Growing Humans

08/21/2026

I have seen mastery-based learning solve a LOT of problems, create better connections between students, and build more confidence in children. There’s no way I’d teach with a grading system every again.

08/20/2026

Yesterday we did a STEM field trip Skateland Chandler!

We learned about how science and math connect to…well…pretty much everything. Then about Issac Newton and the 3 laws or motion. Then students didn’t some activites connection to the laws of motion.

After that, students got some practice with balance, and frustration tolerance, as we did some skating around the ring! Most of them had little to no experience skating so it was a struggle, but I’m so happy they gave it a try and worked through that struggle. 💙

08/19/2026

It’s fun when learning, fun, curiosity, and practicing working through struggles all come together.

08/18/2026

These are some of the workbooks some students use at our microschool, and ones Prenda | Student-Centered Microschools provides. There’s other workbooks as well, like Treasure Hunt Reading too. (But I had some extras of those so didn’t need to get more from them)

I am especially excited that they added a separate spelling program this year!

08/17/2026

I wish you could see the difference in dynamics.

It’s far easier to get children to connect with each other when they aren’t comparing themselves to one another.

The beauty with master-based learning is everybody is challenged at the right level. So then everybody is in the same boat.

A great example of this is when one of my students was getting frustrated with his work and another student says”hey man. It’s okay. I struggle too.” ❤️

They encourage each other so much more, and they can focus so much more on growth with mastery-based learning!

08/14/2026

What are your feelings about math?

08/13/2026

And encourage creativity!

The reason I love Prenda | Student-Centered Microschools is their educational philosophy aligns with how a child develops and learns best. They know what they are doing!

Like and follow if you want to see education shift more to this style or learning.

08/12/2026

I remember last year a student asked, “Ms. M…can I like….doodle any time I feel upset?”

I responded with “um..yes! Any time you need it!”

Art is not just for performing and creating a “perfect” picture. It can be a way to process emotions as well!

08/11/2026

When I was worried about running a multiage microschool and spoke with someone Prenda | Student-Centered Microschools….she make a great point that helped me get on board.

She told me when I was teaching in 2nd grade, I likely had students who were all over the place with their learning. She said that some students were ready for the lesson, some students weren’t, and some really, already knew the lesson.

So during whole group instruction, I was only really teaching to the middle 3rd of the class. For the rest of the students, it was a waste of time.

This made so much sense to me because I remeber having students in the same class ranging from still needing to learn their letter names/sounds to students that were reading at a 5th grade level.

Switching to mastery-based began to make more sense. And then once I got going with it, I knew I made the right decision.

08/10/2026