October gave our children so many ways to discover things about themselves and the world around them. Through stories, songs, conversation, movement, art, and hands-on play, each classroom explored ideas that were just right for the children's ages and stages of development.
Marvelous Me
Our Marvelous Me theme helped children talk about who they are, what they like, and what makes them special. It also gave us a chance to remind every child that God made them unique and that they're a valued part of our school community.
As children shared about themselves and learned about their classmates, they practiced language, listening, confidence, and respect for others. These early conversations help children feel a sense of belonging and build friendships.
An Orchard Adventure
Our Orchard Adventure theme brought fall into the classroom. Orchard-inspired stories, sensory experiences, and pretend play encouraged children to notice seasonal colors, textures, foods, and changes in nature.
While children explored, they were also building vocabulary, using their imaginations, making observations, and practicing early science skills. What may look like simple play is often full of learning.
ABC, 123, and the Color Red
Our preschool classrooms also focused on ABC, 123, and the color red. Letters and numbers become more meaningful when children meet them through songs, stories, games, counting, sorting, and everyday classroom routines.
Children practiced recognizing symbols, hearing sounds in words, counting objects, noticing patterns, and making connections between printed numbers and real amounts. Our study of red encouraged children to look closely, name what they saw, and find the color in familiar objects around them.
Circles for Our Youngest Children
Our infant and toddler classrooms began and ended the month with circles, giving children time to revisit the shape and become more familiar with it. Young children learn through repetition, so seeing, touching, and noticing circles in different ways helps strengthen understanding.
Shape activities can also support hand-eye coordination, fine-motor development, visual attention, and early problem-solving. Each time children roll a round object, point to a circle, or make a circular mark, they're learning through play.
At St. Matthew's Weekday School, our teachers use play, observation, and assessment together to understand what interests each child and which skills are developing. We're proud of all the exploring that happened this October, and we can't wait to see where the children's curiosity takes us next.
