November 2025: Generosity and Gratitude
“Courage is grace under pressure.”
- Ernest Hemingway
Homes Around the World + Tools Exploration:
This month we not only got to “travel” to Africa but we explored the world around us! We discovered that all homes may look different. There are so many different types such as houses, apartments and even unique structures like igloos or teepees but no matter what it looks like there can be lots of love found within. One week we even got to have our own African village, complete with teepees and a “fire” to keep us warm. Maybe some people don’t have a lot of money and maybe they have to use the materials found around them but their home is something to feel safe in, somewhere for families to live and play. During circle time we looked at photos of different kinds of homes and what made each one unique. The children made connections and compared it to their own homes. We decided we were all very thankful for our homes. One of our favorite activities that involves lots of team work is building our own homes using play frames, fabric, clips and velcro. We also discussed what tools are and how they may differ from a toy. We played games and got to explore so many different kinds of tools. From hammers to paint brushes and spoons we talked about a variety of tools and how they help us to build, fix and create things! We learned how using the right kind of tool can make certain jobs easier and how important it is to be safe and use them the correct way. During our Africa exploration we got to see what kinds of tools they used. Do they have a store to shop in for groceries and tools? No! They are very clever and creative, using the materials they had available to them to make things like axes out of wood and soccer balls out of old bags tied together. We even got to pass around real examples of these tools thanks to Missy Jenny! We were all so excited! Lastly we got to enjoy our very own tool show with a special guest, Mr. Rogers, this circle time was so engaging. The children took turns testing out the tools and learning what each one is. This has been an extremely fascinating exploration full of hands on activities and experiences for both the children and teachers!
- Miss Mallorie
Mindful Focus: Gratitude/
Thankfulness
This month we spent a lot of time exploring GRATITUDE. While it can feel like a simple concept to adults, it often takes a bit more guidance for young minds to truly understand. We introduced gratitude by talking about how people live in different parts of the world—specifically our friends in Africa.
Miss Jenny, who spent two years living there, shared stories from her experience: where she lived, the foods she ate, and the kindness and friendship shown to her by the people she met. She explained that she didn’t have running water, a stove, or even electricity. These stories helped the children imagine what life might look like without the everyday comforts we often take for granted.
Using this idea—imagining life without certain conveniences—our students began to discover things they are grateful for in their own lives. During a special circle time, it was wonderful to hear their thoughtful responses. Some took their time and were especially mindful:
“I’m grateful for the food in my garden.”
“I’m grateful for my life jacket.”
Big or small, each expression of gratitude showed how deeply the children connected with the concept. And since then, we’ve noticed them saying “thank you” more often and appreciating the little things throughout their day.
- Miss Annie
Exploring Life in Africa:
For the month of November at SimpleLife Preschool, we have been exploring what it would be like to live in another country, on the continent of Africa! Teachers and children have been learning from SimpleLife’s very own Miss Jenny, about her time living and teaching in Zambia, Africa. Each week during circle time activities, the children were encouraged to imagine and experience what it would be like to live in Africa. They viewed photos of children and families, read books and had the opportunity to hold beautiful, functional handmade items Miss Jenny had brought back. We discussed and compared things in their lives to the families who live in Africa, connecting to the fact that we are all people and need many of the same things- water, food, shelter, community, family and friends. We identified things they were grateful for as they examined photos of the children in Zambia using plastic bags in order to make a ball, leaves to make a costume and the women carrying their clothes to wash in a river or pond with muddy water. They were provided a special opportunity to play amazing handmade African drums and dress in traditional chitenges. These are pieces of beautifully colored fabric similar to a sarong and often worn by women with multiple purposes and functions. For SimpleLife teachers and children, learning about life in Zambia provided an important perspective on the many things we have available in the United States and ways that we can be thankful.
- Miss Missy