Hello Branch Families!
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 a wonderful 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. 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, a great topic to begin the school year. We discussed the different types of germs—good and bad—and how some can help us while others can make us sick. 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 with 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. After seeing the “germs” glow they were sent to wash their hands and come back under the black light to check their washing. This was a great visual to show spots.
Looking Ahead to October
Our Branchers have shown 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 carving pumpkins and enjoying fall-scented sensory play, we’ll experience the season with all our senses. It promises to be a fun and delicious month filled with hands-on learning.
Other exciting news! Miss Maci has joined the Branch room. She will be in the Branch room for the school year and will fill in for Miss Gracen while she takes her maternity leave this winter. We are SO glad to have Miss Maci in the Branch room, and all the Branchers are thrilled to have her back!
Family Board Reminder
A huge thank-you to the families who have already sent in photos for our Family Board! The Branchers love seeing pictures of their families at school, pointing out names, and introducing their pets to friends. If you haven’t sent a photo yet, feel free to bring one in or message it to us on BrightWheel, and we’ll happily print it out for you.
We’re excited to see everyone at Happy Harvest !
Happy Fall! Miss Gracen and Miss Heather
