are excited to explore the letter Z while celebrating the Kentucky Derby! If you have not yet seen the infographic, please take a moment to check it out. Your child also brought home important information regarding Smart Start Celebration. There will be two celebration times this year, so please be sure to reference your child’s invitation.

As always, please reach out to Ms. Leah with any questions.

See you soon,

The Smart Start team