06/09/2026
One of the things that has shaped me most as an educator is my belief that learning should never exist in isolation.
Throughout my 22+ years in education, I've taught children, developed curriculum, coached teachers, and served as a facilitator supporting educators through professional learning in the Science of Reading and LETRS. That work reinforced something I've always known to be true: the deepest learning happens when children are able to make meaningful connections between ideas, experiences, and the world around them.
That's exactly what we strive to create at Sparkleberry Creative Studio, using my valued pedagogies- I can create this!!
One of my favorite parts of our Wild + Wonder sessions happens at the very end of each day.
After a morning spent creating, exploring, getting messy, asking questions, and making discoveries, we gather together for a read-aloud.(they asked for it today and what book was tomorrow 🥹)
Literature is so much more than reading words on a page. Stories spark imagination, encourage critical thinking, build empathy, and help children connect what they are learning to their own lives.
On Day 1, we explored nature through leaf and flower printing and then read The Great Kapok Tree. Together, we discovered how a single tree can support an entire ecosystem and how every living thing is connected.
On Day 2, after creating our handmade seashell paint palettes, we read The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush. The story reminds us that not every child is meant to follow the same path. Little Gopher wasn't destined to be a warrior like the others—his gift was creativity. Through his art, he found his purpose and shared something beautiful with the world.
And on Thursday, we're thrilled to welcome local author Kara Holland, who will join us to read her book, Summer Bucket List. Inspired by her story, the children will use the paint palettes they created this week to design and paint their own summer bucket lists filled with adventure, wonder, and imagination.
The art, the nature, the stories, the conversations—they are never separate.
They weave together to help children think deeply, make connections, solve problems, express themselves, and discover who they are as learners and creators.
Sitting together at the end of the day—sharing a story, asking questions, reflecting on our experiences, and simply being present with one another—may be one of the most meaningful parts of all.🤍
Can’t wait for tomorrow!!
