Meet Markesha Wattree, Founder of Juggle Learning, LLC and based in Pearland! Her background as a certified elementary reading and ESL teacher inspired her to create highly engaging learning materials that incorporate play! She’s telling us all about what inspired her passion for developing these tools and why play-based learning is so important. She is also offering South Houston Moms 10% off her outstanding enrichment products. Get to know her here!
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
I would describe myself as creative. I can take the most ordinary item or idea and turn it into something unique.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland many years ago. Anyone who knows me knows how much of a germaphobe I can be. I still cringe a bit when I think about it. In my defense, I watched them disinfect it after the person ahead of me. Life is all about experiences, right?!
Tell us all about your small business, and the foundation of Juggle Learning!
Juggle Learning is an online business that creates and sells unique hands-on, multi-sensory educational games and materials for children. We monitor data trends in school districts to determine the gaps. This information helps us to decide which products/materials to design that will help fill in those gaps. We also create custom materials for customers. They range from activity sheets to tailored curriculum or games.
What inspired you to create educational material that incorporates play?
I’ve witnessed so many bored and unstimulated children sitting in classrooms. That boredom turns into misbehavior for some children or a very negative school experience for others. Learning isn’t one size fits all. This is why it’s important to Teaching children according to their learning style.
Different learning styles involve different methods for learning, including visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile. When a parent or teacher is able to recognize a child’s preferred learning style and adjust their teaching methods accordingly, the child is more likely to understand the material and retain it for longer. This can result in greater academic success and confidence. When teachers are able to use a combination of learning styles to reach all students, it can promote a more inclusive and engaging learning environment.
Educational materials that incorporate play are great for covering all learning styles. It allows children to explore and interact with their environment in a fun and engaging way, while helping to avoid monotony and boredom. Through play, children can develop their own understanding of the world around them while also developing important skills like problem solving, communication, and collaboration. I want to keep learning fun and enjoyable.
So, when did you ultimately realize education was your passion?
My initial career plans did not point toward education. I enjoyed working with children, but I didn’t think it would become my full-time career. I ultimately realized that education was my passion when I began to teach part-time computer classes at local private schools. I truly enjoyed teaching and helping children learn. It was an amazing feeling to watch children go from frustration over not understanding a lesson, to proud once it suddenly “clicked” for them. I found a great deal of satisfaction in seeing students develop their skills, and it was then that I knew it was time to switch careers. Now, here I am 16 years later, still enjoying it, just in a different capacity.
What are some of your future business plans?
I plan to expand our product line to include more advanced learning materials and products specifically for autistic children. I also plan to begin offering more services. I currently design curricula for a few learning centers along with customized materials/lessons for children’s books. There are many great things on the horizon!
What is your best advice to someone who’d like to open their own business?
My advice is to identify a problem and solve it. If you see something that could be improved or if you have an idea for something that would make people’s lives easier, work with that. Develop that solution into a business.
To learn more about Juggle Learning or to purchase her educational products, visit www.jugglelearning.com, or check out her social media.
Thank you Markesha for sharing!
