Branch Families,
What a fantastic month September has been! Our new Branchers made a smooth and joyful transition into their classroom, and we couldn’t be prouder. They’ve done an excellent job getting to know their new space, teachers, and routines—along with lots of exciting new stations, activities, and adventures!
We spent time as a whole group discussing classroom rules and safety, both inside and outside the classroom. Knowing their environment is essential for having fun and staying safe. One of our classroom mottos—“We have rules to keep us safe”—has already become a familiar phrase. It’s been a great start to the year!
All About Me: Celebrating What Makes Us Special
As we began the school year, we took time to get to know ourselves and each other. During morning circle time, we read “I’m Special, I am Me,” a wonderful book that helps children appreciate the unique qualities that make each person special. We also sang along to “The One and Only You” by The Juicebox Jukebox, which quickly became a class favorite!
Each child took time to think about what makes them unique and what they love about themselves. Their responses were thoughtful, creative, and inspiring!
To connect this theme to art, we introduced the idea of a self-portrait. Using only a mirror, pencil, and imagination, each Brancher became an artist—carefully observing their reflection and drawing what they saw. They observed features such as their eyes, nose, ears, and even small details like eyebrows and eyelashes. The giggles and smiles during this activity were priceless!
Self-portraits are something we’ll revisit each month. You’ll see them displayed on our classroom bulletin board, so be sure to take a peek! At the end of the year, all self-portraits will be compiled into a keepsake book, allowing you to enjoy seeing how your child’s skills have progressed throughout the year.
Germs, Glitter & Good Habits!
In September, we also started our Germ Study, an excellent topic for the beginning of the school year. We discussed the different types of germs—both good and bad—and how some can benefit us while others can cause illness. From there, we learned how crucial handwashing is for keeping ourselves and our friends healthy.
We introduced a catchy tune—“Wash, Wash, Wash Your Hands”—to make the routine more fun and effective! It’s been a great way to encourage thorough handwashing.
We also did several hands-on activities to help the Branchers see how germs spread:
- A pom-pom sneeze demonstration showed how fast germs can spread when we don’t cover our mouths.
- The “Glitter Handshake” experiment was a sparkly success—Branchers saw just how quickly “germs” (aka glitter!) can spread from one person to another.
- Our “Germs vs. Soap” activity, which involved a dish of glitter and water, demonstrated how germs disperse when soap is used—so simple, yet so effective!
- Glo Germ lotion and a blacklight were used to simulate invisible germs. Branchers rubbed the lotion into their hands and saw them glow under the blacklight—until they washed them properly! This was a fun way to reinforce good hygiene habits.
Looking Ahead to October
As September comes to an end, we’re excited about how the month went. Our Branchers have displayed great enthusiasm and curiosity, and the classroom has truly come alive with their energy!
In October, we’ll explore our next theme: “Fall into Autumn…with our 5 Senses!” From tasting apples and making applesauce to pumpkin carving and fall-scented sensory play, we’ll experience the season with all our senses. It promises to be a fun and educational month filled with delicious activities!
Family Board Reminder
Thanks to the families who’ve already sent photos for our Family Board—it’s been meaningful for the Branchers to see their loved ones in the classroom. If you haven’t sent a photo yet, feel free to bring one in or message it to us on BrightWheel, and we’ll print it for you.
We’re excited to see everyone at Happy Harvest this Saturday!
Happy Fall! Miss Gracen and Miss Heather
