Flexibility and Adaptability
Dear L&L Family,
Welcome back to school and happy April! We hope your Spring Break was filled with a little extra rest, a lot of quality time, and perhaps even a glimpse of the warmer days ahead. It has been so wonderful to see our classrooms come back to life this week, children reconnecting with friends, eagerly stepping back into their routines, and sharing little stories from their time away. There is something so special about these return moments, where you can almost see how much they’ve grown in just a few short days.
As we ease back into our rhythm and celebrate the Month of the Young Child, this felt like the perfect time to focus on something that naturally follows periods of change and transition: flexibility and adaptability.
Young children are constantly navigating change, both big and small. Whether it’s returning to school after a break, trying a new activity, adjusting to a different routine, or even sharing materials with a friend, these everyday moments ask children to stretch their thinking and adapt.
Flexibility is what allows children to move from “This isn’t how I expected it” to “I can figure this out.” It supports emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, resilience in the face of challenges, positive peer interactions, and confidence in new situations
Like all skills in early childhood, flexibility doesn’t happen overnight. It is learned through experience, support, and lots of practice. At L&L, flexibility is gently woven into the fabric of our days. You might notice it in moments such as trying a new material at the art table, adjusting when a preferred toy is being used by a friend, transitioning from outdoor play back into the classroom, or exploring different ways to solve the same problem. Our teachers support these moments with patience and intention, acknowledging children’s feelings while guiding them toward new ways of thinking. Phrases like “That’s different from what you expected” or “Let’s think of another way” help children feel seen while also encouraging growth. We focus on helping children understand that change is not something to fear, but that it’s something we can move through together.
Here are some simple ways to support this important skill in small, everyday ways:
· Talk through changes ahead of time.
Even simple previews like “After lunch, we’re going to the store” help children feel prepared.
· Offer gentle choices.
Providing options (“We can do this now or in five minutes”) helps children feel a sense of control.
· Model flexibility.
Let your child hear you say things like, “That didn’t go as planned, but we can try something different!”
· Validate feelings first.
“It’s hard when plans change” helps children feel understood before moving forward.
· Celebrate adaptability.
Noticing when your child adjusts with phrases such as “You found a new way to play!” reinforces the skill.
Stories are always a wonderful way to help children see that change is part of life and that they are capable of handling it.
For Toddlers
- The OK Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
- Oops! by David Shannon
- Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
- Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
For Preschoolers (3–4 years)
- Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg
- The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
- What Do You Do With a Chance? by Kobi Yamada
- After the Fall by Dan Santat
- The Good Egg by Jory John
As we settle back into our routines and continue celebrating the joy and wonder of early childhood this month, we are reminded that growth doesn’t always happen in big, obvious ways. Often, it shows up quietly, in a child trying again, adjusting their plan, or finding a new way forward.
Thank you for partnering with us in supporting these important moments. It is such a joy to walk alongside your children as they learn not just what to do, but how to navigate the ever-changing world around them with confidence, resilience, and an open heart.
We are so happy to have everyone back at school!
How You Can Join the MOTYC Celebration at School
One of the most meaningful parts of the MOTYC is the opportunity to bring our school community even closer together. As you all know, we love opening our doors and creating moments for families to step into your child’s world, because there is nothing more special than seeing their pride when they get to share their classroom with you.
Throughout the month, there will be a variety of ways for you to participate:
- Join us for special themed days like Family Friday, or drop off in your PJs during Pajama Day
- Participate in classroom activities whenever your schedule allows it: whether it’s reading a story, joining a small group activity, or simply observing the day in action
- Engage in our community celebrations, including Donuts at Drop-Off and Popsicles at Pick-Up!
- Help your child prepare for dress-up days, and match the spirit with your own outfit, bringing a little extra fun and excitement into their school day
Even the smallest moments, like walking into the classroom together, seeing their artwork displayed, or sharing a quick activity, can have a big impact on your child’s sense of belonging and pride! We truly value the partnership we share with our families any day of the year, but this month is a beautiful reminder that when school and home come together, this is when children really thrive. Thank you for being such an important part of our L&L community. The laughter, curiosity, imagination, and joy we see each day are constant reminders of why this work matters so deeply.
We can’t wait to celebrate next month with you!
Teacher of the Month
From the moment she walks into the classroom, Timesha brings a calm, nurturing energy that children instinctively gravitate toward. Our toddlers truly light up at the sight of her each morning, which is a reflection of the deep sense of safety, trust, and joy she helps create in her environment. There is something incredibly special about witnessing Timesha in action. Her passion for early childhood education shines through in every interaction, every gentle redirection, and every encouraging word.
In her role as an Assistant Teacher, Timesha is an essential part of the classroom community. She works seamlessly alongside her team to support each child’s day with intention and care, offering comfort, fostering independence, and helping the classroom run smoothly in ways both big and small. Her patience, kindness, and unwavering dedication make a meaningful difference not only for the children but for her teammates and families as well.
Beyond the classroom, Timesha’s commitment to children continues to shine. With experience spanning from toddlers through grade school, and her ongoing work at a local youth center, she brings both depth and heart to everything she does. She is deeply passionate about inspiring young minds to grow into creative thinkers and confident, independent learners, while building strong, collaborative relationships with families along the way.
And a little extra joy to celebrate: Timesha just had a birthday this week as well! If you see her, be sure to wish her a very happy birthday and join us in recognizing this truly incredible educator.
Timesha, we are so grateful for you. Your presence, your heart, and your dedication make a lasting impact every single day, and we are so lucky to have you as part of our L&L family!
Do you have questions or topics you'd like us to cover? Or have a story or a tip to share? Please send them our way! We’re here to support you on this incredible journey of parenthood.
Upcoming events and closures
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The month of April - Month of the Young Child
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May 4th - May 8th - Teacher Appreciation Week
- Monday, May 25th - L&L will be closed for Memorial Day
- Tuesday, May 26th - L&L will be closed for Professional Development Day