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Let's Talk About Reading

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:22:06 GMT

READING--OG, SCIENCE OF READING, INDIVIDUAL PLANS

With each generation, we’re seeing literacy rates decline—and yet, at Marian Hope, we continue to watch children thrive in reading. Why? Because we start strong, we go slow, and we honor the God-designed way each child learns.

In kindergarten, we begin with curriculum and FUN activities that focus on sound awareness and rich auditory practice. Before we ever push print, we train the ears and the mouth—listening to sounds, producing sounds, and playing with language. From there, we introduce just a few sounds with their corresponding letter at a time. We read with those sounds… then we add another… and another… slowly stacking skills like building blocks.

Some children learn sounds and sound blending quickly. Others need more time. But when they truly own their sounds and begin to understand how those sounds work, something beautiful happens—they become confident, mindful readers.

We’ve had kindergarteners ending the year reading at a 2nd-grade level. We’ve had hesitant kindergarten readers become some of our strongest readers by 4th grade. We don’t rush them. We meet the child exactly where they are, and we build their reading tower sound by sound, rule by rule. Because if you stack ten blocks before the foundation is ready, the tower will fall. But if you build slowly, intentionally, and joyfully? The foundation becomes unshakeable.

As students move into literacy, we see their individual strengths emerge.

Some children visualize words effortlessly—they turn text into a movie reel in their mind, and they fall in love with books.

Others struggle to create mental images, and reading comprehension becomes harder. These children don’t need pressure—they need training, modeling, and gentle questioning to help their brains learn to see in pictures.

Every child’s brain is different.

Some are natural left-brain, sequential learners.

Some are visual-spatial, right-brain learners who thrive in creativity and holistic thinking.

Some shine in reading, some in math, and some can struggle in one or both—and all are equally precious and equally brilliant in the eyes of God.

Education should reflect this reality every single day.

A whole-brain education includes:

�� Left-brain learning (phonics, patterns, sequences)

�� Right-brain learning (creativity, visualization, storytelling)

⚙️ Frontal-lobe development (executive functioning and problem-solving)

Programs like Orton-Gillingham and others that follow the science of reading have tremendous value—but there is no one perfect curriculum or system that works for every child. Sometimes other strategies are techniques are required to advance skills. Sometimes a strategy that works for one will not work for another. The child should set the stage for the next step, not the curriculum.

We do not force children into a box… we design the box for the child.

Once a child can decode, the world of literature opens wide. We ignite their curiosity by helping them discover what they love—fantasy, realistic fiction, biographies, nature books, history, graphic novels, or deep-dive nonfiction. Vocabulary becomes exciting when children explore morphemes—roots, prefixes, suffixes. Stories come alive through discussion, figurative language, writing their own stories, dramatizing scenes, or completing hands-on projects.

One of the greatest gifts we give our students is time during the day to read—with a partner, independently, or with audio support if needed.

Because when you truly know the child… you can teach the child.

And that is why literacy grows at Marian Hope.

One sound at a time.

One step at a time.

One beautifully unique child at a time. ��

The 3 Best Extracurricular Activities for Child Development

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:18:28 GMT

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential for children to have opportunities to grow beyond the classroom. Extracurricular activities at your local school offer a valuable chance for kids to build social skills, improve physical health, and boost self-confidence. These activities do more than keep children busy — they are a vital part of well-rounded child development. Understanding how these activities benefit children can help parents and educators support growth in meaningful ways. Let’s explore three key extracurricular activities that can support a child’s growth journey and complement their education.

1. Physical Activities

Participating in sports and physical activities plays a crucial role in a child’s development. Activities like soccer, basketball, or swimming help improve fitness while teaching important life lessons. Kids learn teamwork, perseverance, and leadership — skills they’ll use for years to come. Being on a team also introduces time management and discipline as children balance practice schedules with schoolwork. These habits build a strong foundation for future success, and regular physical activity also promotes mental well-being and reduces stress.

2. Drama and Choir Programs

Drama and choir offer children powerful ways to express themselves while building important skills. Participating in drama helps kids develop confidence, improve communication, and understand empathy by stepping into different roles and stories. Choir encourages teamwork and discipline as students learn to blend their voices and perform together. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about ten percent of K–12 students attended private schools in 2021, which often provide strong drama and choir programs that help nurture these talents. Involvement in these performing arts activities also boosts self-esteem and cultural awareness, enriching a child’s overall growth and fostering a lifelong love for creative expression.

3. Academic Clubs and Leadership

For academically motivated students, participating in clubs, competitions, and leadership activities provides valuable challenges and growth. Beyond math clubs, science fairs, and debate teams, involvement in organizations like the National Honor Society, student council, and missions or community service projects allows children to develop leadership skills and a strong sense of responsibility. These experiences deepen academic interests while encouraging teamwork and community engagement. They also help students build lasting friendships with peers who share similar goals, enhance communication abilities, and gain confidence in public speaking and service.

Choosing the right extracurriculars can have a lasting impact on a child’s development. Whether through sports, arts, or academics, these activities complement classroom learning and prepare children for life’s challenges. At Marian Hope Academy, we understand the importance of providing a well-rounded education that includes enriching extracurricular opportunities. If you’re looking for a local school dedicated to nurturing your child’s full potential, contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can support your family’s educational journey.

Servant Leadership

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 16:02:02 GMT

RAISING STRONG, HUMBLE, CONFIDENT LEADERS

Shepherding at Marian Hope Academy: Older and younger students learn side by side in a unique, family-like environment. We intentionally pair older students with younger ones to teach, guide, and build meaningful relationships. The goal? That every student feels seen, known, and loved as a valued member of our community.

Beyond the Age-Based Classroom

In many traditional schools, kids are segregated strictly by grade level – moved along like an assembly line from one grade to the next . Grouping by skill level (for example, in math or reading) can be useful, but grouping solely by age often creates a conveyor-belt experience and a spirit of competition (“Who’s ahead? Who’s behind?”) rather than collaboration. Research on mixed-age education shows that separating children by birth year limits opportunities for peer mentorship and social learning, whereas a multi-age setting encourages older and younger students to learn from each other naturally . Instead of comparing themselves to same-age peers, students in a mixed-age community focus on exploration and growth. Older kids step up as role models, and younger kids are inspired by their older peers – everyone benefits from this collegial approach . At Marian Hope Academy, we break down artificial age barriers through our Shepherding and Leadership programs, replacing the one-size-fits-all model with a more personal, growth-focused approach.

Shepherding: Students Leading Students

Our Shepherding program pairs older and younger students as buddies for the year. This could mean a 10th grader helping a 6th grader with a science project, or a 5th grader reading to a 1st grader. The older “shepherds” take younger ones under their wing – academically, socially, and spiritually – much like caring big siblings. These intentional relationships foster a culture where discipleship and leadership thrive hand-in-hand. Every week, our multi-age buddy groups meet to learn, play, and pray together, ensuring no child slips through the cracks. Here are some of the powerful benefits we see from our older-to-younger mentoring:

Discipleship & Role-Modeling: Older students embrace a servant-leadership role, modeling Christ-like character, patience, and kindness for their younger buddies. They learn that leadership is not about bossing, but serving and guiding with love. This mentoring dynamic helps fulfill our mission of raising up faithful, well-rounded leaders.

Belonging & Confidence for Younger Kids: Each younger student gains an “older sibling” figure who truly sees them. This nurtures a deep sense of belonging and confidence. The younger children know they have someone (besides teachers) who is invested in them personally – cheering on their progress, listening to their stories, and even helping navigate challenges. Every child feels noticed and valued.

Leadership & Self-Confidence for Older Kids: Stepping into a mentor role pushes our older students to rise to the occasion. They become more confident and responsible as they realize younger peers look up to them. Guiding someone else reinforces their own knowledge and gives them a chance to practice leading by example. It’s amazing to see a shy middle-schooler transform into a poised leader when they’re helping a first grader learn a new skill!

Empathy & Emotional Intelligence: Nothing teaches emotional intelligence quite like mentoring a younger child. Through shepherding, our older students develop empathy, patience, and better understanding of others’ feelings. They learn to adjust their communication and recognize when their little buddy is confused, upset, or excited – and how to respond with care. In fact, studies show that mentors often grow in empathy and moral reasoning through the experience. Younger students, in turn, feel safe and supported, which boosts their own social-emotional growth.

Communication Skills: When an older student explains a concept to a younger peer, they must break it down clearly and kindly. This “teaching” builds strong communication skills – from active listening to simplifying complex ideas. Our student mentors learn to find creative ways to get points across (often turning lessons into fun games or stories), and they become more articulate and confident speakers in the process . Likewise, younger buddies practice listening and asking questions in a comfortable one-on-one setting.

Planning & Executive Function: Being a shepherd isn’t just showing up – our older students actively plan activities and take responsibility for their buddies. Whether it’s organizing a small craft project or coordinating a game at recess, they learn to plan, manage time, and adapt when things don’t go as expected. This kind of real-world practice builds executive function skills like organization, problem-solving, and self-regulation. Meanwhile, the younger children benefit from the structured support and example of good habits.

Through these ongoing interactions, we see beautiful friendships blossom. A 7th grader and a 3rd grader might bond over a shared love of art; a senior might discover his passion for teaching by helping a shy middle-schooler find her voice. Older students are not above younger ones – they partner together, each growing in different ways. As one educator wisely said, “Kids teaching kids is sometimes the best way to reach those who are struggling… For the older kiddos, re-teaching concepts strengthens their own understanding. They have to work on presentation skills and be clear in their instructions to their little buddies.” This peer-to-peer dynamic builds a joyful, collaborative atmosphere that feels more like a family than a factory-model school.

Leadership in Action Every Friday

We take student mentorship a step further with our Friday afternoon Leadership Classes. In these weekly sessions, the students become the teachers! Under staff guidance, our older students design and lead mini-classes and clubs for mixed-age groups, based on their talents and interests. It’s a highlight of the week for everyone.

A group of high schoolers who are fluent in Spanish might run a fun Spanish class for the younger grades – teaching basic phrases through songs, games, and cultural activities. The little ones love learning from the “big kids,” and our high schoolers gain pride from using their bilingual skills in a meaningful way.
Some of our athletic middle schoolers might host a Sports Camp, getting the younger kiddos moving with relay races, soccer drills, or an obstacle course. The older coaches learn teamwork and organization as they plan the activities, and the younger ones get active while bonding with their teen leaders.
Our tech-savvy and creative students sometimes lead workshops like filmmaking and video editing. They might teach their peers how to storyboard a short film, operate a camera, or edit a video. By teaching these skills, the student-instructors reinforce their own knowledge and build confidence in their expertise.

And that’s just the beginning – Friday leadership classes have included everything from music lessons to science experiments. We’ve had high school mentors teach younger students to play instruments and read music, older elementary students tutoring younger ones in math and reading, and tech mentors helping peers with computer skills . The variety is endless, driven by what our students are excited about. This approach transforms the typical “club day” into a rich leadership laboratory. You can imagine the pride on a 5th grader’s face when she successfully leads a science experiment for a group of 1st and 2nd graders, or the excitement among the little ones who get to learn from the big kids they idolize. Friday afternoons buzz with energy as collaboration replaces hierarchy – it’s truly students leading students.

Shaping Servant-Hearted Leaders

These Shepherding and Leadership programs are about more than academics – they’re about heart and character. By mentoring younger peers, our students discover a sense of purpose. They’re not just working for grades or gold stars; they’re investing in others. Older students begin to see themselves as leaders who can make a positive impact, and younger students learn that learning and leading go hand-in-hand at every age. It’s a beautiful cycle: the older pour into the younger, and in doing so find themselves growing too. Academically, the material sticks better when you teach it; socially, you gain patience and empathy; personally, you gain confidence and humility all at once.

Most importantly, this all happens in a Christ-centered, collaborative atmosphere . Love and service are at the core of Marian Hope Academy’s culture. We often say we’re not just a school, but a family in Christ – and families take care of one another. Our Shepherding program breaks down the walls of “this is your grade, those are not your concern” and replaces it with “We’re all in this together.” Older students learn to put others first, embodying a servant-hearted mindset that will carry them into adulthood. Younger students, in turn, experience the love and guidance of older mentors and learn to become caring leaders themselves as they grow. This is how we strive to build strong leaders with humble hearts – the kind of well-rounded, compassionate individuals who will shine in high school, college, and beyond.

At Marian Hope Academy, every child – from the tiniest kindergartener to the tallest senior – matters deeply. We are committed to nurturing each one’s God-given potential through innovative approaches like these. When students of different ages come together in mentorship, something special happens: competition fades, genuine connection grows, and students develop skills and character in tandem . Our prayer is that each MHA graduate leaves not only academically equipped, but also shaped by the experience of loving and serving others.

“The Lost Geniuses: How Education is Failing Our Future Innovators”

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 02:13:09 GMT

Time to Redesign Education to be about the CHILD!

When I started Marian Hope, I didn’t set out to create a school. I was working with children—many had learning disabilities or social challenges which made traditional school settings a battlefield. But in every child I worked with, I saw something remarkable: GENIUS.

Not always the kind of genius our system measures, like acing tests or scoring high on IQ exams, but genius in creativity, problem-solving, empathy, or talents waiting to bloom. Some of my most struggling learners had gifts that could inspire the world, but no one took the time to see them, let alone cultivate them.

One child comes to mind—quiet, labeled as “unteachable” in the system. But when we gave him opportunities outside the traditional classroom mold, his natural ability to create art and tell stories emerged. It wasn’t that he couldn’t learn; it was that the system didn’t care to teach him in a way that honored his uniqueness.

That’s when it hit me: our schools, as they are currently designed, are not equipped to pull out the genius in every child. Instead, they’re designed to fit children into a cookie-cutter mold, demanding they meet government mandates and standardized expectations. Seven hours a day, five days a week, for thirteen years. And we wonder why so many kids graduate unsure of their passions, their purpose, or their worth.

The Problem: A System That Stifles, Not Cultivates

Our education system has become a machine focused on preparing kids for tests and college admissions—end goals that should be secondary to a much greater mission: helping kids discover who they are and what they can contribute to the world.

This competitive culture of grades and rankings doesn’t just fail students academically—it erodes their love of learning. Students cheat not because they’re dishonest, but because they feel the pressure to measure up to impossible standards. They stress over grades instead of experiencing the joy of deep, purposeful learning. And in the process, we’re losing their gifts.

Imagine a plant. If you water only the leaves, the roots will wither. If we pour all our resources into standardized achievements, we neglect the foundational creativity, curiosity, and purpose every child is born with. What you water is what grows.

The Solution: A New Vision for Education

If we truly want to see our children soar, we need a system that does three things:

1. Focus on the Whole Child

Every child is more than a test score. Compassionate teachers who take the time to know their students—their struggles, passions, and personalities—are key. Small class sizes make this possible, allowing each child to feel seen, known, and loved.

2. Nurture Passion and Purpose

Kids don’t always know what they’re good at, and they certainly don’t know what they’re meant to do in life. It’s our job as educators and parents to create opportunities for exploration—through art, music, science, service, and leadership. When kids discover what lights them up, they stop seeing school as a chore and start viewing it as a playground for their potential.

3. Teach Collaboration Over Competition

We often hear about preparing kids to “compete” in the global economy. But life isn’t about competition—it’s about collaboration. The body of Christ model teaches us that each person has a role to play, and none is more important than the other. When kids learn to work together, celebrate each other’s strengths, and value diversity of thought, they’re equipped to thrive in any setting.

Why This Matters: Genius Needs Nourishment

We are the adults. It is not fair to put the burden of self-discovery on our children while we provide them with nothing but rigid schedules, stressful tests, and rote memorization. Kids need guidance. They need us to water their roots, to show them what it means to live with purpose and passion.

At Marian Hope, we’re proving that it can be done. By focusing on individualized education, small class sizes, and passion-driven learning, we’re unlocking the potential in every student who walks through our doors. And guess what? It’s working.

When students feel valued, they thrive. When they discover their gifts, they excel. When they’re shown love and encouragement, they find their purpose. And isn’t that what education should be about?

Call to Action

The American education system is overdue for a redesign. We’re losing too many geniuses to a system that waters conformity instead of creativity. It’s time to reimagine what school can be—not a factory producing test-takers, but a garden cultivating thinkers, creators, and leaders.

Because when we take the time to truly see our children, when we nurture their passions, and when we teach them the joy of learning, they don’t just grow—they soar.

Let’s water the roots, not just the leaves. Let’s redesign education to save the lost geniuses of this generation.

Math Madness in America-Time to Change!

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:08:37 GMT

Where there is a PROBLEM,

find a SOLUTION!

If we know America consistently falls behind in math, we need to examine why—and find real solutions.

At Marian Hope Academy, we understand that some factors holding us back as a nation are a heavy focus on rote memorization, confusing conceptualization programs with little systematic structure, overly broad curriculums with little depth, computerized math, and a system designed around standardized test scores instead of real understanding. We lack the necessary balance of conceptual and procedural learning, and not enough real-world application is emphasized in many programs. Frequent shifting of curriculums and changing of teachers year after year leaves little room for steady cohesive growth in math concepts. Students are all over the map with math skills and gaps. Parents are just as confused with math objectives as their children are.

Through our extensive research on math, observations of an array of math learners at all ages, and trial-error of ”too many to count” curriculums and strategies, we have nailed down our math philosophy…and WE ARE NOT CONFORMING to mainstream practices.

Our math programming at MHA is different. We foster a positive growth mindset, recognizing that every child learns math at their own pace. Some students need extra time to build a solid math foundation, while others catch on quicker. Instead of racing to cover every standard, we build upon each student’s skills to create a deep understanding. This is essential for their long-term success, and it’s why we’re able to help all students grow—even those with dyscalculia or other math challenges.

Recently, we’ve even implemented a high school math curriculum for our students with dyscalculia or other math challenges. They deserve the same opportunities as our students who find math easy and can breeze through concepts. With the “snails pace wins the race” philosophy, we’re teaching that any progress is progress, no matter the speed. Students stay the course, learning at a pace that solidifies their foundational skills. Some may finish College Algebra and Calculus before graduation and others succeed with a base understanding of Algebra and Geometry…but each one progresses and thrives.

Our goal is simple: less rush, more understanding. When we take the time needed and allow students to “talk through” their math understanding, students emerge stronger and more confident in math.

Our curriculum choices include: Math-u-See, Right Start Math, Denison math and a variety of supplemental materials and strategies. Students with dyscalculia or other math challenges receive additional support as needed.

Bridging the Gap Between School and the Real World

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 23:08:38 GMT

Integrating Real World Learning into the School Day

Real-world education should involve hands-on learning experiences, a focus on problem-solving, and opportunities for students to engage with mentors and authentic audiences. By redesigning education to emphasize these elements, we can better prepare learners for the challenges they will face in higher education, the workforce, and life in general.

Students need to be provided with real-world learning opportunities which teaches skills and fosters critical thinking. This empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and innovative thinkers to make a meaningful impact on the world. Join us in our mission to transform education and prepare our students for a successful future.

Education should:

focus on the individual, not the masses
combine a fun, real-world curriculum with powerful mentorship
facilitate thinking and creative problem-solving skills
provide opportunities for real-world experiences
integrate real-world problem-solving into the curriculum
focus on practical life skills: financial literacy, cooking, job hunting
emphasize social-relational skills and other soft skills: building friendships, empathy, perspective taking
provide career readiness: exploring career paths, training, and building marketable skills
align with real-world problems: empowering students to solve meaningful issues
create teams to brainstorm solution initiatives and problem-solving mimicking real-world teamwork dynamics.
make content functional

The Hidden Truth Behind Valedictorians

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 00:18:04 GMT

The Hidden Truth About Valedictorians: Why They Aren't Always the Change-Makers

At Marian Hope Academy, we celebrate the academic achievements of all our students. But today, we need to address a crucial truth: Valedictorians, despite their hard-earned accolades, are not always the entrepreneurs, visionaries, and CEOs who drive our world forward. It's a provocative statement, but one worth exploring to understand how our education system shapes, and sometimes limits, the potential of young minds.

The Left-Brain Dominance

Valedictorians typically excel in the current education system because it plays to their strengths: left-brain, analytical thinking. These students master sequential learning, thrive in structured environments, and complete tasks with precision. They're the ones who can memorize facts, solve equations, and write essays that meet exacting standards. This skill set is undoubtedly valuable, but it represents only one facet of human intelligence.

The Stifled Innovators

On the other end of the spectrum, we have students who are brimming with creativity and innovative ideas. These right-brain thinkers often feel stifled by the rigid, left-brain focused education system. They're the dreamers and doers who think outside the box, but instead of nurturing their talents, we often force them to conform to traditional academic expectations. Sure, they might get an occasional opportunity to lead a project or build something unique, but these chances are few and far between in a system designed to reward rote learning and conformity.

A System Stuck in the Past

The unfortunate reality is that our education system has changed very little over the decades. We've swapped chalkboards for Chromebooks and textbooks for apps, but the core methodology remains the same: compartmentalized subjects, streamlined standards, and a one-size-fits-all approach. This outdated model fails to engage the most neurodiverse generation in history.

We know from countless success stories that it's often the "C students" who go on to change the world. These individuals aren't necessarily less intelligent; they simply don't fit into the narrow mold that traditional education tries to force upon them.

The Need for Right-Brain and Frontal Lobe Development

If we recognize that it's the innovators who drive progress, why don't our schools dedicate more time to developing the right brain and frontal lobe? These areas of the brain are crucial for creativity, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. Instead of sidelining these skills, our education system should embrace them. And don't our strong left-brain valedictorians deserve the opportunity to be challenged in these tasks!

A Call for Diverse Educational Approaches

Imagine schools that prioritize leadership, teamwork, and hands-on learning. Environments where students are encouraged to pursue their passions, take risks, and learn from failure. This is how grit is developed—the same grit that is a critical determinant of success. When students are passionate about what they do, they naturally develop resilience and perseverance.

Conclusion

It's time for a paradigm shift in education. We need to move away from a rigid, one-size-fits-all system and towards a model that recognizes and nurtures diverse talents and intelligences. At Marian Hope Academy, we believe in fostering an environment where all kinds of students can engage in all kinds of learning, leading to all kinds of success. Let's create a future where every student can thrive, innovate, and change the world.