The Beautiful Ways Students Show Who They Are

One of the most meaningful parts of my work is witnessing the many ways students show me who they are.

Not just as learners — but as people.

Over time, My Learning Farm becomes more than a place to practice reading, writing, spelling, and math. It becomes a place where students feel safe to share their lives, their interests, and their proud moments.

And those moments are everything.

Sharing their favorite pets with me

It looks like a student bringing her cat — Fletcher — and his brother Finn so she could write her very first paragraph about something she truly loves. The pride on her face. The care in her words. Writing became real because it mattered to her.

It looks like invitations to birthday parties tucked into backpacks with shy smiles.“Ms. Sara, will you come?”

It looks like families sending soccer schedules because a student wants me to see the goal they’ve been practicing for weeks.

It looks like students bursting through the door holding their BEST writing — papers they revised, worked through, struggled with — now something they are proud to share.

Bringing their award-winning writing

It looks like quiet smiles when a math test comes back with 100% after weeks of practice and persistence.

It looks like ukulele songs played carefully, fingers still learning, eyes watching to see if I noticed — and of course I did.

Singing and playing the ukulele

These moments may seem small, but they are not small at all.

They are trust.

They are confidence.

They are students saying, this is me.

At My Learning Farm, learning grows alongside identity. Students are not asked to leave their passions, personalities, or stories at the door — those things are welcomed, honored, and woven into the work.

Loving Stella

Because when students feel safe enough to be known, they take risks.

They try.

They persist.

They shine.

Getting to learn about their hobbies, their talents, their interests, and their joys is one of the greatest privileges of this work.

Showing me the creations they've made and marketed

Every invitation.Every proud paper. Every math milestone. Every pet introduction. Every song played.

These are reminders that growth is not just academic — it is deeply human.

And I am endlessly grateful that students trust me with these glimpses into their world. 💛