2025-26 Smart Start Week 29

Our week began with a celebration that is near and dear to our Kentucky roots—our very own Kentucky Derby festivities! Friends quickly discovered that the Derby is so much more than just a horse race. It is one of the traditions that Kentucky is most known for, bringing people together in celebration, creativity, and community.

In preparation for our big event, each friend had the opportunity to design their own Derby hat, thoughtfully choosing colors, textures, and materials to create something uniquely their own. The excitement continued as friends named their racehorses, eagerly preparing for our classroom Derby. There was a sense of pride and ownership as each child brought their ideas to life, turning imagination into something tangible.

We also explored the many traditions that surround the Derby, including the beautiful hot air balloon races that take place leading up to the big day. Inspired by this, friends used vibrant watercolors to design their own hot air balloons, watching as colors blended and spread across the page in unexpected and beautiful ways.

To deepen our understanding, we took a closer look at how hot air balloons work. Through hands-on exploration, friends observed how air expands when heated. By placing a bottle with a balloon attached into warm water, we watched as the balloon slowly inflated, trapping the expanding air inside. When moved to cold, icy water, the balloon gently deflated as the air cooled and contracted. This simple yet powerful experiment allowed friends to see science in action, connecting their artwork to real-world concepts.

As we transitioned into our Letter Z explorations, friends discovered just how many meaningful and exciting connections can be made with this final letter. Sensory invitations were filled with buzzing bees and zooming cars, while others followed zig zag pathways and explored the textures and scents of zesting citrus fruits. Friends especially enjoyed mandarin oranges, using the peels to create a beautiful mosaic work of art. These hands-on experiences encouraged curiosity, language development, and fine motor growth.

One of our Imagination Stations transformed into a lively petting zoo, where friends cared for animals and took on new roles, while a home center welcomed nurturing play with babies. Builders worked with intention to construct tall towers and create habitats for zoo animals, problem-solving and collaborating along the way.

Sheets of newspaper were thoughtfully painted so we can later transform them into vibrant zinnias, while others explored pattern and contrast through mixed media zebras. Our scientists engaged in fizzy explorations, combining baking soda, vinegar, and a variety of colors to observe exciting chemical reactions, sparking wonder and conversation.

The grocery store continued to be a favorite space for dramatic play, where friends practiced real-life connections through shopping, organizing, and role-playing together.

Of course, the beautiful weather invited us outdoors, where learning continued in new and meaningful ways. Friends used tools and toys to move rocks, explored mark-making with chalk, and delighted in the simple joy of bubbles floating through the air. These moments of outdoor play provided opportunities for collaboration, movement, and connection with one another.

As we wrap up our journey through the alphabet, it has been such a joy to watch each friend grow in confidence, creativity, and curiosity. We are looking forward to all that is still to come as we celebrate the end of a wonderful year together.

See you soon,

The Smart Start Team