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Academic Strategies

Setting A Routine for Success at School

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Setting a Routine for Success at School

written by Neetika Prabhakar, posted on PBS

We’ve all been there. Sometimes, it’s just not easy to get up and get going in the morning. For young children who are still developing the ability to cope with new situations, preparing to have a successful day at school can feel overwhelming. Yet, there are tactics parents can use to help their kids leave the house feeling healthy, confident, and energized. You can reduce your child’s anxiety and help them feel empowered for success by establishing a predictable routine. Following a schedule each day makes children feel safer and happier, which often leads to better behavior and cooperation. When they know what to expect, and what’s expected of them, kids feel more comfortable and confident about what lies ahead.

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What Is Non-Verbal Learning Disorder?

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What Is Non-Verbal Learning Disorder?

written by Caroline Miller, posted on childmind.org

When we think of learning disorders, we tend to think of kids who have a hard time learning to read. But there’s another kind of learning disorder, non-verbal learning disorder, or NLD for short. NLD affects other, “non-verbal” kinds of learning like the ability to notice patterns and learn concepts. These include visual patterns, social patterns, and concepts in language and math.

In school, kids with NLD usually have no problem memorizing facts, but they have trouble with ideas and organizing information. Kids with NLD can also be physically clumsy and awkward because they have a hard time understanding what they see and how things take up space.

Like autistic kids, kids with NLD often have trouble picking up social cues. In fact, many kids with NLD also have an autism diagnosis. Non-verbal social cues are a kind of pattern that’s hard for these kids to read.

Sometimes kids with NLD are great at the early stages of math because they’re good at memorizing. But more advanced problems get tricky because they involve noticing and applying a pattern. NLD also affects the set of skills we use to plan and organize our thinking. So kids have trouble breaking down a project into steps, knowing what skills to use for a given problem or figuring out how to organize an essay.

Lots of kids with NLD have all these issues. But some just have a few. For example, they might just struggle with planning and social cues.

Adults tend to realize something’s going on with these kids around 5thgrade. That’s when school becomes less about memorizing and more about applying concepts. For example, kids need to be able to grasp the important idea from a passage or take notes on the main ideas of what a teacher says. NLD makes those skills much harder to learn, but with the right support and strategies kids with NLD can catch up with their peers.

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Preparing for Success: How Technology Can Enhance Your Test Preparation Efforts

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Preparing for Success: How Technology Can Enhance Your Test Preparation Efforts

written by Jennifer Woods

Preparing for tests and exams can be a daunting task, particularly for young learners who may feel nervous about their abilities. However, with the right tools and resources at hand, it is possible to approach test prep with confidence and ease. One of the most helpful tools available today is technology, which offers a wide range of resources that can make test prep more efficient, effective, and even enjoyable.
In this article, we will explore some of the ways that technology can enhance your test preparation efforts, making studying easier and more engaging for young learners.

Interactive Practice Tests
Most people agree that practice tests are a valuable tool when preparing for exams, as they help learners become familiar with the types of questions they will encounter and the format of the test itself.
Interactive practice tests take this one step further by providing learners with immediate feedback on their answers, enabling them to identify areas where they need to improve. Platforms like Khan Academy, Quizlet, and RiSE+ offer a multitude of practice tests and questions for learners of all ages, from elementary school through high school and beyond.

Learning Apps
Another way that technology can enhance test prep is through learning apps. These apps provide learners with a fun and engaging way to practice key skills, such as maths, reading, and writing.
Many learning apps are gamified, making the process of learning feel like play. For example, apps like Duolingo offer engaging language practice in bite-sized chunks, while maths apps like Prodigy Math Game make maths practice more enjoyable than ever before.

Online Tutors

While classroom or in-person tutoring is an effective way to boost learning, online tutoring is becoming increasingly popular among learners of all ages. Young learners can benefit from working with online tutors who can provide personalized attention and targeted support. Platforms like VIPKid, Chegg, and Study.com offer access to online tutors who can help learners prepare for specific tests or provide extra support with homework and assignments.

Online Resources and Tools
The internet itself is a powerful tool for learners, providing access to a vast array of resources that can be used to support test prep efforts. From online textbooks and study guides to educational videos and interactive simulations, the internet offers a wealth of information that can help learners understand and master key concepts. Many of these resources are free and easily accessible, making it easier than ever for young learners to learn at their own pace and in their way.

Collaborative Learning Platforms
Finally, young learners can benefit from collaborative learning platforms that facilitate communication and interaction between learners. Platforms like Google Classroom, Edmodo, and Canvas provide learners with a centralised place to access and submit assignments, ask questions, and engage with other learners and teachers. Collaborative learning platforms can help young learners feel more connected and engaged in the learning process, which can ultimately lead to better performance on tests and exams.

In Summary
Preparing for tests and exams doesn’t have to be a stressful or overwhelming experience, particularly for young learners who may be new to the process. By leveraging the power of technology, learners can access a wide range of resources and tools that can make test prep more efficient, effective, and even enjoyable.
From interactive practice tests and learning apps to online tutors, online resources and tools, and collaborative learning platforms, technology offers an array of options that can support learners at every stage of the test prep process. Whether you’re preparing for your first spelling test or a high-stakes entrance exam, technology can help you achieve your goals and unlock your full potential.

How to Overcome Procrastination in 4 Steps

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How to Overcome Procrastination in 4 Steps

written by Beth Kurland Ph.D., published on Psychology Today

The other day at a friend’s house I watched a squirrel as she tried for an hour or so to get at the seeds in the hanging bird feeder, where an array of stunning birds were enjoying their dinner. She was persistent, determined, persevering and purposeful, even though she never succeeded at getting an ongoing mouthful of tasty seeds that she clearly wanted. I marveled at her determination in the face of a situation in which most humans would surely have given up long ago or maybe wouldn’t have tried in the first place. What made her pursue her goal with such passion and commitment?

I imagine she may have had two things going for her:

First, she likely didn’t have an inner dialogue in her head about the whole event (e.g, “Oh boy, this is going to be a lot of work, this isn’t going to be fun and what if I don’t succeed? Eh forget it, I’d rather sit in the sun and watch the grass so I can avoid the effort of the whole thing.”) And she likely didn’t have a self-critical narrative (e.g., “What’s wrong with me that I can’t do this? Some of the other squirrels have figured out how to hack into bird feeders so why can’t I? What will the other squirrels think of me? This is too difficult so I’m just going to give up. What’s wrong with me anyway?”)

Second, because of her persistence, she occasionally knocked a seed or two out of the bird feeder and onto the ground. This intermittent reinforcement (once in a while getting a “win” — even if a partial one, in the face of many unsuccessful tries) is one of the most powerful motivators of behavior (think no further than a casino to grasp this concept).

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ADHD: Creating a To-Do-List that Really Works

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Create a To-Do List That Really Works

posted on totallyadd.com

To-Do lists!  We all have them!  There are paper to-do lists, digital to-do lists, apps to create lists, voice notes to-do lists, post-its with your to-do lists…. The options are endless!

But how do you make a to-do list that actually works? How do you successfully use a to-do list where you can tick off items, and feel the satisfaction of getting things done?

For the ADHD brain, getting things done can be challenging!  Getting started with tasks, prioritizing, struggling to be motivated, feeling overwhelmed – all of these are relatively common for individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

The part of the brain looking after these executive functions is in charge of many organizational aspects needed to take action, get things done, and clear items off the to-do list. It is the conductor in an orchestra, supervising all the other actions and behaviors. But this often does not work so well when you have ADHD.

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What is Dyslexia?

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What is Dyslexia?

written by Heidi Borst, published on www.usnews.com

Children who have difficulty sounding out words, struggle to learn letter names and sounds, or become easily frustrated by reading activities may be having more problems than most students when learning to read. Those can be signs of dyslexia, one of the most common learning differences in America.

Dyslexia is a neurologically based learning disability marked by difficulties with decoding and reading comprehension. An estimated 1 in 5 Americans have dyslexia, representing as many as 90% of all people with learning disabilities, according to the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity.

Rebecca Mannis, a learning specialist and founder of Ivy Prep Learning Center in New York, says dyslexia can manifest at different times depending on the specific type of dyslexia, the student’s learning profile and their school and family life.

“Children who have significant difficulty with early language development and who have trouble telling apart sounds, called a phonological deficit, represent the most common subtype of dyslexia,” Mannis wrote in an email. Dyslexia may be identified early in these children, she says, because they have difficulty learning sound-symbol relationships.

“On the other hand, a bright, verbal child who has more difficulty with reading fluency or remembering sight words that can’t be decoded or sounded out, such as the words ‘thought’ or ‘would,’ may be able to compensate in early years,” Mannis says. Cases like that may go undetected until middle school or even high school or college.

Education experts say there are many ways parents can help children with dyslexia, starting with recognizing common signs and taking action.
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The Calais Adult Transition Program

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The Calais Adult Transition Program

Struggling to stay afloat in college? The Calais Adult Transition Program offers support to individuals with special needs looking to pursue higher education and employment. Calais provides on-site college and career readiness services for young adults ages 18 to 30 with mental health conditions, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and other special needs.
Services and Support includes:
  • Work-Study Model
  • Tailored to Your Personal Needs and Goals
  • Services on Your Own Schedule
  • Academic and Therapeutic Support
  • Life Planning and Career Counseling
  • Social Opportunities
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What Parents Need to Know About Learning Disability Tests

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What Parents Need to Know About Learning Disability Tests

written by Heidi Borst, published on US News

Learning new concepts and behaviors is challenging for many children. But when difficulty persists despite extra support at home and in school, education experts start looking to see if a learning disability is at play.

It may be that a child is struggling to learn to read, or that an inability to sit still and focus is impeding academic progress. Whatever the signs, learning disabilities are more common than many may think. One in five U.S. children have learning and attention issues such as dyslexia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to the National Center for Learning Disabilities.

Yet, experts say that many who might qualify for support in school do not receive it because learning disabilities often go undetected. Parents and teachers are often the first to suspect a learning disability when they see a child’s overall abilities offset by a particular area of frustration or difficulty, says Rebecca Burns, a language and linguistics consultant in Florida.

“In school, children routinely receive hearing and vision screening tests, but specific testing for learning disabilities is done only on a case-by-case basis when approved by a team of teachers, parents and other professionals,” she says.

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College Planning for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Students

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College Planning for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Students

written by Edumed Staff, published on edumed.org

There’s no doubt that college can be challenging. It’s supposed to be. But for some students, higher education poses unique obstacles that require additional support and resources. For students with hearing impairment, earning a degree often means addressing each of these additional hurdles head-on. Whether it’s finding the right classroom accommodations or taking advantage of online learning, students with hearing loss don’t have to miss out on a high-quality college education just because of their disability.

With over 20,000 deaf or hard of hearing students enrolling in post-secondary institutions annually, colleges across the country are making an effort to help these students succeed. However, with only 30% of hearing-impaired students graduating with a four-year degree, there’s still plenty of work to be done. Learn what steps you can take to increase your chances of college success and find the tools and resources needed to make higher education manageable.

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Your Child Probably Has ADHD. Now What?

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Your Child Probably Has ADHD. Now What?

by Dr. Liz Matheis, published in www.attitudemag.com

Your child is in elementary school. For the last year or so, you’ve heard in parent-teacher conferences and occasional emails that your child is ‘fidgety.’ He has difficulty keeping his hands to himself. He gets up out of his seat often. This is happening consistently; no one is beating around the bush anymore: It’s time for an ADHD evaluation. But where do you go from here? With whom should you consult? Who can recognize the symptoms of ADHD in children and diagnose ADHD? And most importantly, how can you use a diagnosis to help your child?

 

 

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"The various psycho-educational testing Dr. Liz conducted on our son gave us critical clues about where his learning strengths and weaknesses lie so that his needs could be better addressed at home and school. Moreover, because of their warm, kindhearted personalities, both Dr. Liz and her associate, Stephanie, formed an immediate bond with my son. He eagerly looks forward to his weekly therapy sessions. We are so lucky Dr. Liz came into our family's lives when she did! For stressed-out families trying to help their children as best they can, she is a calming voice of reason!"
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"Thank you, Dr. Liz. Although we have told you countless times, it will never feel enough. You have listened when J could barely speak and continued to listen when he was sad, angry and confused. You've challenged him and directed us in our roles as parents. You've helped J face his fears while the list evolved and changed, and yet you've stayed committed to 'the course.' We pray that your children realize that time away from them is spent helping children learn and that vulnerability is a sign of strength and bravery."
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"My son was admitted to an Ivy League school when only 2 years ago, you assessed him and saw his struggles, his Dyslexia. We are grateful that he no longer has to carry that deep feeling of inadequacy or shame that must have kept him so self conscious and from reaching his potential. He has the PERFECT program for him. He has A's in high math and economics. He became a Merit Scholar, a Boys State legislature, the HEAD captain of the football team and help a job ALL while studying and managing his classes and disability. I am PROUD of you, a young doctor, who knows and sees the vulnerability of children and helps them recognize "it's NO big deal" God bless."
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