Welcome to the life of a mom and educator!

Welcome to My Blog


Hi everyone! My name is LaQuana Thornton, and I’m a first-grade teacher in Georgia. I created this blog as part of my coursework to document my learning journey through the Science of Reading lessons on Cox Campus. My goal is to reflect on what I’m learning each week and how it’s helping me grow as a teacher and as a mom.

I’ve always wanted to start a blog or even a podcast, but I never had the time or confidence to do it. This course has given me the push I needed to step out of my comfort zone and finally start sharing my thoughts. Writing this blog helps me get past my shyness and reminds me that learning and growth happen when we take risks.





Why I’m Starting This Blog

I’m starting this blog because I want to create a space where I can share my learning experiences with others, especially other moms and educators who are juggling so much every day. Being a mom is beautiful, but it’s not easy. We often balance caring for our children, managing work, attending school, and trying to live our own lives.

As a teacher, I also understand the challenges inside the classroom, from managing student behavior to meeting academic goals, collaborating with parents, and keeping up with curriculum changes. Through this blog, I hope to be a voice for encouragement and support for both teachers and parents who are trying to do it all.


Lessons from My Life

If I could share one lesson from my life, it would be live with no regrets. I’ve faced many challenges, but every experience, both the good and the bad, has shaped who I am today. Gratitude keeps me grounded and helps me appreciate my journey. I’ve learned that every obstacle comes with an opportunity for growth. Life is never easy, so I am still learning things as I go. I always tell myself that I will live day by day.


What You Should Know About Early Literacy

Here are a few key things I’ve learned so far that every teacher or parent should know about helping children become strong readers.

  1. Early literacy lays the foundation for lifelong learning. What children learn in the early grades sets the stage for future success.

  2. Phonemic awareness and phonics are essential. These core skills help students understand the alphabetic principle and decode words effectively.

  3. Explicit instruction makes a difference. Children thrive when teachers clearly model and explain what good reading looks like.

  4. Relationships matter most. Kids learn best when they feel safe, loved, and supported.

  5. Every child learns differently. Ongoing assessments help us meet students where they are and provide the right support.

  6. Giving up is never an option. I learned early how to be independent. My grandmother taught me to never give up. Even if things are not going my way. Always try again.

How This Blog Will Help Others

This blog is designed to encourage teachers, parents, and caregivers to see how powerful effective reading instruction can be. By sharing what I’m learning from Cox Campus, I hope to provide ideas and encouragement for anyone supporting young learners. I also want to connect with other moms and have this as a safe space. 

I want this to be a space where learning and inspiration meet, a place to celebrate small wins, reflect on challenges, and grow together.

What I’ve Learned So Far: Week 1 and Week 2

During my first two weeks on Cox Campus, I completed the modules Science of Reading Overview and Oral Language: The Foundation for Literacy.

These lessons reminded me that reading is not a natural process—it must be explicitly taught. Oral language is the base for all reading development. When children have rich conversations, listen to stories, and engage with vocabulary, they build comprehension and confidence.

In my first-grade classroom, I’ve started applying these ideas through my UFLI foundational skills lessons. I now pause more often during read-alouds to discuss vocabulary, ask open-ended questions, and let students talk about the story. I can already see how these small changes are helping them connect more deeply with what they read.

Final Thoughts

This blog is just the beginning of my journey through the Science of Reading. I’m excited to keep learning, reflecting, and sharing how these lessons transform my teaching and my students’ learning.

“Teaching reading is not just about letters and sounds—it’s about giving children the tools to unlock the world.”

Thank you for joining me on this journey!

Location: Moultrie, GA, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Smooth and Joyful Week in the Classroom and at Home

  A Smooth and Joyful Week in the Classroom and at Home By: LaQuana Thornton This Week Felt Like a Breath of Fresh Air This week was one of the easiest and most enjoyable weeks I have had in a while. As a mom, it felt amazing to finally have a routine that worked perfectly. I was able to get all of my kids fed, bathed, and in bed on time every single night. That alone felt like a big win. I also had a special moment outside of school. I took a day off from teaching to watch my best friend graduate from Southern Regional Technical College. I felt so proud of her and grateful that I was able to be there on her big day. On top of that, I completed several assignments for school. If every week could go this smoothly, I think all of us teachers and moms would be a lot more relaxed. We are officially one week away from Thanksgiving break, and I am counting down the days. My family and I are going on a mini vacation, and I am so excited to relax, reset, and enjoy time together. Long...
Read more

Thanksgiving Break Reflections

Image
  A Week Away That I Didn’t Know I Needed This week I want to talk about Thanksgiving break. We were out of school for a full week, and even though I missed seeing my students, I really enjoyed the time I was able to spend with my own family. I have built such a strong bond with each of my students, so being away from them always feels a little strange. At the same time, this break reminded me how important it is to slow down and enjoy the people closest to me. One of the highlights of my break was going to the Jacksonville Zoo in Florida to see the Lights Special. It was such a beautiful experience. My family loved it, and honestly, so did I. I did not realize how much I needed that little getaway. It felt like a breath of fresh air, and it helped me reset mentally and emotionally. I also hosted Thanksgiving at my house this year. Even though hosting can be a lot of work, I enjoyed having everyone together. The quality time I spent with my kids was something I will always cheri...
Read more