OwnYour Literacy
Discover the Power of Passion, Planning, and Practice
Discover the Power of Passion, Planning, and Practice
In today's rapidly evolving world, preparing students for the future has never been more challenging or crucial. At Own Literacy, we believe that true learning extends beyond conventional academics. We're committed to equipping your child for success, enabling them to pursue their dreams, master essential reading and writing skills, and excel in their chosen careers. Dedicated to nurturing both the academic and personal growth of students in grades 5 - 9, our tailored program aims to ignite their passion, refine their planning abilities through executive function coaching, and enhance their reading and writing skills through focused practice, thus promoting comprehensive academic and personal development.
Ignite Passion, Refine Planning, Practice Literacy
From my early days as a secondary teacher, career development has been a cornerstone of my approach. When I'd ask students struggling with school what they envisioned for their futures, answers varied from dreams of becoming a professional athlete or a beautician to the all-too-common "I don't know," accompanied by shrugged shoulders and vacant stares. This led me to probe deeper, asking about their passions and hobbies. From drawing to tinkering on cars, these conversations sparked an idea: What if educators could link students' passions with potential career paths early on? Could this connection make the seemingly dull, isolated academic content more engaging for them?
This theory became a tangible reality during my time as a middle school reading teacher. Ray, an unmotivated 8th grade student with a preference for building websites over reading, found his stride when tasked with creating a website about the plot and characters in a novel. His commitment to the project led to its successful completion. Furthermore, aiming to create a Yearbook video in the early 2000s, I initiated a journalism club and introduced the students to an analog video camera. Ray's enthusiasm shone through as he took charge of the video project, culminating in a memorable 8th-grade assembly where students watched a showcase of the year's highlights. Recognizing Ray's dedication in front of his peers was a proud moment. Years later, Ray pursued film school and now thrives as a professional filmmaker.
Similarly, I had several conversations with a former colleague about her children's educational struggles. Pam was at her limit, especially with her son, John, who faced challenges in middle school due to his special education needs. Transitioning between teachers with varying teaching methods left him disengaged and reluctant to attend school. However, everything changed when John discovered his passion for flying. Enrolling in a youth flight program not only boosted his motivation but also his academic performance, eventually leading him to earn his pilot's license, graduate high school, and pursue college.
Similarly, Pam's daughter, Tiffany, showed little interest in school until she identified her dream of acting. Using acting as a motivational tool—headshots, acting lessons, and auditions—transformed Tiffany's academic attitude, culminating in her receiving an award for most improved student.
These stories underline the pivotal role of passion in education. By discovering students' interests, charting a course toward their career objectives, and honing relevant executive function, reading, and writing skills, we can spark a renewed enthusiasm for learning. This strategy not only fosters academic achievement but also sets a robust foundation for career success, illustrating that when passion guides, success inevitably follows.
Passion:
Students will identify passions.
Research careers based on the passions
Planning:
Develop a vision board and plan for achieving the passioned career.
Discover connections with school work and career goal.
Establish goals that capture both.
Establish plan for one goal at a time.
Practice:
Learn specific EF skills to help with traditional learning and goal achievement. Practice the skills.
Review reading comprehension skills based on ELA grade level and state standards.
Practice ELA skills using self-paced courses.
Specializing in ELA and executive function skills, we provide flexible anytime learning classes that complement our one-on-one coaching, making the educational experience personal, engaging, and effective.
Ready to transform your child's educational journey?
Explore our Support Process to get started and discover how we can help turn passion into achievement.