Brella

Today marks , a pivotal day in our nation's history, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed in Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.⁣
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Juneteenth is not just a day of celebration but also a day of reflection and education, reminding us of our ongoing journey toward equality and justice for all.⁣
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Brella proudly celebrates and thanks the African American members of our team and their ongoing contributions to our community. On this day like all others, we take pride in our role in raising a new generation that embraces and loves everyone, and understands the importance of freedom for all.

✈️Traveling with your little one this summer? A smooth trip isn’t just about what you pack... it’s about how you prepare, pace and support your child along the way. A few small shifts can make a big difference for everyone.

📚Bring one “new” surprise item like a new book, toy or activity to buy you focused attention when you need it most.

🍌Pack snacks in small, portioned containers so they are easy to hand out and create less mess.

👕Dress in easy layers as planes, cars and destinations all vary in temperature over the course of a travel day.

🎶Download shows or music ahead of time... it's better to have a few options ready to go than relying on wifi working.
🧸Bring a small “comfort kit" for your little one like their favorite blanket, stuffed animal or pillowcase to help with sleeping in a new environment.

🛩️If you're flying, try to time snacks with takeoff and landing as eating and drinking can help with ear pressure and keep your little one distracted.

Happy travels!

Brella Mantra #4: Stay flexible - In early childhood, there’s rarely one “right” outcome. Instead, there are different ways of thinking, creating and solving. When we stay open, we allow children to explore possibilities and develop their own ideas. At Brella, we value the process over the outcome.

🏡 Try this at home:
✔️Let go of “perfect” results and focus on effort.
✔️Be open to unexpected solutions... children often think differently than adults.
✔️Allow play and activities to evolve instead of sticking to a plan.
✔️Celebrate creativity, even when it looks messy or unconventional.

Recently, Green Class explored a hands-on investigation of crystal geodes, connecting natural elements to creativity and sensory discovery. What began as a question about mountains and materials transformed into a rich, tactile learning experience grounded in science and play.

What the children explored:
✨ Mixing salt, glue and color to create their own crystal formations
✨ Using tools and hands to pour, squeeze and spread materials with intention
✨ Experimenting with texture, noticing how materials felt “like sticky sand”
✨ Making connections between natural rocks and their own creations

Through this process, children engaged in meaningful exploration of the natural world while strengthening coordination, language and curiosity.

Learning Outcomes:
✔️ Sensory — Texture exploration through hands-on materials
✔️ Cognitive — Early scientific thinking and understanding of natural elements
✔️ Motor — Fine motor strength through pouring, mixing and shaping

is coming up and we've got some fun DIY ideas for celebrating the dad in your little one's life!

🏳️‍🌈 Happy ! At Brella, we believe every child deserves to grow up feeling seen, valued and free to be themselves. Through inclusive stories, conversations and everyday moments in the classroom, we help children learn that families and identities can look many different ways. This month, and every month, we honor the + community and the importance of creating spaces where everyone is celebrated. 🌈 Together, let’s continue to spread love and acceptance throughout Pride Month and beyond!

🚨SECURE YOUR SPOT FOR PRESCHOOL THIS FALL! If you’re thinking about for your little one, now’s the time to plan ahead. Brella is offering early access enrollment through our Early Birds program. It's perfect for families who want to reserve their spot before general enrollment opens.⁣
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For children ages 3–6, our full-day preschool combines play-based learning with flexible scheduling. From early literacy and problem-solving to social-emotional growth and creative exploration, Brella prepares children for kindergarten—and beyond.⁣
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✔️ Lock in your spot with a refundable deposit⁣
✔️ Design your own schedule⁣
✔️ Your credit will be applied to your October booking⁣
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Get started ➡️ hellobrella.com/early-birds

This month, we're heading to the , a vibrant biome known for its sweeping grasslands, scattered trees and iconic wildlife. Home to elephants, lions, giraffes and more, savannas are found near the equator in regions like Africa, South America, northern Australia and India. With two main seasons (wet and dry), they offer a warm climate year-round and are rich with life and natural beauty.

Children will explore this unique environment through hands-on curriculum experiences:
🌾 A STEAM Workshop scavenger hunt
📚 Literacy Workshop stories like This is the Tree
🎨 Clay home construction and sweeping savanna landscapes in art
..and so much more!

(Photos: LiveScience.com, TrekEarth.com)

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