Get Support for Your Child at School

Many schools these days share that they are a “PBIS school” or that they “Use the MTSS framework” for student support.  The use of these acronyms may leave some parents feeling lost or unsure about the programs that are in place for their children at school.  It’s important to know and understand the systems your child’s school uses so you can be informed when you are asking for support.

MTSS, a commonly used system for addressing student behavior and needs, stands for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support.  In this framework, efforts to support students are divided into three categories: Tier 1 (universal supports), Tier 2 (group supports), and Tier 3 (targeted interventions).  A breakdown of these tiers is provided below:

Tier 1: Universal Supports

These are supports and expectations that are in place for all students.  One of the basic elements of this tier is having a set of clear expectations for all students that are taught and enforced in all areas of the school.  Many schools use a set of expectations like, “Be safe, be responsible, and be respectful.”  These are recommended expectations because they are easy to understand and most student work and/or behaviors would fall into these three categories if they need to be addressed.  Schools also have explanations and examples of what meeting these expectations would look like in all areas of the school, including classrooms, walkways, and the cafeteria.  Tier 1 supports may also include a school token economy or rewards system, and there may be a set of both positive and negative consequences for meeting (or not meeting) these expectations.   Approximately 80-85% of students will be successful with just tier 1 level supports and interventions.

Tier 2: Group Support and Interventions

These supports will be necessary for 10-15% of the school population.  For these students, they have a specific need that is not addressed by tier 1 supports, but it is still a need that at least a small group of students may have.  For example, there may be a group of students who are bullying others or a group of students who are frequently absent from school.  These students may be referred for group therapy, additional check-ins with a staff member, or they may be referred for after-school tutoring or a club.

Tier 3: Targeted Interventions and Supports

Tier 3 supports should only be necessary for approximately 5% of the population.  These students need more targeted services and supports than most general education students, and school-based teams can work with families to determine which interventions are needed.  For example, a student may have extreme anxiety, may be far behind academically, or they may have a need for individual counseling or therapy.  Whatever the need, tier 3 interventions are typically unique and targeted to the specific needs of individual students.  To be clear, not every need will require tier 3 supports; these interventions are reserved for more serious and urgent student needs.

If you believe your child needs support, make sure you go to the school and advocate for your child.  Schools have systems, partnerships, and staff in place to bring these needs to the right people at the school so your child can get the support they need.  Using this information about typical supports at a school will help you have a great conversation with the staff at the school to help find the right support for you and your family.

Teaching our Kids Character Habits That Last a Lifetime (Part 2)

When we help our kids learn character habits at school and at home, they excel more at school and home. My first blog post discussed how to help kids develop effective peserverance and leadership skills. Summarized below are strategies parents can use to help their children develop the character habits of empathy, bravery, and ethical behavior.

Empathy: See, Listen, and Feel with the Heart

Empathy teaches children to step outside themselves, understand others’ perspectives, and value diversity. It’s a cornerstone of healthy relationships and inclusive communities.

Build empathy by:

• Talking about feelings and naming emotions
• Asking reflective questions after social situations: “How do you think they felt?”
• Reading diverse books that show different cultures, experiences, and points of view

Try this: Play “perspective switch”—have your child imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling in a situation.

Books to share:

I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët: A wordless book that shows a small act of empathy turning into a movement of kindness. Invites deep discussion across all ages.

Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour: A touching story about a young refugee who finds comfort in a pebble and then chooses to comfort another. Beautiful for discussing empathy, courage, and friendship.

Bravery: Do Hard Things

Bravery isn’t just for superheroes. It’s for kids who try new things, speak up for what’s right, and believe in themselves.

Nurture bravery at home by:

• Encouraging your child to take healthy risks (like joining a new group or speaking in front of others)
• Supporting them when they make mistakes or feel nervous
• Helping them advocate for themselves at school or in friendships

Try this: Ask, “What’s something brave you did today?”

Books to share:

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall: Jabari wants to jump off the diving board but has to face his fear first. A relatable and uplifting story of trying hard things.

Brave Irene by William Steig: Irene shows physical and emotional bravery as she battles a snowstorm to deliver a dress for her sick mother. A classic story of courage.

Ethical: Do the Right Thing

Ethical behavior means doing the right thing—even when no one’s watching. It’s about having integrity, especially when it’s hard.

Teach ethics by:

• Modeling honesty and fairness in your own choices
• Discussing real-life situations and asking, “What’s the right thing to do?”
• Praising honesty—even when it comes with a tough consequence

Try this: Ask, “What do you do when no one is watching?” and celebrate those quiet wins.

Books to share:

Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller: A humorous and engaging story about treating others the way you want to be treated. Fun, yet rooted in the golden rule.

A Bike Like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts: A boy finds money and wrestles with doing the right thing. Excellent for discussing honesty, temptation, and ethics.

My next blog post will discuss how parents can reinforce the character habits of accountability, respect, and service at school and in daily life activities that can last a lifetime.

How to Help Struggling Students Learn

It is a new school year with lots of exciting learning opportunities for my students. After completing several weeks of assessing and observing my students’ academic strengths and challenges, I have modified my teaching strategies based on best practices for children with English acquisition, behavior, and struggling reader needs. Listed below are successful strategies I am using to support some specific learning challenges.

English Learners

English learners receive weekly academic tutoring support from staff in a school-wide pull-out program. Additionally, English learners are seated next to compassionate and supportive English-speaking classmates who can interpret and guide their English learner peers with various assignments. Creating a safe environment is critical for my non-native speakers. Sentence frames and charted models were essential for them to use before they were willing to try on their own. Native speakers learn how to become effective tutors while guiding their English learner classmates. Additionally, to encourage organic speaking opportunities in the classroom, I moved to having student-teachers. After math tests were corrected, students who demonstrated understanding of a particular math problem from the test became the teacher for that problem. Even students who needed to work 1:1 with me during the test had an opportunity to articulate how to solve the problem to their peers. It was a natural way for them to reprocess their learning, raise their social status in the classroom, and build confidence.

Overly Active and Aggressive Students

Students with an undiagnosed learning challenge that may also include hyperactive/ attention deficit disorder can be frustrated and disruptive in traditional classroom settings. Some benefit from using sensory fidget toys to relieve stress and anxiety. Other students benefit from sitting apart from their classmates. Finding the proper setting for individual students takes time and patience. I also have the students evaluate what strategies work best when separating them from their peers. After a meeting with the parent and student, together we develop a plan that involves modifying a targeted behavior, a monitoring system, and a reward chart. For example, one student is motivated to cooperate with class work by sitting alone and earning a beef jerky treat at the end of class while another works with his classmates to earn fruit clusters. Extrinsic motivation is key for these high energy students.

Fearful, Anxious, and High Functioning Autistic Learners

Some students are overwhelmed with specific assignments. When assessing their academic skills, I find that these students are capable but can become emotionally anxious or will not perform when asked to complete a rigorous academic assignment. When students are overwhelmed, I break down the assignment into smaller tasks for each student. These smaller tasks will eventually meet the requirements of a rigorous assignment. Frequent check-ins help encourage these students to move beyond their discomfort. Once many of these students get started, most are very successful and achieve beyond their anticipated abilities.

Delayed Learners

Unfortunately, some of my students do not test well and are significantly behind their grade level abilities. They have not yet qualified for special education services, but still must complete their assignments in class. Once I have identified their academic needs, I use computer adaptive online assignments for reading and math assignments. When teaching reading and math, I use small group instruction to reinforce basic reading and math skill development. I also seat learning challenged students with classmates who can help them complete grade level assignments. This year I discovered the power of personal notes. Boosting a student’s confidence in the area that you see growth helps them build self-esteem and lets them know you see them. I would attach a handwritten note to important assignments letting them know how hard they tried, commenting on an area of strength, and then letting them know where they could grow. A delayed learner needs their teacher to be their biggest cheerleader because the struggle can be overwhelming.

Overall Classroom Success that Supports Cooperation at Home

When I am responsive to the individual needs of each of student, they feel validated, respected, and work harder to achieve success. As a class, we set milestone achievement celebrations that might include a tech play day, pajama and cuddly critter day, and a pizza movie day. As a class, we evaluate our class performance each day and earn points towards participating in these larger classroom celebration days.

The strategies we use in class also work effectively at home for most students. Wishing you much success in supporting your child’s learning this school year.

Beyond Backpacks: Setting Up for School Success (Part 2)

As summer starts to wrap up and the back-to-school excitement kicks in, most of us are thinking about new backpacks, fresh school supplies, and meeting this year’s teacher. Those things matter—but there’s something even more important that often gets missed: executive function skills. These behind-the-scenes brain skills are what really help kids start the year strong, no matter what grade they’re in. In my last blog, I described how parents can help their children establish routines, get organized, and make time tangible. This blog explains how parents can help their children become more flexible, manage impulses, and develop a working memory.

Flexible Thinking & Problem Solving: Embracing the Unexpected

School life rarely goes exactly as planned. Cultivating flexible thinking helps children adapt.

• Brainstorming Solutions: When a problem arises (“I forgot my lunch!”, “I don’t understand this math problem!”), resist the urge to immediately solve it for them. Instead, ask, “What are some ways we could solve this?” or “What’s your plan B?”
• Role-Playing Scenarios: Practice different social situations or academic challenges through role-playing. “What would you do if you finished your work early?” or “How would you ask for help if you’re stuck?”
• Emphasize Learning from Mistakes: Reframe mistakes as opportunities for growth. “That didn’t work out as you planned. What did you learn from it? What could you try differently next time?”

Sustained Attention & Impulse Control: Fostering Focus

In an increasingly distracting world, the ability to focus is paramount.

• Minimize Distractions: During homework time, create a low-distraction environment. Turn off TVs, put away phones, and limit background noise.
• “First/Then” Statements: For younger children, “First, finish your reading, then you can have screen time.” This helps them understand expectations and build perseverance.
• Mindfulness Exercises: Simple mindfulness activities (like focusing on breath for a minute or doing a quick body scan) can help children learn to regulate their attention and emotions.
• Delayed Gratification: Practice waiting for desired outcomes. This could be waiting for dessert or saving up for a toy. These small acts build impulse control over time.

Working Memory: Remembering and Applying Information

Working memory is about holding information in mind to use it for a task.

• Active Recall: Instead of just re-reading notes, encourage your child to explain concepts in their own words or quiz them on material.
• Visual Aids: Use graphic organizers, mind maps, or drawings to help children visualize and connect information.
• Break Down Instructions: Give instructions in smaller chunks. For multi-step directions, have your child repeat them back to you to ensure understanding.
• Games that Boost Memory: Incorporate games like “Simon Says,” “Memory,” or “I Spy” to playfully strengthen working memory.

Remember, building executive function skills isn’t a one-and-done deal—it’s a journey that grows over time with practice and patience. Involve your child in the process whenever you can. Let them help craft their routines, test out different ways to stay organized, and come up with creative solutions when things don’t go as planned. When kids feel ownership, they’re far more likely to stick with the strategies that work for them.

These skills aren’t just for school—they’re for life. By starting now, you’re giving your child a head start on navigating challenges, staying focused, and becoming a confident, independent problem-solver in an ever-changing world. So here’s to progress, partnership, and a fantastic school year ahead!

Summer Learning for Kids!

The sun is shining, the days are longer, and summer adventures are calling! While this season brings plenty of excitement for families, it can also stir up a familiar concern for many parents: the “summer slide.” You’ve probably heard the term—it refers to the learning loss that can happen over the extended school break. But what if we looked at it from a different angle? Instead of viewing summer as a setback, we can embrace it as a valuable opportunity—a chance to spark curiosity, encourage growth, and nurture a love of learning, all while still soaking up the joy and freedom that summer brings.

The key is to shift our perspective from academic drills to engaging, experiential learning. Summer is a time for exploration, and learning can be seamlessly woven into almost any activity.

Embrace the Great Outdoors

Nature offers an incredible playground for learning. A trip to the local park isn’t just about swinging; it’s a chance to observe insects, identify trees, or even calculate the trajectory of a frisbee. A hike can become a lesson in local plants and animals, navigation, or simply the joy of discovery.

• Become Backyard Biologists: Invest in a magnifying glass and a simple bug identification book. Encourage your child to observe the creatures in your garden or a nearby park.
• Stargazing Scientists: On a clear night, spread a blanket and look up! Download a stargazing app to identify constellations and planets. Talk about the vastness of space and the wonders of the universe.
• Nature Journaling: Encourage your child to draw or write about what they see and experience in nature. This fosters observation skills and creative expression.

Turn Everyday Activities into Learning Adventures

Learning doesn’t have to be done during the school year. Many daily routines provide opportunities to build skills that children need throughout life.

• Kitchen Chemistry: Cooking and baking are fantastic ways to practice math (measuring, fractions), reading (recipes), and even science (chemical reactions!). Let your child help plan a meal, follow the recipe, and discuss the changes they observe.
• Financial Literacy Fun: Give your child a small allowance for chores and encourage them to save for a desired item. Take them grocery shopping and let them help compare prices and calculate the best deals.
• Board Game Brain Boosts: Many classic board games are stealthily educational. Chess and checkers enhance strategic thinking, while Scrabble boosts vocabulary and spelling. Even simple card games can improve number recognition and basic math skills.

Nourish a Love for Reading (Without Making It a Chore)

The summer slide often impacts reading skills. The goal isn’t to force reading, but to make it an enjoyable and natural part of their day.

• Library Explorers: Regular trips to the library are a must! Let your child choose books that genuinely interest them, regardless of genre or perceived academic level. Many libraries have summer reading programs with fun incentives.
• Audiobook Adventures: For reluctant readers or during long car rides, audiobooks are a fantastic option. They expose children to new vocabulary and storytelling, keeping their minds engaged.
• Reading Nooks: Create a cozy and inviting reading space at home or outside, complete with blankets, pillows, and a stack of appealing books.

Remember Fun Is Key

Summer is a precious time for children to relax, recharge, and make lasting memories. By thoughtfully integrating learning into their joyful experiences, we can turn the “summer slide” into a launching pad for new interests, stronger skills, and a deeper appreciation for the world around them. So, embrace the sunshine, unleash your creativity, and make this summer an unforgettable season of growth and laughter!