Playroom-turned-Classroom Helps First-Grader Through Online Learning

By Leslie Cranford, Section Manager

For some seven-year-olds, pivoting from a traditional classroom to schooling at home might have been daunting, but Aubrey Morgan has taken it in stride, and according to her mom Lindsay, has even thrived.

Aubrey started at home with TTU K-12's first-grade courses in the fall of 2020.

"The flexibility is great," Lindsay said. "The lessons are thoughtfully designed and allow us to work at our own pace. Aubrey is an advanced reader, and it's been very easy to expand the lessons to challenge her where needed."

When asked what her favorite part of attending school through TTU K-12 is, Aubrey replied, "Everything!"

"I like it because it's fun," she continued. "I get to spend time with my Mama and that's fun too. I enjoy getting to do more science and getting to do science projects. We turned our playroom into a learning room and it's fun having school at home."

Lindsay says it has been nice having the whole family involved in projects, as well as daily lessons.

"I like that we can practice spelling words while we wait in line at places like the grocery store. We also practice and enforce new skills like counting money while out shopping. Aubrey has a strong desire to always be learning. Her curiosity keeps things exciting and fun. She has a four-year-old brother who is picking up on skills she is learning," Lindsay added.

Lindsay explained that Aubrey has been reading since pre-school.

"Kindergarten at her previous school, which we loved, really helped develop her skills. She enjoys reading everything and has recently begun enjoying full chapter books."

Doing school at home, Aubrey has lots of time for the things she loves.

"I love dogs, and I love riding bikes with my neighbors," Aubrey said. "I play soccer. My favorite colors are pink and black. I enjoy drawing and going to art class and doing crafts!"

Aubrey will return to a traditional classroom eventually. However, Lindsay says schooling through TTU K-12 has been a great opportunity to keep her on track and even ahead as they adjust some lessons as needed, while enjoying the freedom that comes with not being enrolled in a traditional classroom setting.

"As a former kindergarten teacher, I will admit I had apprehensions about removing her from the classroom. We make sure she has plenty of social interaction with peers. I no longer have concerns about her being behind grade level when the time comes to return to her previous school," Lindsay said.

And if there are other families considering schooling from home with TTU K-12, Lindsay has two words, "Do it!"