08/21/2026
One of the most powerful videos we shared with our team during our recent professional development day was “How Every Child Can Thrive by Five” by Molly Wright.
Its message is simple, but incredibly important:
Our attention matters. Our responses matter. Our relationships matter.
Young children learn and grow through thousands of small interactions with the adults around them.
A child looks at us — we look back.
A baby makes a sound — we respond.
A toddler points — we name what they see.
A child asks us to play — we join them.
A child struggles — we stay close and help them work through it.
These back-and-forth interactions are sometimes called “serve and return,” and they help build the foundation for language, confidence, emotional regulation, relationships, and learning.
One of our biggest reminders from this video was:
Children do not need perfect adults. They need present adults.
At ABC Academy, we are continuing to look at how our classrooms, routines, policies, environments, and teaching practices can protect those little moments of connection throughout the day.
We encourage every parent, grandparent, caregiver, and educator to take a few minutes to watch this one.
How Every Child Can Thrive by Five | Molly Wright | TED
https://youtu.be/aISXCw0Pi94?si=XNBY5gg2qBGDK1zy
Then try a little challenge with us:
Put your phone away for 10 minutes.
Let your child choose what to do.
Listen.
Talk.
Laugh.
Notice.
Play.
Your attention is the activity.
Those little moments add up to something very big.
Growing Great Teachers, Growing Great Kids.
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