LaRue Vigil has found her first year of independent studying an exciting one, where learning goes beyond a textbook. LaRue, a seventh grader, finds projects and hands-on learning to be her favorite parts of independent studying. Two of her favorite projects have been writing a screenplay for English and making a dichotomous key of her stuffed animals while learning about classification in science.
LaRue has also enjoyed choosing her own electives. She chose to learn ASL so that she can communicate better with her Deaf grandparents. The other elective LaRue chose is theater. Acting is her great love and she is thrilled to be a part of the Rising Star Musical Theater program. She’s looking forward to performing in “Babes In Arms” this month.
Another benefit of independent studying has been the ability to do “school” anywhere — whether at a park, coffeehouse, or in bed. The freedom to learn anywhere can make a less loved subject, like math, more palatable when doing it at a coffeehouse with a delicious drink and snack nearby.