Is Individual Thought Allowed at School?

Notes taken by two students on the same lesson.

As a mom, I've had the privilege of watching my children grow, each with their own distinct personality and needs. My oldest, for example, thrives on words of affirmation. A simple “I’m proud of you” or “You did a great job” can light up her world and encourage her to keep pushing forward. She likes things to be in order and finds comfort in routines and structure. My youngest, on the other hand, prefers physical touch—hugs, high-fives, and a gentle pat on the back make her feel seen and loved. She’s wild and free-spirited, not a fan of strict schedules, and loves to explore without boundaries.

Seeing the beautiful differences between my children has been one of the greatest joys of motherhood. But beyond that, it's also been a humbling experience. It has shown me the intricate and beautiful ways that children are all uniquely wired, and it has taught me how to meet them where they are, respect their needs, and love them in ways that speak directly to their hearts.

This truth isn't only true for my children—it's true for all children. Every child is unique, with their own personality, learning style, and way of interacting with the world. As a teacher with over 10 years of experience, I’ve learned that the best way to teach children isn’t by following a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach. It's about creating a space where each child has the opportunity to show us who they are, where we meet them at their level, and where we provide them with the individual attention they need to thrive.

This understanding has profoundly shaped how I view education and how I’ve created a learning environment for my own students at my microschool, Lucas Literacy Lab, in Old Bridge. After years of working in traditional classrooms, I stepped away from the one-size-fits-all model and created a small, mixed-age microschool where every student receives hyper-individualized attention.

In my school, we don’t expect every child to learn the same way or at the same pace. Instead, I take the time to get to know each child before choosing a curriculum that best fits them. Whether they prefer working at a brightly lit desk or curled up on a rug in a quiet corner, they have the space and freedom to choose what works best for them. They can take breaks when needed and follow their passions—whether it’s diving deep into a book or expressing themselves through art.

At Lucas Literacy Lab, we believe in giving kids the time and space to explore and develop their own unique interests. I make sure that my students have plenty of opportunities to play outside, get messy, create with their hands, and truly experience the joy of childhood—things that are often lost in traditional school environments.

The small classroom size gives me the ability to focus on each child as an individual, which helps foster a sense of belonging and confidence. Every child at Lucas Literacy Lab has the freedom to learn in a way that suits them best. It’s not about conforming to a rigid mold—it’s about nurturing their innate curiosity and allowing them to learn and grow on their terms.

It’s such a privilege to witness the growth and development of each child at my microschool. Just as I have the honor of understanding the needs of my own children, I now have the joy of doing the same for the students at Lucas Literacy Lab. Each one is unique, and each one deserves to be seen, heard and loved for exactly who they are.

If you’re a parent who values the individuality of your child and believes in an educational environment where they can thrive at their own pace, I’d love for you to consider joining us at Lucas Literacy Lab. We are now enrolling for the next school year, and we’d love to see how we can help your child grow and flourish in a setting that celebrates their uniqueness.

Together, let’s give our children a space to be who they truly are—a place to learn, explore, and, most importantly, be kids.

Enrollment is now open for the 2025 school year! Let’s talk and see how we can make the learning experience as unique as your child. Schedule a discovery call with Amanda for more information: https://calendly.com/lucasliteracylab/info-session