As we start the new school year, our hearts are filled with excitement and anticipation for where the children will lead us this season. The first two weeks of school seemed to have flown by us as we (teachers, students and families alike) were busily adjusting to the new dynamics of the classroom. The new little ones finding their rhythm as first time students, the returning children taking on new found independence and responsibilities in the school community, teachers observing and learning how to best support them, and parents learning to trust and support their children from afar. We are all stepping into this school year with new and different perspectives. And we hope that our array of perspectives will come together to build a supportive and loving community here at Little Atelier.
“The Language of Leaves”
As September begins, we often open our school year with a study of leaves—learning about trees through their shapes, wondering why leaves change color, and bringing those beautiful colors into our art. This year, leaves will once again be the starting point of our first project, but with a slightly different question:
“What stories might the changes in leaves be telling us?”
We love inviting children to imagine what might happen if the things around that do not speak in words suddenly had a language we could understand. Toy Story is a familiar example—once toys can speak, we begin to wonder what the world might look like from their point of view.
With “The Language of Leaves”, we will bring that imagination into the natural world.
A leaf changes color.
Its edges curl.
It turns towards the sunlight.
It moves with the wind.
An insect leaves tiny holes behind.
If these changes were a kind of language, what might they mean?
We will explore how meaning can be communicated not only through spoken words, but also through movement, color, shape, gesture, and change. And perhaps as we learn to look more closely, we might begin to wonder: “What are the leaves already telling us that we have not yet learned to notice?”
We look forward to seeing where the children take this inquiry and will share more as the project unfolds.
<Announcements>
Hand Towels- Please send a washcloth-sized towel for your child to use after washing their hands. If you happen to forget, no worries—we will provide one from the school for the day. The towels will be sent home at the end of each week along with your child’s bedding for you to wash and return for the following week.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Indigenous People’s Day, 10/12/26- School Closed
Autumn Festival (Potluck), 10/30/26- A day of celebration in fun costume! More details will be shared as the date approaches.