Welcome to the very first post on The Write School’s brand-new website and blog!
If you’re wondering why this is the post I chose to kick things off…
Great question.
The truth is simple: this website has been a long time coming. I’ve had my little rinky-dink Google Site up for almost a year now while transitioning from teaching on a platform to teaching independently. And let me tell you, this was not an overnight switch. It took years of building confidence, learning new skills, and eating more than my share of humble pie. (Pretty sure a few more pieces are sitting in the fridge waiting for me.)
Where I Started and Why I’m Grateful for It
Before launching my own online writing school, I taught on Outschool for several years. If you’re new to online learning or teaching, I cannot recommend it enough. Outschool allowed me to earn a full-time income during COVID and beyond, all while staying home and homeschooling my kids—one of the greatest blessings of my life.
If you’re interested in browsing their classes, here’s my Outschool affiliate link:
👉 Explore Outschool classes for your child (use code MELISSA2020 at checkout)
If you’re curious about teaching there yourself:
👉 Become an Outschool teacher (affiliate link)
Now, what does any of this have to do with taking small steps?
Honestly… everything.
Big Goals Are Built on Tiny Steps
My journey from corporate America to VIPKid to Outschool, and then launching my own school, wasn’t one giant leap of bravery. It was hundreds of tiny, awkward, sometimes painful steps.
And the same is true for every student who walks into my virtual classroom, whether they’ve been with me for five minutes, five months, or (yes, truly) five years.
No matter their age or skill level, kids build their writing confidence the same way we build anything meaningful in life, one small step at a time.
In my classes, they’ll never take those steps alone.
The Power of Tiny Steps
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Confucius
If you’ve taken ancient history, or if you’ve ever had a student take ancient history, you’ve probably heard of Confucius. While he wasn’t a novelist himself, his teachings have shaped thousands of years of thought, including the idea that meaningful change starts with small, steady actions.
Writing works the exact same way.
Learning works the exact same way.
Kids don’t become stronger writers by suddenly producing perfect essays.
They get better by:
✓ writing one strong sentence
✓ revising one paragraph
✓ practicing a new skill for 10 minutes
✓ reading a chapter each night
Small steps. Daily effort. Huge results.
Honestly? I’ll take all that over carrying stones any day of the week.
Why Small Steps Matter, Especially for Kids
“Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most.”
—Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment
This is true at every age. New things are intimidating, even exciting things. Kids especially need encouragement, consistency, and room to grow.
And this is where having a strong support system comes in. It can be family, friends, teachers, or whoever your child looks to for guidance.
Children thrive when growth becomes a shared project.
Think about how we cheer for:
• first words
• first steps
• first time on the potty
• first time riding a bike
Those tiny wins build confidence that sticks.
The same is true in academics.
Your child’s brain loves progress. When families help children take small daily steps, reading together, noticing improvements, and celebrating little wins, it multiplies the learning that happens in class.
Even the greatest authors in the world started somewhere: unknown, unpublished, unpolished. Every child deserves the same freedom to grow slowly, steadily, and joyfully.
Try This at Home: Celebrate the Small Wins
A few of my favorite simple, at-home encouragement ideas:
✨ Create a “Writing Wins” Jar
Each time your child writes a strong sentence, revises something independently, or shows effort, add a note.
✨ Keep a Reading Log Together
Not for grades. Not for pressure. Just to track progress.
✨ Use Milestone Tokens
I love using small tokens or badges for reaching writing goals. I even created a set for my students that you can print and use at home! (Add file or link)
✨ Read together for 10 minutes a day
Nothing builds vocabulary or writing instincts faster.
Small steps = huge results. Every single time.
Want More Tips, Lessons, and Printables?
Join my mailing list to stay up-to-date on new posts, resources, and upcoming class openings!