Embracing New Year 2026

By embracing New Year 2026, we are supported in understanding the passage of time, and welcoming new experiences through intentional learning opportunities. As we enter the new year 2026, we are exploring ways to express our feelings through gestures. Emily chooses a fist bump as her way of saying, “I am glad to see you”, sharing a friendly and welcoming connection with others.

When Rebecca is excited to connect, the sound of a fist bump can feel like a tiny explosion of joy, showing how happy she is to see all of us.

Some of us choose to give hugs. It can feel like a big burst of happiness! A hug is a gentle way to show we care and to share our excitement with someone we like to be with.

Sometimes hugging can be a little tricky, especially when the other person is not ready. When that happens, it might fell a bit awkward. This helps us learn to notice other's feelings, respect personal space, and choose different ways to show kindness like a smile, a wave, or a friendly word.

As our shared resolution, we agree to include the many ways to show warmth and friendliness through smiles, fist bumps, high fives, or kind words.

When I Smile: A Book of Kindness teaches us the power of our smile and the many different smiles we give to those around us throughout the day. There are soft, sleepy smiles that greet a new day; goofy smiles with our best friend; and even playful, supportive smiles, which help when others feeling down.

Tvisha helps show us the many different smiles she has within her. Through her facial expressions, we explore emotions, communications, and how feelings can be shared without words.

I smile even when I am sleeping” - Tvisha.

Dhanika reflects a shy smile which may be more fleeting, yet it still conveys a desire for connection. So yes, we learn smiling does not always mean boldness. It can also reflect shyness, or gentle caution, while still showing kindness and approachability.

We learn smiling does not just reflect kindness. It can also generate kindness. Through Anthony’s smiles, his brain releases feelings-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which makes him feel more compassionate.

Luka adds to his interpretation of his genuine smile as an expression of warmth and openness. Along with his words, he explains how his smile is a sign of feeling safe.

To help us understand fireworks in an early years context, we incorporate a simple and exciting science experiment. 

By using baking soda, popcorn kernels, and a mixture of vinegar and water, we observe how the kernels jump up and down. Just like fireworks popping and bursting in the sky!

Through this hands-on learning experience, we explore movement, cause and effect, and experience the joy of discovery.

We come together to celebrate the New Year 2026 and to help us understand how time changes as one year ends and a new one begins. To make learning fun, we play exciting games together. Stacking plastic cups to build a tall pyramid and carefully balancing a ping-pong ball on a spoon as we move from the starting point to the finish line without letting it fall. Through laughter, teamwork, and gentle challenges, we learn while we play. 

In the spirit of games, we learn sportsmanship. We learn to:

• Take turns and play fairly
• Follow simple rules
• Try our best and keep going, even when it is challenging
• Celebrate others' efforts, not just winning
• Accept outcomes with kindness and respect
• Encourage friends and work together

In early years, sportsmanship helps us build patience, empathy, resilience, and respect, showing us that how we play together is just as important as the game itself.

The moments of sunshine on some days are valued and never missed, as they offer us opportunities to connect with nature, experience warmth, and engage in outdoor exploration that supports our wellbeing and sense of joy.

Kindest,
Children & Friends.