Brella

Recently, Lilac Class brought The Three Little Pigs to life through hands on building, storytelling and sensory exploration. Using natural and recycled materials, the children explored how structures are created while connecting their play to a familiar narrative.

What the children explored:
✨ Gathering and using recycled materials to design and build their own “houses”
✨ Painting, gluing and assembling pieces to create different structures
✨ Engaging in sensory play with textures like paint and paper to deepen exploration
✨ Retelling and discussing the story, building language and narrative skills

As their creations evolved, so did their understanding of the story, connecting characters, actions and outcomes through play. These moments help children make meaning in a way that feels both creative and real. How do you bring stories to life at home with your little one? 🐷

Learning Outcomes:
✔️ Practical Life - Making real-world connections through water play and everyday objects
✔️ Motor - Strengthening fine motor control, grasping and hand-eye coordination
✔️ Cognitive - Narrative recall; early science concepts, observation, cause and effect

At Brella, early literacy is about more than learning letters. Our Literacy Workshop blends storytelling, movement and play to make language engaging from the very beginning.

In the classroom, it looks like this:
✨ Letter of the Week — Each letter is introduced through activities connected to our monthly theme, bringing learning into a relevant context.

✨ Letterland — Letters come to life as characters with stories and personalities, helping children build phonics skills through imagination and connection

✨ Handwriting Without Tears — A multisensory approach to letter formation that supports fine motor development in a way that feels approachable and frustration-free

Brella Mantra #3: Inspire - don't direct - learning. Children learn best when they’re curious, engaged and part of the process. When we step back from directing and instead provoke ideas, ask questions and participate alongside them, learning becomes deeper and more meaningful. At Brella, we guide without taking over.

🏠Try this at home:
✔️Ask open-ended questions like “what do you think we should try?” instead of giving answers.
✔️Sit alongside your child in play rather than leading it.
✔️Offer materials or ideas, then let them decide what to do with them.

As the days get longer, it’s the perfect time to take learning outside. At Brella, outdoor play is part of how children learn every day.

📣 Booking is now open for the month of July! Plan ahead and book full time and part time child care in Playa Vista, Hollywood or Pasadena.⁣
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In July, we will explore Modern Life. From skyscrapers to suburbs and rural landscapes, we'll explore the sights, sounds and stories of urban, suburban and rural areas found around the world.

Our centers will be closed on Monday, May 25 in honor of Memorial Day.⁣⁣
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🗓 Looking to plan ahead this summer? We will also be closed on July 4. As always, please reach out to us with any questions about upcoming holiday closures.

In these early years, children are building the foundations that shape how they learn for life. From solving problems with friends to asking thoughtful questions about the world around them, these everyday moments are where some of the most important learning happens.

Happy to all the moms and mother figures, from all of us at Brella! 💕 Today we celebrate the love, joy and magic you bring into your children’s lives every day. From the big milestones to the smallest moments, what you’re creating is meaningful. We celebrate you today and always!

As we wrap up , we wanted to thank all of the parents who generously donated to our team outings and who provided food for our amazing teachers. We're so grateful for you, our Brella Village. Thank you for showing your appreciation and making this week so special.💙

Pictured here: tote decorating at Brella Hollywood.