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Helping Kids with ADHD Focus: Classroom and Home Strategies

Helping Kids with ADHD Focus: Classroom and Home Strategies

As a special education teacher, I’m frequently asked to observe students who appear to be distracted. As teachers, we can’t diagnose but we can find ways to support students who struggle in the classroom, regardless if it’s ADHD.

Today’s classrooms are not what many think, learning is hard and standards must be met, so students spend more time sitting than moving around. Students’ minds move fast, their energy levels fluctuate, and traditional learning environments don’t always meet their needs. Parents often ask, “How can I help my child focus better?” [Read more…]

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Why Does My Child Need Assessments?

Why Does My Child Need Assessments?

Springtime on any school campus brings a schedule jam-packed with activities, events, celebrations, and, everyone’s favorite, standardized testing. Right at the time when students can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel, they are hit from left and right with test after test, and assessment after assessment. Some forms of standardized testing start early, even in Kindergarten or first grade. My daughter is only in first grade, and at our last parent-teacher conference, we were shown almost 2 years worth of diagnostic and assessment data about her performance. [Read more…]

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Embracing Spring Rain: Strategies to Get Kids Outdoors

Embracing Spring Rain: Strategies to Get Kids Outdoors

For my 40th birthday, I was surprised with a trip to Vancouver. As I packed my bags, I was told to bring rain gear—there was no way my family was going to let me stay inside just because of a little rain. I was there to explore, not to hide indoors. The same is true for kids in the spring. Just because it’s rainy or chilly doesn’t mean outdoor play has to stop!

Everyone needs outdoor time, no matter the forecast. In many schools, rainy days mean canceled recess, and that lack of movement can lead to restlessness and frustration. Getting outside, even in less-than-ideal weather, helps with attention, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.

The truth is, outdoor play is just as important in spring as in any other season. Movement helps kids regulate their bodies, develop motor skills, and improve focus. Plus, time spent in nature is proven to reduce stress and boost mood. [Read more…]

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What Should Parents Know About AI?

What Should Parents Know About AI?

As a product of the 80s and 90s, I grew up with a bit of uneasiness with the idea of AI.  It seems like a cool idea, to have robots and machines do all of our undesirable tasks.  But movies like Terminator drop a bit of fear of a robot takeover into the back of my mind.  The list doesn’t stop with Arnold, the killer robot: The Matrix, I, Robot, Bicentennial Man, Short Circuit, Wall-E.  They are all movies about how robots take over in some way, shape, or form.  It always seemed far-fetched or like a fantasy from a world too far in the future to become my reality. [Read more…]

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Strategies to Help Your Child Love School Again (Part 2)

Strategies to Help Your Child Love School Again (Part 2)

My previous blog post on Why Your Child Hates School explains reasons for a student’s frustrations with school and how parents can support their struggling child. Here are solutions to Help Your Child Love School Again:

  1. Advocate for Your Child

Your child needs you to be their voice, especially when they feel unheard or misunderstood. Work closely with teachers, counselors, and administrators to ensure they receive the support they need.

  • Request meetings if you notice ongoing struggles.
  • Ask about support services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling.
  • Work with the school to develop an IEP or 504 Plan if your child qualifies for accommodations.

  1. Focus on Strengths and Interests

Every child has strengths and interests that can help them reconnect with learning.

  • Find ways to incorporate their passions into their education.
  • Encourage them to join clubs, extracurricular activities, or special programs that align with their interests.
  • Praise effort and progress rather than just grades.

[Read more…]

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