http://www.CopperLearningAcademy.com/

Copper Learning Academy, 2619 E Maple Rapids Road, Eureka, MI (2025)

10/27/2025

What I learned from the dragons. 🐉

Last month, my daughter and I visited The Dragon Forest at the Detroit Zoo. I was so excited — animatronic dragons, glowing lights, and the magic of exploring something new together.

As we walked through the forest, we noticed questions along the trail — little “what would you do?” moments. Each answer had a color: red, green, or purple.

I found myself relieved when my daughter didn’t pick the red ones. I felt the red answers were a little aggressive or harsh. Surely green or purple would be the “good” ones.

But at the end, we discovered what the colors actually meant.

💚 Green — the Seeker, curious and always learning.
💜 Purple — the Creature Whisperer, gentle and kind.
❤️ Red — the Guardian, brave and unwilling to back down when something matters.

And right then, I realized I’d been seeing it all wrong. The red answers weren’t bad — they were bold. Each color carried its own kind of beauty.

We left with one of each colored bookmark — a little reminder that the world needs all three. The seekers who ask questions, the whisperers who connect hearts, and the guardians who protect what matters most.

It’s the same balance we hope to nurture through Copper Learning Academy — curiosity, compassion, and courage, all growing side by side.

We will actively build space where every child’s colors can shine. Which dragon do you think you’d be — the Seeker, the Whisperer, or the Guardian? 🐉

10/12/2025

You never lose by being kind. 💛

I saw this quote today from Judge Frank Caprio:
“You never lose by being kind. You only lose when you forget to be.”

And I felt it. Deeply.

Kindness isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a way of living. It means slowing down enough to really see people. It means making room for differences without judgment. It means giving grace—to children, to strangers, and yes, even to ourselves.

Here kindness is one of our core agreements. Not perfection. Not pressure. Just a shared commitment to:

✔️ Kindness to nature — taking care of the land that takes care of us.
✔️ Kindness to others — treating people with respect, patience, and genuine care.
✔️ Kindness to ourselves — offering patience, rest, and compassion when we need it most.

If you’ve seen me share this before, that’s because I truly believe it. Frank Caprio’s quote is a powerful reminder: kindness is never a loss. It builds trust, connection, and community. And it makes life—not just school—better for everyone.

I’d love to hear from you:
What’s one small act of kindness you believe makes a big difference?

👇 Share it in the comments.

10/11/2025

This week we added more of our new-to-us library books into our database 📚

It was the perfect mix of sunshine, conversation, and discovering so many wonderful titles—there are some real gems in this batch!

We even had two furry helpers stop by on the sidewalk to keep us company. ☀️🐾

10/10/2025

Meltdowns and math — we’ve had a few issues lately.

Since we decided to homeschool this year (as I get closer and closer to opening), I’ve discovered something about my daughter: Math can lead to tears. The last few months she was in public school, she was sometimes sent to work at a hallway table if she was too distracted. She has ADHD, and when I asked about it back then, her teacher kindly explained her reasons. I know everyone was doing their best.

This week, as we worked on math, I decided to be extra calm and I got curious. I asked my daughter if she had done math in the hallway. She said, “No, never… well… if I didn’t finish it during math time, then I had to go out there.” And she told me that while she was in the hall, it seemed like everyone else was doing something fun — a video or free choice.

That broke my heart a little. She’s actually pretty capable at math, but she doesn’t like it. It’s hard for her to focus when it doesn’t feel fun or interesting. And those hallway memories stuck.

We sat together and talked about how our bodies remember feelings. Sometimes when we melt down, it’s not because we can’t do the thing — it’s because something inside us remembers not feeling safe or included. She listened, connected the dots, and ended up in my lap crying for a bit.

Once the tears passed, we got through the math. Sometimes helping our kids isn’t about fixing the work — it’s about helping them feel safe enough to try again.

Situations like this are part of why I’m building Copper Learning Academy — a place where learning can be hands-on, outdoors, and supportive for kids with different strengths and needs.

If your child struggles with math (or any subject), I’d love to hear what has helped them. How do you make tough learning moments feel safer or more fun at home?

10/09/2025

Fun news — we are now on Instagram! 🌿📸

Our dream of creating a one-room, nature-focused K-5 school is growing every day. On Instagram we’ll share behind-the-scenes updates, campus progress, family events, and inspiration for outdoor, curiosity-led learning.

Come follow along and help us spread the word!

➡️ www.Instagram.com/CopperLearningAcademy

10/08/2025

Cooler weather = soup dreams!

Now that it’s no longer 80° in October, my mind has shifted to hearty, cozy soups. It got me wondering — what soups do your kids love most? I thought it would be fun to put together a little list to keep for when Copper Learning Academy starts making warm, comforting lunches for the kids.

A friend of mine has an eight-year-old who loves lemon rice soup — but only if it’s served with the “hexagon crackers.” 🥰 (I love that he calls them that!)

My favorite soup is an Italian sausage recipe I found years ago. The recipe is so large that I have to use a canning pot for it. (Message me and I’ll happily share it with you.) 🥣

My mother-in-law’s favorite is classic chicken noodle, can’t go around with the classic. 💛🧡

So tell me — what soup does your kiddo love? Tomato with grilled cheese dippers? Vegetable beef? Cheesy broccoli? Something totally unexpected? Drop your favorite below — I want to see what warms their hearts (and bellies) most.

10/07/2025

🌿✨ A book that helped spark this whole dream ✨🌿

Five years ago, I picked up 'The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming the Wonder in Your Child's Education' by Ainsley Arment.

Its pages gave me permission to imagine learning differently — to believe that curiosity, nature, and wonder could be at the heart of a child’s education. It challenged the idea that school has to look one way and reminded me that joy, freedom, and connection matter deeply.

And while this book is focused on homeschooling, it also planted some of the first seeds that eventually grew into Copper Learning Academy. 🌱 It reminded me that it’s okay to dream up something new — something wilder, freer, and more meaningful for kids and families.

If you’ve ever felt the tug to rethink education, to step off the “normal” path, this book is worth the read. I’m so grateful I stumbled across it when I did. 💛

👉 What book has sparked a big shift for you? I’d love to know!

10/06/2025

Tea + books + construction prep… could there be a cozier way to spend a morning? ☕📚🛠️

Today, we starting to organize our growing library of children’s books so they’ll stay safe during construction. Picture this: shelves of stories waiting to be read under the trees, tea steaming in mugs, and a little grazing board to keep us fueled while we work. It feels peaceful and exciting — like we’re tucking these books in for a short nap before the big adventure begins.

We did not end up drinking much tea as we got so busy with the books. Every time I hold one , I picture the children who will discover it next — curled up under a shady tree, flipping through pages about faraway worlds, or giggling with a friend over a silly story. It’s a reminder that every small step (even shelving books!) is part of building a space where learning feels magical.

Big dreams are built in tiny, beautiful moments — like tea with books and friends helping out. This school is coming to life piece by piece, story by story.

If you’d love to help us grow this library or be part of the journey, comment below or send me a message. (Book donations, hands-on help, or even just sharing your favorite childhood story are all welcome!)

10/05/2025

Children don’t just learn from what we say — they learn from how we live.

Lately, my daughter has started saying something that really hits me in the feels: “You can do anything, Mom.”

I’m not sure exactly what made her decide this, but I think part of it comes from the way I’ve chosen to show up as a parent — real and human. I apologize when I mess up. I talk about fear and let her see that being scared doesn’t mean you stop moving forward. I show her what it looks like to trust your gut and keep growing.

It hasn’t always been that way for me. A few years ago, I made the choice to do my own internal work — to feel deeply, to be meet myself where I am, and to let my daughter witness the process of becoming.

Somewhere along the way, that changed how she sees the world and what she believes is possible.

That’s the heart behind Copper Learning Academy: To create a community where adults feel safe to be vulnerable. To create a place where kids see adults who keep learning, keep trying, and keep showing up — so they can believe they’re capable of incredible things, too.

Our children don’t need perfect parents or perfect teachers. They need real ones — people who grow alongside them, say sorry, get back up, and model courage in everyday life.

💛 Here at Copper Learning Academy, we’re building that kind of learning community. One where curiosity, courage, and growth are part of everyday life. Message me to set up a time to talk about if this style of schooling is a good fit for your family.

10/02/2025

🌅 This morning the sky decided to paint.

I stepped into my backyard early today and the sunrise stopped me. The grass was wet with dew, birds were chattering, and the colors across the fields felt like they were saying, good morning, slow down for a second.

I saw my daughter’s play area waiting for curious feet, the garden finishing its season, and the fields quietly preparing for next year’s growth. It made me think of why Copper Learning Academy is being built — so kids can feel this wonder every day.

Here, learning won’t be only desks and walls. It’s about stepping outside, watching the seasons change, hearing the world wake up, and knowing that nature itself can be a teacher.

💛 If you dream of a school where children grow curious, connected, and grounded in the beauty around them, follow along with our journey. Big things are blooming out here.

09/26/2025

What does an indoor adventure park have to do with a nature school? 🌿🤸‍♀️

Today my daughter went to a birthday party at one of those big indoor adventure parks. She was having a blast — climbing, jumping, exploring — until she got to one part of the sky walk that stopped her in her tracks.

She looked down and said it was too hard, too scary.
So I stood on the floor below and told her, “I just want to see you try.”

And she did.

Her face when she took the first step — equal parts fear and determination — and then her triumphant I DID IT! smile when she made it to the other side was unforgettable. ❤️

That’s exactly what I dream of for kids at Copper Learning Academy:
💪 A place where it’s safe to feel scared, try anyway, and discover you’re braver than you knew.
👏 A place where adults don’t just cheer from the sidelines but walk with kids, encourage, and celebrate their courage one step at a time.

Because real learning — whether it’s math, friendship, or climbing a wobbly sky walk — isn’t about never being scared. It’s about trying, growing, and realizing, I can do hard things.

✨ Here’s to raising kids who explore boldly — outdoors, indoors, and everywhere in between. Message to learn more about Copper Learning Academy, I’d love to meet you for coffee or adventures!

09/24/2025

Oh my the switchbacks!

Today I’m feeling a little sad and grumpy. I got the update on our construction permit today—denied for building and electrical, and approved with conditions for plumbing. People reminded me this is “normal” for projects like this, but that doesn’t make it easier. I’m still sad that we can’t break ground yet.

Right after getting that update, I had to reply to an email from a school director in Missouri, where I’ll be touring on Monday. He asked me a few “get to know you” questions, and one of them, “Why did you want to start Copper Learning Academy?” pulled me right back to the heart of this dream.

Here’s what I shared:
✨ I was inspired by my daughter’s preschool experience and the realization that families in our community didn’t have many options that honored curiosity, outdoor learning, and family connection. I wanted to create a place where children could be seen as whole people; where their minds, hearts, and bodies are nurtured, and where learning feels joyful and natural. This dream came from blending my love of nature and a deep desire to offer children an education that prepares them for life, not just for tests.

So yes, I’m still bummed and disappointed today. But I’m also reminded of why I started this journey, and that reminder is what keeps me moving forward. 🌱💛

(Picture of the road I’m on today. 🚗)

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