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READS! Classes will take place in our new greenhouse in daybeds surrounds by antiques, plants, animals and more! My Learning Farm READS! is intentionally designed to slow things down. In a world where students are often rushed through reading levels and benchmarks, this class offers something different: time to listen, think, talk, and create. Check out our new greenhouse classroom Each 2-hour session includes: 📖 Expressive read-alouds by Ms. Sara 🗣 Guided, supportive discussion ✍️ Writing, art, and creative responses 🐐 Farm-inspired calm and connection Because students are not required to read aloud, even hesitant learners show up relaxed and engaged. Over time, something powerful happens — confidence grows, curiosity deepens, and many children begin reaching for books again on their own. READS! supports the whole child: academically, emotionally, and socially. Grades 2–6 | Tuesdays 10–12 | 12 sessions | Fall & Spring 2026–27 👉 Learn more + register before spots fill: 🔗https://www.mylearningfarm.com/mylearningfarmreads

People often ask me how I came up with the idea for My Learning Farm.... The truth is, I never set out to build a business-I simply wanted desperately to help my own children-Ryker and Ava who had dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, anxiety and ADHD-learn and know they are capable of doing ANYTHING! At that same time our family was deeply involved with 4-H-a national organization that fosters animal husbnadry with youth. I saw the increbilbe bond, joy, calming that my children and I felt in the prescence of our animals to support learning, on tough days they sought solstice in their furry friends. I could relate because I fell in love with two things long ago—children and animals. Ava and Ryker in their last year showing pygmy goats, dogs, chickens, turkeys, pigs, alpacas-those were some of our family's most FUN years! Throughout my life, I've been drawn to helping children discover what they're capable of. Watching a child read their very first chapter book, solve a math problem they once thought was impossible, or find the confidence to raise their hand and share an idea never gets old. Those moments are pure joy. I've also always found peace among animals. There is something wonderfully calming about a farm. The gentle nickering of a horse, the curious nature of a goat, the soft hum of the chickens, the playful personalities of our mini donkeys, alpacas, sheep, geese, and so many other farm friends remind us to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply enjoy learning. My Learning Farm has allowed me to bring those two passions together. Here, children don't just come to improve their reading, writing, spelling, or math. They come to be encouraged. To laugh. To explore. To ask questions. To build confidence. To discover that learning can feel joyful. Working with kids and animals and watching the bond and connection between the two is a JOY I don't take lightly! Every program we offer is built around that belief. 🌱 1:1 Academic Instruction Using evidence-based, explicit instruction—including Orton-Gillingham Structured Literacy and Making Math Real—I provide individualized reading, writing, spelling, and math instruction designed to meet each child exactly where they are and help them grow with confidence. Learn more: https://www.mylearningfarm.com/services There's something magical about being with animals-my animals LOVE being read to! 📚 My Learning Farm READS! READS! combines great children's literature with vocabulary, writing, science, art, and hands-on experiences that bring stories to life. It helps children fall in love with books while strengthening literacy skills in a relaxed, encouraging environment. Learn more: https://www.mylearningfarm.com/mylearningfarmreads READS! small group literacy class where Ms. Sara does ALL the reading immerse students into the magic of novels, written expression, themed projects and activities, guest speakers, animal interactions-in our beautiful greenhouse classroom! 🐑 Farm Classes Farm classes invite children to learn through agriculture, animals, guest speakers, crafts, games, science, and outdoor exploration. Every visit encourages curiosity, responsibility, kindness, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Learn more:https://www.mylearningfarm.com/farmclasses farm classes are a JOY to teach-we learn about farm life, animals, ecosystems, animal science, agriculture with lessons, projects, guest speakers and games! 📖 Academic Assessments Comprehensive assessments in reading, writing, spelling, or math help families understand a child's current skills, identify strengths, pinpoint areas of need, and create a clear path forward through a detailed written report and personalized recommendations. Learn more: https://www.mylearningfarm.com/assessments 🏡 Homeschool Consultations Whether you're just beginning your homeschool journey or looking for fresh ideas, homeschool consultations provide individualized guidance on curriculum, scheduling, instructional strategies, and creating a learning plan that works for your child and your family. Learn more: https://www.mylearningfarm.com/homeschool Academic assessments in reading, writing, spelling and math use evidence-based tools and methodologies to determine baseline skills, areas of strength, areas in need of support and provide parents with meaningful resources and next steps. 🤝 Special Education Advocacy Navigating special education can feel overwhelming. I work alongside families to help them better understand evaluations, IEPs, accommodations, services, and educational options so they can confidently advocate for their children.Learn more: https://www.mylearningfarm.com/special-education-advocacy SPED advocacy offers parents and families a deeper understanding of complex SPED laws, supports, understanding eligibility, services and levels of support. At the end of the day, My Learning Farm has never been just about academics. It's about helping children believe in themselves. It's about creating a place where they feel safe to make mistakes, celebrate progress, read to a donkey, cuddle an alpaca, laugh with friends, and discover that learning doesn't have to feel stressful. Some of our greatest lessons happen while collecting eggs, reading beneath the trees, watching a goose proudly parade her goslings across the pasture, or scratching a curious sheep behind the ears. Those moments remind children that learning happens everywhere—not just behind a desk. Every child who walks through the gates brings unique gifts, talents, and dreams. It is one of the greatest privileges of my life to walk alongside them for a small part of their journey. My hope has always been simple: that every child leaves My Learning Farm feeling a little more confident, a little more capable, and a whole lot more excited about learning than when they arrived. My dream for each child I am lucky enough to work with is that they feel excited to come, confident to learn new skills and find JOY! Because when children feel seen, supported, and encouraged, amazing things begin to grow. And that is exactly why My Learning Farm exists. ❤️🌿

A Mother's Heart, a Daughter's Courage, and the Dream That Became My Learning Farm There are moments in life that quietly take your breath away. Not because they're loud or dramatic, but because they remind you just how far someone has come. Standing in the streets of Florence, Italy, watching my daughter confidently navigate trains, buses, winding medieval streets, grocery stores, cafés, and university life, I found myself smiling through tears. It wasn't simply because she was living in Italy—it was because I knew the incredible journey it had taken to get her there. Ava and I in Italy-she's growing up and spreading her wings and I couldn't be happier for her. Years ago, I wasn't sure what the future would hold. Like many parents, we heard words that felt overwhelming: dyslexia, dyscalculia, and anxiety. Those diagnoses didn't define my daughter, but they certainly shaped our family's path. There were difficult days filled with tutoring sessions, homework that ended in tears, counseling appointments, moments of self-doubt, and countless conversations reminding her that learning differently did not mean she was less capable. Through it all, our family kept moving forward together—one lesson, one success, one challenge at a time. Ava showing me her local grocery store and explaining when she got sick she went to the pharmacy and drank a lot of electrolytes. Fast forward to this summer, and there she was living in Florence, Italy. She chose to study abroad without knowing a single person in her program. She enrolled in six university units in Italy while simultaneously completing another six units of online college coursework. She learned to navigate trains and buses, found her favorite cafés, grocery shopped in a foreign country, explored museums and historic churches, and built friendships with students. Every day she grew a little more confident, a little more independent, and a little more certain of herself. As her mom, I couldn't have been more proud. Not because she earned college credits or traveled across the world, but because I watched her truly embrace life. I saw her laugh, explore, try new things, and confidently step into experiences that once might have felt impossible. She wasn't simply surviving—she was thriving. She was glowing in a way that only comes from years of hard work are bearing fruit. Watching her in Italy reminded me that progress is rarely measured by a single report card, test score, or milestone. Sometimes the greatest victories are the ones that happen quietly over time. They are built through years of patient instruction, family support, counseling, perseverance, and countless small victories that eventually become life-changing confidence. Laughing at the food in Italy-they sure like to mangia I have absolutely no doubt she will become an exceptional nurse. Her compassion, determination, resilience, and genuine love for people cannot be measured by any standardized test. Those qualities were developed through the very challenges she once thought might hold her back. This trip also reminded me why My Learning Farm exists. Ava shopping and using her Italian language skills I never intended to start a business. My Learning Farm grew from a mother's desire to understand her own children and help them discover that they were capable of far more than the world sometimes expected. I wanted my children to experience success, confidence, and joy in learning. As I learned alongside them, that personal journey slowly became a calling to help other families walk a similar path. Using her Italy Taxi app to call us a taxi like it was second nature Today, as my own children are spreading their wings, I have the incredible privilege of helping children build theirs. Every time I watch a student decode a difficult word, write a paragraph with confidence, master a challenging math concept, or proudly read aloud to their family, I am reminded that learning is about so much more than academics. It is about helping children believe in themselves and discover what is possible. If you're a parent in the middle of the hard years, I want you to know that I understand. I've been there. I know what it's like to wonder if your child will ever catch up, to search for answers, and to celebrate progress that others may not even notice. But I also know what can happen when children receive the right support, explicit instruction, patient encouragement, and unwavering belief from the people who love them most. Her apartment in Italy One day, you may find yourself watching your own child step confidently into a future that once seemed uncertain. Maybe it will be at a college graduation, in their first career, on an overseas adventure, or simply reading a favorite book with confidence. Whatever that moment looks like, I hope you'll pause to take it all in—because those victories are worth celebrating. Her favorite meal at her favorite cafe in Florence, this girl missed simple American food after a summer of Italian foods. At My Learning Farm, I would be honored to walk alongside your family. Whether your child needs support in reading, writing, spelling, or math, a homeschool consultation, an academic assessment, educational coaching, special education advocacy, or joyful enrichment through our READS! literature classes or farm classes, our goal is always the same: to help children build the skills, confidence, and joy that allow them to flourish. Watching my daughter thrive in Italy reminded me that learning differences do not limit a child's future. With the right support, children grow into capable, compassionate, resilient adults who pursue their dreams with confidence. Sometimes all a child needs is someone who believes in them until they learn to believe in themselves. I believe in them. And I would be honored to believe in yours, too.

At My Learning Farm, we believe in evidence-based practices, training, certification and a loving heart-all to support growth and development! Dyslexia and learning differences does not limit potential. It does not define intelligence, creativity, or a child’s future. What it does mean is that a child’s brain learns language differently—and when that difference is understood and supported, growth is absolutely possible. For many families, the reading journey begins with worry, confusion, and unanswered questions. Progress may feel slow. Confidence may feel fragile. But please know this: struggling now does not mean struggling forever. At My Learning Farm, hope is built intentionally and gently. Through evidence-based reading instruction, individualized support, and deep care for each child, students are taught in ways that truly make sense to their brains. Skills are strengthened step by step, pressure is reduced, and confidence is rebuilt along the way. As children experience success, something powerful happens. They begin to believe in themselves again. Reading no longer feels like a daily battle—it becomes something they can approach with courage, resilience, and growing pride. If your child is struggling with reading, please hold onto this truth: there is a path forward. With the right instruction and a supportive environment, children don’t just learn to read—they learn that they are capable. 🌾 Where Learning Grows — My Learning Farm🔗 https://www.mylearningfarm.com You are not alone on this journey. Hope is real, and growth is possible. 📚💛

Writing looks difference for every student If your child melts down during writing—crying, shutting down, refusing, ripping papers—you are not failing as a parent. And your child is not being “dramatic.” For many students with dysgraphia, writing triggers: ⚡ stress ⚡ overwhelm ⚡ fear of mistakes ⚡ mental fatigue ⚡ shame from past struggles Writing can feel like being asked to run a race with a backpack full of bricks. Instead of pushing harder, we can shift the goal: 🌱 Make writing feel safe first. Then we build skills. At My Learning Farm, we teach writing in small steps with clear support. Students learn that mistakes are part of learning—not proof they aren’t smart. If writing is impacting your child’s confidence, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Learn more about support here: www.mylearningfarm.com Trusted sources: Understood.org, Child Mind Institute

Making math work for each student is what My Learning Farm is all about When math is a daily struggle at home, parents often start carrying a quiet weight they never asked for. You might find yourself wondering:“Am I not teaching it the right way?”“Did I miss something earlier?”“Why is this so hard when we practice so much?” If you’ve ever had those thoughts, please hear this clearly: You are not doing anything wrong.And you are not failing your child. For many children, math challenges are not caused by parenting, effort, or missed practice. Sometimes, the struggle comes from something deeper—like dyscalculia, a learning difference that affects how the brain understands numbers, patterns, quantity, and math concepts. That means your child may be working twice as hard just to do what others can do automatically. And when math feels confusing every day, it can create stress for everyone in the home—especially the parent who is trying so hard to help. At My Learning Farm, we support families alongside their children. Because when a child is struggling, the whole family feels it. You deserve guidance that is clear, supportive, and practical—not judgment or pressure. At My Learning Farm, we help parents understand: why math feels hard what skills may be missing underneath the struggle how to build confidence step-by-step what to practice (and what to stop forcing) Most importantly, we remind you that you are not alone. Your child is not “lazy.”You are not “behind.”And this is not a reflection of your love, effort, or dedication. You are showing up. You are trying. You are advocating. And that matters more than you know. 🌾 Where Learning Grows — My Learning Farm🔗 https://www.mylearningfarm.com

At My Learning Farm we combine evidence-based strategies with confidence & of course animals Many parents are told, “Your child just needs to strengthen their hands.” While fine motor skills can matter, writing is so much more than that. Writing is one of the most complex tasks students do in school. It requires: 🧠 Language skills (word choice, sentence structure) 🧠 Working memory (holding an idea while writing it down) 🧠 Executive functioning (planning, organizing, sequencing) 🧠 Spelling and encoding (hearing sounds and mapping letters) 🧠 Motor planning (forming letters smoothly and consistently) 🧠 Attention and stamina That’s why a child may have “fine motor strength” but still struggle with writing. If their brain is working overtime just to spell and form letters, there’s no energy left for ideas. At My Learning Farm, we support writing from the inside out: ✔️ sentence structure ✔️ spelling patterns ✔️ organization and planning ✔️ tools that reduce overload ✔️ confidence and resilience If writing feels like a daily battle in your home, I’m here to help. Start here: www.mylearningfarm.com Trusted sources: Understood.org, IDA, American Psychological Association (APA) writing and learning research

Over the past several years, more and more families have begun exploring homeschooling and alternative educational paths for their children. For some families, the decision comes after academic struggles. For others, it grows from a desire for flexibility, emotional well-being, individualized learning, or simply wanting more meaningful time together. And honestly? I understand why. At My Learning Farm, I speak with many parents who feel overwhelmed trying to navigate traditional school systems that may not fully support their child’s unique learning needs, personality, pace, or emotional well-being. Many families come to me exhausted after years of tears over homework, school avoidance, anxiety, or watching their child slowly lose confidence in themselves as learners. The good news is this: There are other ways to learn.And you do not have to figure it all out alone. 💛 Recently, homeschool research and educational trend reports have shown continued growth in homeschooling across the United States as families seek more personalized, flexible, and relationship-centered educational experiences. You can read the original article here:https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschooling-2025-case-study/ Homeschooling Often Creates Space for Children to Thrive One of the beautiful things about homeschooling is that learning can become individualized again. Children are not all meant to learn the same way, at the same pace, or in the same environment. Some children need: More movement More direct instruction More repetition Smaller group settings Hands-on learning Outdoor experiences Flexible pacing Explicit reading instruction Emotional safety and encouragement Time to mature developmentally Homeschooling allows families to build an educational environment around the child rather than forcing the child to fit into a one-size-fits-all system. For many children, especially those with dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, autism, anxiety, or learning differences, this flexibility can be life-changing. But Homeschooling Can Also Feel Overwhelming Many parents worry:“What if I mess this up?”“What curriculum should I use?”“How do I know if my child is behind?”“What about socialization?”“How do I support reading or math struggles?”“How do I homeschool multiple children?”“What if I don’t know how to teach?” Please hear this clearly:You do not need to recreate public school at home.And you do not need to become an expert overnight. Homeschooling does not have to mean doing everything alone. Support Matters 🌾 At My Learning Farm, one of my favorite things is helping families feel supported, encouraged, and empowered in their homeschool journey. Sometimes parents simply need: A starting point Curriculum guidance Reading or math recommendations Help understanding learning differences Academic assessments Structured literacy support A gentle plan Encouragement and reassurance Community That is exactly why My Learning Farm offers homeschool consultations, academic support, literacy classes, farm classes, and individualized instruction designed to meet children where they are. Homeschooling can look many different ways: Learning around the kitchen table Reading together on the couch Exploring nature Hands-on projects Farm experiences Literature discussions Small-group enrichment One-on-one academic support Flexible schedules that honor family needs Learning does not only happen inside four classroom walls. Children Need Connection, Confidence, and Joy Some of the most meaningful learning happens when children feel safe, connected, and capable. At My Learning Farm, I see children begin rebuilding confidence every single day. I watch students who once believed they “couldn’t” read begin volunteering to read aloud. I see reluctant writers proudly sharing paragraphs. I watch anxious learners relax as they bottle-feed goats, explore the orchard, discuss novels, or solve math problems with hands-on support. Children grow best when learning is rooted in relationship, encouragement, explicit instruction, and joyful connection. You Don’t Have to Have Everything Figured Out If you are considering homeschooling or simply wondering whether your child needs a different educational path, you are not alone. You do not need perfection.You do not need all the answers.You simply need support, guidance, and a willingness to learn alongside your child. And sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to begin building a path forward. 🌿To learn more about homeschool consultations, academic support, literacy classes, and farm-based enrichment opportunities, visit:www.mylearningfarm.com

Building writing skills, confidence and connection are part of everything My Learning Farm does! When writing feels hard, students often don’t know where to begin. One of the best ways to reduce overwhelm is to teach sentence building—the foundation of all writing. At My Learning Farm, we often start with a simple structure: ⭐ Who + Did What + Where/When + Why/How Examples: The puppy ran outside because it heard a noise. Ava built a project on the farm with her team. Then we grow it: 🌿 add adjectives 🌿 add prepositional phrases 🌿 add conjunctions 🌿 combine two short sentences into one stronger sentence Sentence building works because it gives students a map. They aren’t guessing what to do—they are following a structure. If your child struggles with writing, sentence-level work is often the missing link between “I know the answer” and “I can write it down.” Want structured writing support that builds confidence and real skills? Learn more here: www.mylearningfarm.com Trusted sources: IDA (structured literacy & language-based instruction), Understood.org

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 Farm: parents are increasingly building their own educational support systems outside of school. The article highlights families spending significant amounts of money on tutoring, educational therapy, executive functioning coaching, evaluations, mental health services, specialized reading intervention, and academic support. While some may view these services as optional extras, many families do not. For them, these services have become essential tools for helping their children succeed. What struck me most was not the amount of money being spent. It was the question that lingers beneath the surface of every story: Why are so many families feeling the need to seek additional support outside of school? The New Educational Reality For many families, education no longer begins and ends with the school day. A child may attend school from morning until afternoon, then head to a reading specialist, a math tutor, a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, a counselor, or an executive functioning coach. Families are coordinating schedules, researching resources, attending meetings, reviewing reports, and trying to determine what their children need to be successful. This isn't limited to families whose children have diagnosed learning differences. Increasingly, parents of students who are performing at grade level—or even above grade level—are also seeking outside support to strengthen skills, build confidence, reduce stress, or help their children reach their potential. In many ways, families are creating educational villages around their children and there is something beautiful about that. Children often thrive when caring adults work together to support their growth. The challenge, however, is that building this village requires time, money, knowledge, and persistence. Not every family has equal access to those resources. This Isn't About Blaming Schools Whenever conversations like this emerge, people often rush to assign blame. Some point fingers at schools. Others blame parents, curriculum, technology, or educational policies. I don't believe that is the most productive response. Most teachers I know work incredibly hard. They care deeply about their students and often go above and beyond to support them. Yet they are also working within systems that ask them to meet the needs of twenty-five or thirty students, all of whom arrive with different strengths, challenges, backgrounds, and learning profiles. The issue is not whether teachers care-the issue is whether our educational systems are designed to provide every student with the level of individualized support they may need at exactly the right time- that is a much harder question to answer. Families Are Sending Us a Message One of the greatest lessons I've learned through educational consultations, academic assessments, and advocacy work is that parents are remarkably resourceful. When they sense something isn't working, they start looking for answers. They read books, join support groups, attend workshops, listen to podcasts, seek evaluations, hire tutors, purchase curricula, and advocate relentlessly for their children. Parents don't do this because they enjoy spending their evenings researching educational interventions. They do it because they love their children and want to help them succeed. When thousands of families across the country are independently making similar decisions, we should pay attention. Families are providing valuable feedback about what they believe their children need. Our Family's Experience As I read the article, I couldn't help but reflect on my own family's educational journey. Over the years, my husband Nick and I have invested well over $200,000 in our children's education through tutoring, private evaluations, specialized support, enrichment opportunities, academic intervention, professional guidance, curricula, educational services, certifications, online parent trainings, online courses, even enrolling in a special education credential program. But if I'm being honest, the financial investment is only part of the story. What that number doesn't capture are the countless hours behind it. It doesn't capture the late nights spent researching dyslexia, reading intervention, executive functioning, and learning differences after my children had gone to bed. It doesn't capture the weekends spent attending trainings, completing coursework, and studying educational research because I was determined to better understand how my children learned. It doesn't capture the many drives to Oakland for certifications and specialized training. It doesn't capture the online courses completed late at night, the books stacked on my nightstand, the webinars, the conferences, the notebooks full of ideas, or the years spent building expertise because I needed answers that I couldn't find elsewhere. Some parents hire experts-In many ways, I decided to become one. Not because I was planning to start a business. Not because I wanted another certification, but because I was a mom trying to help her children. Like many parents, I was searching for resources that didn't seem readily available. I wanted to understand reading difficulties. I wanted to understand math struggles. I wanted to understand how the brain learns and why some children thrive with certain approaches while others continue to struggle. So I learned and I kept learning. What began as a journey to support my own children eventually became the foundation for My Learning Farm and the work I now do supporting other families. There has rarely been a year in our children's educational journeys when we weren't utilizing some type of outside support. Sometimes it was a reading specialist. Sometimes it was a math tutor. Sometimes it was a private evaluation that helped us better understand how one of our children learned. Sometimes it was a coach, mentor, or subject-matter expert who could provide expertise that we simply didn't have. As an educator, people often assume I handled everything myself- the truth is quite the opposite. I love working with my own children. Some of my favorite memories are sitting at the kitchen table, helping with assignments, talking through challenges, and celebrating victories. But being a parent also means recognizing when someone else can help your child in ways that you can't. When high school chemistry entered the picture, I knew we needed help. Advanced math? We needed help there too. There were moments when bringing in another professional didn't just benefit my child—it preserved our relationship. Sometimes I needed to step back and simply be Mom and for that, I am incredibly grateful. I'm grateful for the tutors who explained concepts differently. I'm grateful for the specialists who gave us answers. I'm grateful for the professionals who saw strengths we hadn't yet recognized. I'm grateful for the village that helped our children become who they are today. I also recognize how fortunate we were to have access to those resources. Many families don't-Dyslexia is often touted as the "wealthy family learning disabilty" because if you have money you can hire support (so they say). That is the part that stays with me after reading this article because while I am thankful we were able to build that village, I can't help but wonder how many children never receive the support they need simply because their families lack the time, financial resources, knowledge, or connections to access it. That is not a parenting problem. That is an educational equity problem. And it's a conversation worth having. What If We Did Better Earlier? As I reflected on the article, I kept returning to a simple thought: what if we addressed more challenges earlier? What if struggling readers were identified sooner? What if evidence-based reading instruction was consistently implemented in every classroom? What if students received targeted intervention before they fell significantly behind? What if families had easier access to clear information, practical resources, and effective support? What if we spent less time chasing educational trends and more time implementing practices supported by research? Imagine how many families might avoid years of frustration if support arrived earlier in a child's educational journey. A Better Path Forward I don't believe the solution is more testing. I don't believe the solution is more paperwork. And I don't believe the solution is another educational initiative that disappears after a few years. Instead, I believe we need to strengthen the fundamentals: Early identification of learning challenges Science of Reading-based literacy instruction Evidence-based structured literacy practices Strong math instruction grounded in research High-quality teacher preparation and professional development Multi-sensory teaching approaches Support for students with learning differences Meaningful partnerships between schools and families Accountability for student outcomes Most importantly, we need to listen carefully to what families are telling us. The Real Takeaway The article focuses on the growing number of families spending money on services schools do not provide. But I think the deeper story is not about tutoring, educational therapy, or academic intervention. The deeper story is about parents. Parents who are willing to do whatever they can to help their children succeed. Parents who spend evenings researching resources. Parents who advocate in meetings. Parents who drive to appointments. Parents who invest their time, energy, and finances because they believe their children deserve every opportunity to thrive. At the end of the day, families aren't asking for perfection. They're asking for partnership. They're asking for support. They're asking for educational systems that recognize children learn differently and respond accordingly. And perhaps most importantly, they're asking to be heard. If we listen carefully, there is a great deal we can learn from the choices families are making. Those choices aren't simply trends. They are feedback. And they may be telling us exactly where education needs to go next. As both a parent and an educator, I remain hopeful. We know more about how children learn than ever before. We have stronger research, better tools, and more evidence-based practices than previous generations. The opportunity before us is not to ask families to do less for their children. It is to build educational systems that work so well that fewer families feel they must carry such a heavy burden alone. Because every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and every family deserves a partner on that journey.

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 children, books can begin to feel like work instead of wonder. They may avoid reading, miss opportunities to grow vocabulary, struggle to connect deeply with stories, and slowly begin to feel like books just “aren’t for them.” And I kept thinking… What if we could change that? What if we created a space where books felt joyful again? A place where there was no pressure to perform, no fear of getting it wrong, and no expectation that they had to be the one doing the reading. Just novels. Curiosity. Connection. Wonder. So I had a little crazy idea…What if I created a beautiful, magical space that didn’t feel like school? A place where children could listen to the soft sounds of the farm, feel the warm sun shining through the greenhouse windows, enjoy a gentle breeze, and cozy up on a daybed surrounded by beautiful antiques and peaceful spaces. A place that felt safe. A place where I would do all of the reading. Together, we could take deep dives into vocabulary, meaningful discussions, written responses, short essays, novel study activities, crafts, animals, and all the beautiful learning that grows from truly experiencing a story. It wouldn’t look like a classroom. It wouldn’t feel like a classroom. It would feel like belonging. It felt a little like Field of Dreams… If you build it, they will come. And so…Announcing My Learning Farm READS! 🌿📖 A brand-new literacy experience for students in Grades 2–6, created especially for children who may be reluctant readers, not-yet-confident readers, or students who simply need a different path to connect with books. Tuesdays | September–November 10:00 AM–12:00 PM Small Group | Only 10 Lucky Students This is not a traditional reading class. This is a joyful, supportive literacy experience where: ✨ Ms. Sara does ALL the reading ✨ Students build vocabulary naturally ✨ We practice written responses and short essays ✨ We dive deep into novels and meaning ✨ We create, craft, discuss, and connect ✨ Animals and farm life become part of the learning ✨ Children begin to feel confident around books and stories At My Learning Farm, learning is rooted in connection, encouragement, and evidence-based support. Through structured literacy principles, meaningful language experiences, and a calm farm environment, children are given space to grow—academically, emotionally, and confidently. Because sometimes the first step isn’t teaching a child how to read— It’s helping them love reading first. Give Your Child the Gift of Literacy 💛 Sometimes the greatest gift we can give a child is not just stronger academic skills— It’s helping them feel capable. It’s helping them feel successful. It’s helping them believe books belong to them, too. That’s what My Learning Farm READS! is all about. 🌻 Learn more here: www.mylearningfarm.com/mylearningfarmreads 🌻 Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-If3v-Zu5WoecK2iiGYoWrXhCjeHW0g-fLfMThP-chKCjmA/viewform I cannot wait to welcome your child into this beautiful new space. Because sometimes dreams grow best on the farm. 🌾

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 experiences as educators notice concerns about student attention, comprehension, reading stamina, and overall engagement. You can read the full article here:https://apnews.com/article/07958fb159c7cfbceb7bfdb37b2bb726 The article discusses how some schools are intentionally reducing screen use and returning to more traditional learning tools after seeing that excessive technology use may impact: • Attention span • Reading comprehension • Memory retention • Writing stamina • Social interaction • Classroom engagement And honestly… this conversation deeply resonates with the heart behind My Learning Farm. 💛 Because children were never meant to spend their entire childhood staring at screens. Children need: 🌿 dirt under their fingernails 📚 books in their laps 🐐 animals to care for 🗣 conversations with caring adults ✏️ pencils, paper, and creativity ☀️ sunshine and movement 💛 connection and belonging 🎨 hands-on learning and play So much of childhood learning happens through sensory experiences, human interaction, movement, storytelling, curiosity, and exploration. When children read a physical book, write by hand, build something with their hands, care for animals, explore outdoors, or engage in rich conversation, different parts of the brain are activated in meaningful and lasting ways. At My Learning Farm, we intentionally create learning spaces that slow childhood down a little. Our greenhouse classroom is filled with: 📚 read-alouds 🌾 discussion and storytelling ✏️ structured writing 🐓 hands-on projects 🌿 nature-based learning 💛 relationship-centered teaching And perhaps one of the most important pieces:children are given space to simply be children. Many of today’s students are overwhelmed, overstimulated, and exhausted by constant digital input. Some struggle to sustain attention for reading. Others avoid writing altogether because typing has replaced foundational handwriting practice. Many children are craving calm, connection, and meaningful engagement without even realizing it. This does not mean technology is “bad.” Technology can absolutely be a useful tool. But tools should support learning — not replace the deeply human experiences children need for healthy development. Research continues to show the importance of: • Reading physical books • Being read to aloud • Conversation-rich environments • Outdoor play• Fine motor development • Hands-on exploration • Real-world learning experiences At My Learning Farm, I see every week how powerful these experiences can be. I watch children: 🌿 build vocabulary while feeding goats 📚 strengthen comprehension during read-aloud discussions ✏️ grow confidence through structured writing support 🐐 regulate their nervous systems through animal interaction 💛 rediscover joy in learning when pressure is removed Some of the best learning moments happen far away from a screen. They happen while sitting under trees. They happen in muddy boots. They happen during conversation. They happen while reading side by side. They happen while laughing together in the greenhouse classroom. Childhood does not need to be rushed. Children need time to wonder, move, read, create, play, and connect. And maybe that shift back toward books, paper, nature, and hands-on learning is not “going backward” at all. Maybe it is remembering what children needed all along. 🌾💛 Learn more about My Learning Farm and our literacy, academic support, homeschool consultation, and farm-based learning programs here: https://www.mylearningfarm.com