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A recent article in The Atlantic paints a sobering picture of the state of reading and education in America—and it’s something we’re seeing firsthand with so many students who come to My Learning Farm for help. FULL ARTICLE 👉 Key takeaways: • National reading scores have fallen to their lowest levels in 25+ years . • 1 in 3 eighth graders can’t summarize basic text (NAEP “below basic”). • Progress declined long before COVID —the pandemic only made it worse. • Declines hit struggling learners the hardest while top performers stayed stable. • Billions of federal dollars meant for learning recovery were largely ineffective . • Smartphones and constant digital distraction play a role—but the article highlights a deeper issue: Lower expectations → lower achievement. • States that improved (like Mississippi & Louisiana) invested in high standards, early screening, phonics-based instruction, and literacy coaching —the same science-backed approaches we use at My Learning Farm. 📉 The bottom line: America’s reading crisis is real—and growing.🌱 The hopeful truth: Evidence-based literacy instruction works. At My Learning Farm, we’re committed to: ✔ Structured Literacy ✔ Phonics-based reading intervention ✔ Individualized support for struggling readers ✔ Early identification of reading challenges ✔ Helping families navigate the education system with confidence If you’re worried about your child’s reading, writing, spelling, or math growth, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out alone. 💛 Reach out to me for support, assessments, or a homeschool consultation. My door is always open. — SaraMy Learning Farm 🌾“Where learning grows.”

As you prepare to meet with your child’s teacher, remember — this is the perfect time to check in on your child’s progress, goals, and supports. 💬 If your child is struggling with reading, writing, spelling, or math , or if you’re wondering whether their current plan (IEP, 504, or general education supports) is truly meeting their needs, here are a few questions you might ask during your meeting: ✨ Academic Progress What specific skills has my child mastere? Where are they still struggling? How do you measure progress — and how often is that data reviewed? 💛 Support & Accommodations Are classroom accommodations being used consistently and effectively? What additional supports or small group options are available? Do you think my child may benefit from re-evaluation or updated assessments? 🌱 Social–Emotional & Confidence How does my child handle frustration or new challenges? Have you noticed signs of anxiety, withdrawal, or avoidance during class? How can we work together to support their confidence and motivation? At My Learning Farm , we help families every step of the way — in the classroom, at home, and on the farm: 📖 Reading, Writing & Spelling Support — Evidence-based, multisensory instruction aligned with Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy principles to strengthen decoding, comprehension, fluency, and written expression. ➗ Math Support — Concrete, multisensory strategies inspired by Making Math Real to build conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and confidence. 🌾 Farm Classes — Hands-on, nature-based learning experiences that connect academics with real life. Kids learn through agriculture, animals, STEAM projects, and teamwork — where learning comes alive. 🏡 Homeschool Consultations — Personalized guidance for parents to create meaningful, manageable homeschool plans. Includes curriculum recommendations, private school affidavit support, and record-keeping guidance .💬 Advocacy & IEP/504 Support — Helping parents navigate evaluations, prepare for meetings, and understand assessment data to ensure students receive the right supports and accommodations. You don’t have to navigate it alone — we’ll help you feel confident, informed, and supported, so your child’s unique strengths shine through. 👉 Learn more www.MyLearningFarm.com

My Learning Farm Classes have officially come to a close — and what an incredible 8 weeks it’s been-thank you!!!! We ended with the sweetest finale — transforming the Big Red Barn into a veterinary clinic . Huge thanks to Dr. Jill Higgins, DVM, for teaching our young farmers all about animal care and inspiring the next generation of animal lovers! To our amazing farm helpers — Nonni, Chloe, Landon, Liam, and Hudson — your leadership and laughter make every Friday brighter. And to my “little mama,” thank you for sharing your heart and love for kids and animals beside me. To all our wonderful families — thank you for your trust, kindness, and support. The letters, cookies, cards, and sweet pictures are cherished reminders of this incredible community we’re growing together. Learn more about My Learning Farm and farm classes at www.mylearningfarm.com www.mylearningfarm.com

October 13, 2025 , Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 414 , a bill designed to strengthen charter school oversight while preserving the flexibility and innovation that make personalized and flex-based learning possible. Often referred to as the “sister, more sensible bill” to AB 84 — the controversial proposal many homeschool families called the “homeschool killer bill” — SB 414 represented a more balanced approach that sought accountability without eliminating choice . While this is not the outcome many had hoped for, it’s not the end of the story . SB 414 passed both houses of the Legislature with strong bipartisan support after months of collaboration among families, schools, and advocacy organizations across California. In his veto message, Governor Newsom cited budget constraints and encouraged continued work toward a revised version when lawmakers return in January 2026 . ✅ What This Means Now Charter school rules and funding systems remain the same for now — no new oversight measures will take effect. Lawmakers will revisit and refine parts of SB 414 next session. The strong advocacy efforts around SB 414 — and the earlier defeat of AB 84 — prove that parents, educators, and community voices truly make a difference . 🍏 Thank you for being part of a community that values choice, accountability, and student-centered learning . Together, we’ll keep advocating for a public education system that helps every child grow and thrive. 🗓️ Stay tuned: Updates coming as lawmakers return in January 2026 and discussions resume around new versions of SB 414 and related legislation.

Resources to Support Students Who Learn Differently At My Learning Farm , we believe that every child can grow and thrive when given the right tools, encouragement, and opportunities to learn in ways that make sense for them. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of the My Learning Farm Teachers Pay Teachers Store  — a growing collection of educational resources designed to support parents, educators, homeschool families, and advocates  who work with students who learn differently. 🧠  What You’ll Find Our resources are created with care to help families and teachers better understand and support students with: Dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia ADHD and executive function challenges Learning differences that impact reading, writing, spelling, or math Special education services, IEPs, and 504 accommodations Each resource is designed to be practical, accessible, and informative  — whether you’re learning about educational terms, preparing for a school meeting, or supporting your child at home. 🌾  Empowering Families and Educators Our goal is to help you feel informed, confident, and supported  as you navigate the learning journey. The My Learning Farm TPT Store includes printable tools, informational handouts, checklists, and learning guides that make complex educational topics easier to understand. 💛  Growing Confidence, One Resource at a Time At My Learning Farm, we know that learning happens everywhere — in classrooms, at home, and even out in the orchard. Our mission is to bridge education and real-life learning, helping every student feel capable, curious, and connected. 📚  Visit the My Learning Farm Teachers Pay Teachers Store  to explore resources on dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, executive function, IEPs, 504s, and more.👉  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/my-learning-farm

Celebrating Every Student's Success! October is Dyslexia Awareness Month  — a time to shine a light on the 1 in 5 students who think and learn differently. At My Learning Farm , we believe every child deserves to feel confident, capable, and understood in their learning journey. Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference that affects reading, spelling, and writing—but it does not  affect intelligence, creativity, or potential. In fact, many children with dyslexia are bright, curious, and deeply imaginative learners who simply need the right kind of instruction to unlock their full potential. That’s where My Learning Farm comes in. 🌱  Evidence-Based, Heart-Led Instruction Our reading, writing, and spelling programs are built on Structured Literacy  and Orton-Gillingham principles —proven, evidence-based methods designed for the way the dyslexic brain learns best. Through multisensory instruction , we combine sight, sound, touch, and movement to help students make lasting connections with language. Whether it’s tracing letters in sand, tapping out syllables, or decoding words step-by-step, every lesson is hands-on, purposeful, and joyful. 🐓  A Safe Space to Learn, Grow, and Thrive On the farm, learning feels different—because it is different.Amongst animals, nature, and the open air, children learn to take risks, make mistakes, and keep going. Each success, no matter how small, is celebrated. 🧩  How My Learning Farm Helps Students with Dyslexia ✨ 1:1 Orton-Gillingham Structured Literacy instruction✨ Explicit, systematic phonics and spelling instruction✨ Writing support focused on structure, expression, and confidence✨ Assistive technology tools for reading and written expression✨ Advocacy and IEP/504 consultation for parents navigating support systems 💛  A Message to Parents If your child struggles with reading or writing, you are not alone—and your child’s challenges do not  define their future. With the right instruction and support, children with dyslexia can and do become skilled readers and writers. This month, and every month, My Learning Farm stands with families, educators, and students—raising awareness, offering resources, and nurturing growth one word at a time. 🌾

I am not ashamed to say, that I have relied on support for my kids and am so grateful to those who helped build their skills, mentor, support and love them-thank you Cassie, Betsy, Anna, Allison, Taylor, Charlie, Chris, Rebekah. Many parents step into the role of teacher or tutor with love, good intentions, and a deep desire to see their child succeed. But if you’ve ever found yourself frustrated, discouraged, or wondering why your child resists working with you, you are not alone. Teaching your own child can be surprisingly difficult—for reasons that have more to do with relationship dynamics than ability. Why It Can Feel Hard Parent–child dynamics : Children often behave differently with parents than they do with teachers. Testing boundaries is natural at home. Emotional weight : As parents, we’re deeply invested in our children’s success. This can make it harder to stay patient during challenging lessons. Different “hats” : Switching between “mom/dad” and “teacher” can confuse children, and they may struggle to separate the roles. Resistance to correction : Kids may hear gentle feedback as criticism more strongly from a parent than from an outside tutor. Learning and Teaching Simulatenously : It can be challenging for a parent to learn new curricula, methodologies, strategies and at the same time, deliver those lessons to children. Tips to Support Parents Keep lessons short and positive : End on a win, even if it’s small. Set a routine : Kids thrive on predictability—try short, regular sessions instead of long, sporadic ones. Celebrate effort, not just results : Praise persistence, creativity, and focus, not only correct answers. Build in breaks : Movement, snacks, or a quick farm walk can reset energy and mood. Use multisensory tools : Hands-on activities, visuals, and movement-based learning can keep engagement high. When to Preserve the Relationship If schoolwork consistently leads to tears, tension, or conflict, it may be time to pause. Preserving the parent–child bond is far more important than pushing through a stressful lesson. In these moments, seeking outside support is not a failure—it’s a gift to both you and your child. Finding the Right Support That’s where resources like My Learning Farm can help. We provide one-on-one support in reading, writing, spelling, and math using evidence-based, multisensory methods. We also create a safe, joyful environment through farm-based learning—so kids connect learning with positive experiences. Parents can step back into their most important role: loving, encouraging, and supporting their child without the stress of being the teacher too. 💛 At the end of the day, your relationship with your child is what matters most. Sometimes, the best way to help them grow is to let someone else guide the lesson, while you cheer them on from the sidelines.

We are thrilled to share that My Learning Farm was recently featured on Good Day Sacramento ! The segment gave viewers a glimpse into the magic that happens each week on the farm—where children learn and grow through hands-on experiences at farm class and the connections made with academics and agriculture. Our Friday Farm Classes were highlighted as students explored animals, agriculuture, science, STEAM in creative ways—whether through animal care, STEAM projects, or orchard harvesting. The spotlight also shared our mission to support students who learn differently, including those with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and ASD in reading, writing, math and spelling . At My Learning Farm, we believe every child deserves a place to feel confident, connected, and capable. We are so grateful to Good Day Sacramento for helping us share this vision with our community. 📺 Watch the full segment here: Good Day Sacramento Feature My Learning Farm founder, Sara Mattia, being interviewed at farm class by Sakura Gray of Good Day Sacramento

As the California legislative session comes to a close, we have important news to share—news that brings both relief and celebration for homeschool and flex-based learning families across the state. Because of the incredible efforts of families, educators, and community partners , AB 84 did not move forward. 🙌 This bill posed a real threat to non-classroom-based (flex-based) learning and the vendor partnerships that so many homeschool families depend on. Your phone calls, emails, and visits to the Capitol made all the difference. Together, we ensured that families retain the freedom to access the educational supports and partnerships that help children thrive. At the same time, SB 414 successfully passed both houses of the Legislature and is now on the Governor’s desk. Unlike AB 84, this bill represents a balanced step forward —providing oversight without punishing students, families, or schools. Many advocates believe that with SB 414 in place, AB 84 is unlikely to return in January. 💛 What does this mean for families? It means your non-classroom-based charters—now called flex-based learning —will continue. It means that partnerships with beloved vendors remain strong. It means that personalized education, tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners, is still protected in California. This victory is more than a policy update. It’s a reminder of the power of unity and persistence. When families, teachers, and communities come together with a shared voice, lawmakers listen. The outcome of this legislative session is proof that advocacy matters, and that when we stand together, we can preserve the freedom to choose the educational path that works best for each child. At My Learning Farm , we believe deeply in the value of personalized education—whether it takes place in a classroom, on a farm, or around the family table. We are honored to walk alongside families as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of education, and we will continue to keep you updated on any new developments that affect your children’s learning. For now, we celebrate this important milestone and the hope it brings for the future of homeschool and flex-based learning in California. 👉 Stay connected and learn more at www.mylearningfarm.com

Yesterday, August 29, AB-84 cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee and now heads to the full Senate for a floor vote in the coming weeks. The committee advanced the bill on a 4–2 vote , moving it one step closer to the floor, but don't give up HOPE-we can defeat AB-84 (homeschool killer bill). This is a pivotal moment. The margin is tight, and every single call and email matters. Many lawmakers are hearing from families, educators, and community members—and momentum is shifting. Hold strong. Keep calling. Stay hopeful. 💚 Why this matters AB-84 would significantly change how many non-classroom-based programs and charter-related services operate in California. Families who rely on flexible learning options are urging legislators to oppose the bill. (If you’re new to the bill, you can follow its status here.) LegiScan What you can do (today) Call your State Senator and Assembly Educational freedom look like: kids learning in environments where they feel safe, supported with evidence-based methodologies that are enriching, joyous and in the fresh country air! member. Find both here: findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov (enter your home address). Use this 30-second call script: “Hi, my name is ___ and I live in ___ (ZIP ___). I’m asking Senator/Assemblymember [Name] to vote NO on AB-84 . AB-84 harms families who rely on non-classroom-based options. Please stand with families and oppose AB-84 on the floor. Thank you.” Send this quick email: Subject: Please VOTE NO on AB-84 Body: Dear Senator/Assemblymember [Last Name],I’m a constituent in [City/ZIP]. I urge you to vote NO on AB-84 . This bill would significantly restrict non-classroom-based options that many students and families depend on. Please stand with families and oppose AB-84 on the floor.Sincerely,[Your Name][City], CA [ZIP] Share this post and ask three friends to call and email too. Hope is a verb We are close—close enough that your voice can make the difference. Keep calling, keep writing, keep showing up with positivity and persistence. When our community speaks together, lawmakers listen. We’ll continue to post updates as the Senate floor vote approaches. For now: don’t give up HOPE —and keep those phones ringing. #NoOnAB84 #CAleg #ProtectParentChoice #Homeschool #CharterSchools #CallYourRep

This week brought encouraging news for homeschool and charter school families across California: AB-84 has been placed in the Senate Appropriations Committee’s “suspense file.” But what does that mean? In simple terms, the suspense file is where bills with significant financial impact are set aside for further review. Many of these bills never make it out of the file, especially when their costs to the state are too high or their consequences too far-reaching. For families who value educational choice and flexibility, this is a hopeful sign. AB-84 threatened to strip away the freedoms that allow parents to design the best educational paths for their children. It proposed layers of new oversight without providing adequate funding, which would have hurt homeschoolers, charter school students, and the educators who serve them. By moving into the suspense file, AB-84 faces a much steeper path forward—and could ultimately stall. This moment shows the power of community. Families, educators, and advocates raised their voices, wrote letters, made phone calls, and showed up. Together, we reminded lawmakers that educational freedom matters and that one-size-fits-all policies don’t serve the diverse needs of California’s students. While we can’t celebrate victory just yet, this is a significant step. Let’s stay engaged, keep speaking up, and continue working to ensure that every child in California has access to the safe, supportive, and flexible education they deserve.

When county offices of education & large districts warn AB 84 will harm students, schools, and taxpayers—lawmakers should listen. But the bill’s author isn’t. 📅 Senate Appropriations Hearing: Monday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m. – This is our moment. Here’s what to do: 1️⃣ Read & follow the action steps: https://legislation-take-action-ca.webflow.io/.../tell ... 2️⃣ Vendors: Upload your letter: https://freedomkeepersunited.surveysparrow.com/.../tt-QUMDZ 3️⃣ Call your Senator TODAY, TOMORROW & MONDAY – Tell them to Vote NO on AB 84. Find yours: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov 4️⃣ Show up at the Capitol: 1021 O Street, Room 2200, Sacramento, CA. This is what educational freedom looks like at My Learning Farm Classes 📢 Calls. Letters. Presence. Share this post. Let’s make sure they can’t ignore us. #NoOnAB84 #ProtectHomeschool