I thought I knew what school was. I had been a student. A good one, even. I came up through a well-funded, blue ribbon school district in the suburbs. I knew the rhythms — the bells, the desks in rows, the textbooks, the tests. I thought I understood the system because I had survived it, maybe even thrived in it. Then I became a teacher. I went through an alternative licensure program, which means I was dropped into a classroom on day one while I was still completing my cours

Summer can feel like a tug-of-war between two extremes: total “free-for-all” downtime on one side, and tightly scheduled camps and activities on the other. But there’s a powerful middle ground that research, child development experts, and decades of classroom experience all point to: safe, unstructured play that’s guided with intentionality. This is the heart of what I’ve built into my small “Out and About” summer program. In this post, I’ll share why this kind of play matte

When I became the founding lead teacher for the 3rd-5th grade mixed-age classroom at Highlands Micro School in Denver, I stepped into a world that looked nothing like the public school classrooms I had known for over a decade. At Micro, the philosophy wasn't about "covering" a curriculum; it was about uncovering the world. It was there that I saw the true power of Project-Based Learning (PBL) —an approach that treats children as researchers, creators, and problem-solvers ra

Executive function skills are crucial for children's development, impacting their ability to learn, manage emotions, and interact socially. These skills include working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. Understanding and nurturing these skills can significantly enhance a child's academic performance and overall well-being. In this post, we will explore what executive function skills are, why they matter, and practical strategies to help children develop t

Creating a custom curriculum for homeschooling can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. With the right approach, you can design a learning experience that is tailored to your child's unique needs and interests. This blog post will guide you through the essential steps of developing a custom curriculum that not only meets educational standards but also fosters a love for learning. Understanding Your Child's Learning Style Before diving into curriculum development, it'

Microschools are gaining traction as a flexible and personalized approach to education. For families seeking alternatives to traditional schooling, these small, community-based learning environments offer unique opportunities. However, navigating this new educational landscape can be challenging. In this post, we will explore the support available for microschool families, providing practical insights and resources to help you thrive in this innovative educational setting. Un