This article explains how to help your child/student(s) develop writing skills through a research-based writing strategy called Guided Writing. While Guided Writing lessons are usually done with a small group of children in the classroom, parents can also utilize these strategies at home. It is very common for young children or children with learning or developmental disabilities to have trouble …
3 Ways to Use Timers to Encourage Homework and Chore Completion
Sometimes getting children to do chores or complete homework can be a challenging task for the adults in their lives. Timers are an excellent way to motivate your child or student(s) to complete tasks and follow directions. Research and reputable resources consistently indicate the benefits of using timers with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). …
5 Great Music Videos About Science for Kids: K to 3rd Grade
Music is such an amazing teaching tool. It helps keep the learner engaged and is a great way to get concepts in grained in memory. There are so many amazing learning music videos on Youtube. Here are five great science songs, excellent for early elementary school kids. These songs even have my two year old interested in science. Once you …
5 Fun Scientific Art Projects to Do with Your Kids
Just like all of us, kids want to feel happy and interested while they are learning. Hands-on activities, where children are creating, moving, and problem solving are wonderful for keeping kids engaged and involved. Science and art are two great ways to create hands-on activities! Interacting with kids in a positive way also helps to build bonds, practice social skills, and learn life lessons (both of …
10 Great Educational Songs for Kids: 1st to 3rd Grade
Music is a great way to get kids excited about learning and help them remember what they learn. A catchy tune with easy to remember lyrics will leave a lasting impression, helping to in-grain educational concepts into a child’s memory. Have fun watching these videos with your child or students. Once they have learned the songs, enjoy singing them any …
Break Ideas to Increase Student Motivation & Participation
Preface: When I was in college majoring in psychology, I learned that the famous actor and comedian, Jim Carrey, had behavior problems in Junior High School. One of his teachers told him that he could do a comedy routine for a few minutes at the end of class for following the rules and completing work. This had a huge positive …
5 Short Must-Watch Videos for Teachers
The other day I saw this very powerful, motivational video on Linkedin and thought, “This is a must-watch for anybody who works with or raises kids!” (This is the first video below, by legendary educator Rita Pierson). Watching Ms. Pierson got me thinking that there must be other videos out there that can help boost the spirit and morale of …
8 Unique Studying Tips for College Students with ADHD
*Many of the tips in this article can also be taught to middle and high school students. School was never really a problem for me – until I went to college and hit a brick wall. I didn’t know how to study, and I didn’t know that I didn’t know how to study. I thought you studied by reading the …
5 Ways to Give Your Child Extra Brain Power
Parents help their kids with succeed at school in countless ways – with unconditional love and encouragement, pitching in on an extra-challenging assignment, helping secure the best possible IEP for children with ADHD, learning disabilities, or other special needs, etc. But it may not occur to many parents that there are ways to directly impact the very instrument of academic …
How to Help Your Child with Handwriting and Pencil Grip
When learning to write, some children have difficulty developing an effective pencil grip. Holding a pencil with the right grip and appropriate amount of strength can make a big difference in a child’s handwriting. Parents and teachers can use strategies to help children improve the strength in their hands, how they hold their pencil, and the overall appearance of their handwriting. A …