Simcha Early Learning Center

Last week at Simcha was filled with exploration, creativity, science, and a little bit of magic. ✨💛

👶 Toddlers enjoyed taking walks around campus, engaging in sensory play, and caring for baby dolls. Through nurturing play and hands-on exploration, they continued building social-emotional skills while having lots of fun.
🎨 Preschoolers became artists and scientists all in one week! They experimented with "magic painting" using crayon resistance and watercolors, then dove into exciting science investigations with baking soda and vinegar, Mentos and soda, and other fascinating reactions. They also worked together to build with Magna-Tiles and created a jumping game in the sandbox that kept everyone moving and laughing.
🌸 Pre-K embraced the beauty of the outdoors during nature walks through the upper garden, where they discovered blooming flowers and signs of summer all around. Back in the yard, they harvested herbs to create imaginative recipes and colorful potions in their outdoor kitchen. The class also welcomed a new friend—a gourd they named Gordon—who quickly became the most stylish member of the classroom after receiving a very fancy makeover!
🧪 TK/K had one simple highlight that says it all: they made slime! Sometimes the messiest projects are the most memorable.

From science experiments to nature adventures and imaginative play, last week was full of wonder, discovery, and joyful learning. 🌈

Last week at Simcha was full of imagination, sensory exploration, teamwork, and exciting adventures as every classroom found new ways to learn through play. 💛

👶 Toddlers enjoyed exploring the sensory table, listening closely to stories during snack time, and practicing making ice cream in preparation for the upcoming holiday of Shavuot. Sweet treats and sensory fun made for a wonderful week! 🍦

🎨 Preschoolers dove into lots of hands-on sensory experiences — including a very fun shaving cream activity! They also worked together to paint a birthday banner for a friend turning 4 and helped Teacher Sue restring her guitar before continuing their favorite musical movement games together. 🎸✨

⛵ Pre-K set off on imaginative sea adventures, taking turns being captain and navigating together through cooperative play. Board games became opportunities to practice patience, counting, listening to instructions, and teamwork. The big yard also became a hub for impressive construction projects created by our talented Pre-K builders. 🚧

🍽️ TK/K took a special field trip to Pino Alto, Cabrillo College’s teaching restaurant, as part of their preparations for the End of Year Dinner. It was an exciting opportunity to explore food, hospitality, and community in a new setting.

From sensory play to imaginative journeys and special field trips, last week was filled with creativity, connection, and joyful learning at Simcha. 🌈

Last week at Simcha was filled with nature discoveries, joyful celebrations, and meaningful outdoor adventures. 💛

👶 Toddlers enjoyed a week of creativity and connection — exploring art projects, helping with cooking activities, and climbing and relaxing on the net beneath the big trees. Simple moments of play continue to inspire so much curiosity and joy. 🌳

🦋 Preschoolers began the week with an exciting surprise as one of their chrysalides hatched into a beautiful — and very friendly — butterfly! They also celebrated Lag B’Omer with a cozy fire pit picnic and enjoyed harvesting broccoli and broccoli leaves straight from the garden before cooking and tasting them together. A favorite activity was singing and moving along to “Goin’ On A Bear Hunt” and making binoculars to match the adventure. 🔥

🌿 Pre-K returned to their beloved climbing tree, where imaginations took over as children pretended to be monkeys and birds building nests. Their Lag B’Omer picnic by the fire was another special highlight, and the class watched in awe as a monarch butterfly emerged and spread its wings after they had carefully observed the entire chrysalis transformation process. 🦋✨

🍅 TK/K celebrated exciting signs of growth too — planting tomato plants in the garden and witnessing their own monarch butterfly emerge!
From butterflies to gardens to campfire celebrations, last week was full of wonder, growth, and connection at Simcha. 🌈

Last week at Simcha was full of excitement, discovery, and connection — from special visitors to caring for animals and celebrating our world. 💛

👶 Toddlers had a fun-filled week experimenting with art, getting hands-on at the bike wash, and welcoming special visitors — including firefighters! So many opportunities for exploration and imaginative play. 🚒

🌧️ Preschoolers turned a rainy surprise into an adventure when a storm created their very own “pond” on the sandbox tarp! Inspired by nature, they planted vegetable seeds after voting on what to grow — just like farmers. They also enjoyed very special visits from Henrietta the chicken and local firefighters, making the week extra memorable. 🐔

🐹 Pre-K focused on caring for animals and building responsibility. They welcomed two new class pets, guinea pigs Chips and Salsa, and quickly fell in love — taking turns feeding, cleaning, and gently holding them. A visit from Henrietta the chicken added to the excitement, and the class also witnessed an incredible transformation as their caterpillars formed chrysalides. Now, they patiently wait for butterflies to emerge. 🦋

🌱 TK/K celebrated Earth Day with meaningful, hands-on activities — making bird feeders, creating a Lego flower shop, and embracing their favorite rainy-day play.
From nurturing living things to exploring the natural world, it was a week full of wonder, responsibility, and joy at Simcha. 🌈

Last week at Simcha was filled with meaningful moments — from joyful firsts to heartfelt goodbyes, all wrapped in community, creativity, and connection. 💛

👶 Toddlers spent the week tasting a variety of fruits, exploring lots of car play, and celebrating a big milestone — their very first field trip to a nearby walking path! So much curiosity and excitement as they explored the world together.

🍲 Preschoolers began their week in a special way by inviting their Pre-K friends to join them for Havdalah — a beautiful moment of connection across classrooms. They got hands-on in the kitchen making matzah balls for soup and had so much fun with the Passover tradition of hiding and finding the afikomen!

🌻 Pre-K experienced a tender and meaningful week as they said goodbye to their beloved guinea pig, Elvis. The children honored him by creating beautiful stones for his resting place, and the whole school came together for a heartfelt farewell ceremony. Alongside these moments, there was also joyful play — cooling off with reusable water balloons and collaborating in their newly relocated outdoor kitchen, where they proudly served “gourmet” meals to teachers. 🤗

🌱 TK/K embraced both creativity and movement — planting sunflower sprouts, enjoying matzah together, painting with friends, and celebrating Tee Ball Opening Day right in their yard! ⚾

From first field trips to shared traditions and moments of remembrance, last week reflected the heart of our Simcha community — learning, growing, and supporting one another every step of the way. 🌈

Last week, we said goodbye to our beloved guinea pig, Elvis. 💛

As a school community, we came together to celebrate his life, sharing loving words, favorite memories, and gentle goodbyes during a small funeral. Elvis brought so much joy to our classrooms — from quiet snuggles to yummy veggie snacks — and he will be deeply missed by children, teachers, and families alike.

Together, we buried Elvis in our woods, surrounded by flowers, painted rocks, and love. It was a meaningful moment for our children to experience care, connection, and saying goodbye with compassion.

Thank you, Elvis, for being such a special part of our Simcha family. You will always hold a place in our hearts. 🌼

תנצב"ה
May his soul be tied up with the living