Recently, I came across an article titled "Parents Are Spending Thousands on Services Schools Won't Provide." Full article:https://www.inkl.com/news/parents-are-spending-thousands-on-services-schools-wont-provide As both an educator and a parent, I found myself reflecting on the stories shared in the article long after I finished reading it. While the specific families and circumstances may differ, the underlying theme is one I see every day through my work at My Learning Far

Sometimes the best ideas begin with one simple question: What if children could fall in love with books before they ever felt pressure from them? After years of working with children in reading, writing, spelling, and academic support at My Learning Farm, I noticed something that stayed with me—many children simply weren’t choosing to read. Not because they weren’t capable. Not because they weren’t curious.But often because reading had started to feel heavy. For some childr

Lately, something interesting has been happening in education. After years of increasing screen time, digital learning platforms, apps, and technology-centered classrooms, many schools, educators, and families are beginning to ask an important question: Have we moved too far away from how children naturally learn best? A recent Associated Press article explored this growing shift back toward books, paper materials, handwriting, discussion-based learning, and hands-on experien

Why Some Children Need Explicit, Structured Reading Instruction "We've been reading every night...so why is my child still struggling?" It's one of the most common—and heartbreaking—questions I hear from parents. For years, families have faithfully curled up with books before bedtime, visited the library, encouraged independent reading, and surrounded their children with wonderful literature. Those are beautiful gifts to give a child. But for some children...Reading more simp

As we wrap up the final week of My Learning Farm's 5-week Summer Session, my heart is incredibly full. Every summer I am reminded why I love what I do. Over the past five weeks, I have had the privilege of watching students grow—not just academically, but in confidence, perseverance, and the belief that they can do hard things. Those moments are the true harvest of learning. Learning isn't always easy. There were days when a new concept felt challenging, when a tricky word s

Every once in a while, a moment happens that reminds me exactly why I do this work. Yesterday, one of my students visited My Learning Farm with his family. He picked up a book, gathered his grandmother, cousins, and sister in our little reading nook and proudly read them a story. Not because anyone asked him to-because he wanted to. As I stood quietly watching, my heart could have burst with pride. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I'm sooooooooooo proud of you!!!!!!! Not so long ago, rea

People often ask me how My Learning Farm began. The truth is...I never set out to start a business. I simply wanted to help my own children, Ava and Ryker, who learned differently. Like many parents, our family found ourselves navigating diagnoses we hadn't expected. Dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, anxiety—along with all the questions that come with them. I wasn't looking to become a reading specialist or an educational advocate. I was looking for answers. I wanted m

Recent national testing results have many educators and parents concerned. According to a recent article discussing National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores, reading and math achievement across the United States continues to decline. Researchers point to several contributing factors, including increased screen time, reduced reading stamina, absenteeism, and widening achievement gaps among students. You can read the original article here:https://www.wsj.com/us

Liberty Belle My Learning Farm's mini donkey was born right on the farm 8 years ago on the Fourth of July-Happy Birthday, Liberty! There are many things I love about the Fourth of July—family gatherings, backyard barbecues, waving flags, fireworks lighting up the night sky, and celebrating the incredible freedoms we enjoy here in America, but at My Learning Farm, the Fourth of July is extra special. It's also Liberty Belle's birthday! 🇺🇸 Eight years ago, on the Fourth of J

California's children deserve better. That simple truth is why I have serious concerns about Assembly Bill 181 (2026) and the proposed restructuring of California's educational leadership. Supporters describe AB 181 as a way to streamline state government by transferring the day-to-day management of the California Department of Education from the elected State Superintendent to a Governor-appointed Director of Education. They argue it will create clearer lines of accountabili

One of my favorite parts of working with families is that parents ask thoughtful, heartfelt questions every single day. Many of those questions become the inspiration for this new blog series, Parents Ask Me..., where I'll answer some of the most common questions I hear from families. Today's question came from a parent who simply asked: "What are the first signs of dyslexia?" It's an important question because the earlier we recognize that a child may be struggling, the soon

One of my favorite parts of every day at My Learning Farm isn't teaching phonics, working through math problems, or even spending time with the animals. It's talking with parents. Every week, I have conversations with families who are doing everything they can to help their children learn and grow. They ask thoughtful questions, celebrate small victories, worry about challenges, and simply want to know they're making the right decisions for their child. And I've realized some

It may be the most emotional question I hear. Parents usually ask it quietly. Sometimes through tears. Sometimes after years of trying curriculum after curriculum, wondering if they're doing enough or if they've somehow missed something. "Will my child ever catch up?" The answer isn't as simple as yes or no. Every child is unique, and every learning journey looks different. But here's what I can tell you with confidence: Children can make remarkable progress when they rece

At My Learning Farm, I believe children thrive when learning is explicit, multisensory, evidence-based, engaging, and meaningful. I don't typically write controversial posts, but the latest Education Scorecard data stopped me in my tracks. According to the report, reading scores are down in 83% of school districts across America, and math scores are down in 70%. Perhaps even more concerning, researchers found that the decline began before COVID. Like many people, I've heard

How Much More Evidence Do We Need? The latest Education Scorecard findings should stop every parent, educator, policymaker, and school leader in their tracks. According to researchers from Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth, reading scores are lower in 83% of school districts than they were a decade ago. Math scores are lower in 70% of districts. Even more concerning, researchers report that the decline began long before COVID-19. The pandemic may have accelerated the problem,

As an educator, parent, and advocate for students who learn differently, I spend a lot of time thinking about one question: How do we help more children become successful readers? Recently, education researchers, policymakers, and school leaders across the country have been paying attention to an unexpected story. Mississippi—a state that has historically struggled with educational outcomes—is now outperforming many states, including California, in early reading achievement.

One of the greatest joys of My Learning Farm isn't found in a curriculum, an assessment report, or a lesson plan. It's found in the little treasures that children place into my hands. A flower picked from a backyard garden. A feather discovered on a walk. A smooth rock tucked into a pocket because, "Ms. Sara, I thought you would like this." A carefully folded card covered in crayon hearts. A loaf of homemade bread. Fresh-baked cookies. A tiny trinket found at a store

One of the most common pieces of advice parents hear when they raise concerns about reading is, "Let's just wait and see." On the surface, it sounds reasonable. Children develop at different rates, and not every child who struggles with reading in kindergarten or first grade has a learning difference. Some children simply need a little more time, a little more maturity, or a little more practice. But there is another side of the conversation that families deserve to hear. As

Summer offers something that many children desperately need: space. Space to breathe. Space to explore. Space to wonder. After a long school year filled with schedules, homework, testing, deadlines, and expectations, summer can be a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with the heart of learning. At My Learning Farm, I believe learning should be joyful, student-led, discovery-based, skill-building, and filled with curiosity. Yes, children need strong academic skills. Reading,

Homeschooling can be one of the most rewarding educational journeys a family can take—but it can also feel overwhelming at first. Questions like: Which homeschool option is right for my family? What curriculum should I choose? How much should my child be learning each day? What if my child struggles with reading, writing, spelling, or math? How do homeschool charters work? Where do I even begin? If these questions sound familiar, you're not alone. Every year, I meet families