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.

Focusing on Your Child’s Learning Progress and Not Perfection

“Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget the journey.” by Michael Josephson

We knew the school year would end when the year started, but never realized how fast it would come. It’s hard to stop, step back, and just look at how far we’ve come. The mountains we have climbed or the forever-long valleys that we thought would never end, but we did it.  We all did hard things. We grew.

As a special education teacher, I’ve had the privilege of watching hundreds of students grow academically, socially, emotionally, and personally. Some students leap ahead quickly, others take smaller steps, and a few struggle quietly in the shadows. But one thing I’ve learned is this: progress looks different for every child, and it all matters. Every small victory, no matter how tiny it may seem, deserves to be celebrated at the end of the year or whenever they happen.

As parents, getting caught up in benchmarks, grades, comparisons, or even the long road ahead is easy. We worry if our child is reading at grade level, keeping up in math, or getting along with others. We scroll through social media and see other kids’ achievements and start wondering, “Are we doing enough? Is my child falling even further behind with everything we’re doing?” But I want to remind you: Your child’s journey is their own. And every bit of progress counts.

Why Focusing on Progress Matters

Children are not machines—they don’t develop at the same pace or in the same way. Some kids take off in reading in kindergarten, while others might not find their rhythm until second or third grade. Some struggle with reading or math for years, then suddenly it comes together. The path isn’t linear. It’s full of dips, turns, plateaus, and bursts.

When we celebrate only the big moments—the awards, the perfect test scores, the standout performances—we unintentionally send a message that only perfection is worthy of praise. But when we recognize the small wins—completing a book, staying focused for 10 minutes, asking for help, using kind words—we help our children build confidence and resilience.

Progress is what leads to success. And acknowledging it fuels motivation.

What Small Victories Look Like

Small victories aren’t always flashy. They often happen quietly, in moments you might miss if you aren’t watching closely. Here are just a few examples I’ve seen:

• A student who used to avoid reading time finally picks a book on their own
• A child who struggles with handwriting writes a whole sentence without giving up
• A student with anxiety raises their hand to answer a question in front of the class
• A child who’s been impulsive takes a deep breath and uses a strategy to stay calm
• A third grader remembers their math facts with just a little less prompting

These are real, meaningful steps forward. They’re often the result of hard work, perseverance, and support—both at school and at home. And they’re worth celebrating. And perhaps a very loud cheerleader in your corner, never giving up and always moving the needle forward no matter the time of year.

Shifting the Focus at Home

So, how can you, as a parent, help your child focus on progress rather than perfection? Here are a few ideas that come straight from my experience in the classroom and conversations with other families:

1. Notice the Effort: Instead of asking, “Did you get 100%?” try asking, “What did you learn today?” or “What felt easier than it used to?” Celebrate the effort your child puts into their work, even if the result isn’t perfect. Praise things like persistence, creativity, courage, and problem-solving.
2. “Last Day” Shout-Out: Take a picture of your child holding a sign that celebrates a specific win (“I mastered my multiplication facts!” or “I learned to ask for help when I need it!”).
3. Special Treat or Activity: Let them pick a fun, low-cost way to celebrate: a walk to the park, popsicles after dinner, or staying up 15 minutes later.
4. Create a Victory Journal or Jar: Start a family habit of writing down “wins” in a notebook or dropping notes in a jar. They can be school-related or personal: “I stood up for a friend today.” “I tried broccoli again.” “I spelled ‘because’ right without looking.” Review these wins regularly. They become a tangible reminder of growth.
5. Reframe Comparison: When your child says, “Everyone else is better than me,” gently remind them that every learner is on their own path. You can say, “Let’s talk about how far you’ve come,” and point to specific examples. Try using “then and now” language: “You used to need help to read that page. Now you can do it on your own!”

A Word of Encouragement

If your child is struggling, whether it’s with schoolwork, behavior, or friendships, please know this: their struggles do not define them. They are growing every day in ways that may not show up on a report card. And you, as their parent, are making a difference, just by cheering them on.

You don’t need to wait for perfect moments to celebrate your child. Celebrate when they keep trying. Celebrate when they show kindness. Celebrate when they bounce back from disappointment and when they take those first steps down the stairs on their own. These are the victories that shape character and build lifelong learners.

End of the School Year Growth Reflections

As we wrap up the school year, it’s the perfect time to reflect not only on report card grades but also on the many layers of growth that might not show up in traditional ways. Whether your child is in kindergarten or high school, every grade level presents unique challenges, and every child makes progress in their own time. Maybe your first grader finally mastered those tricky sight words, or your middle schooler became more independent with homework. Maybe your high schooler stepped up with better time management, stronger self-advocacy or learned how to cook. These are the wins that build confidence and maturity, and they deserve recognition just as much as academic scores.

For families of students with IEPs, this time of year can bring both pride and questions. You may be reviewing progress reports and wondering how your child did on their goals. While some IEP goals may be fully met, others might still be in progress, and that’s okay. IEPs are living documents meant to grow with your child. Progress on goals, even if it’s not complete, often reflects significant growth: increased independence, improved focus, or stronger communication skills. When you look at the progress, try to see the full picture of effort, support, and resilience. Celebrate what your child has accomplished—and know that every step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward greater success next year.

Tell Students How Much They Have Accomplished

In my classroom, I make it a point to recognize progress out loud. I say things like, “I know that was hard for you. I love how you persevered through it.” I invite you to do the same at home.

Ultimately, education is a marathon, not a sprint. By shifting our focus from the idea of perfection to the tangible reality of progress, we empower our children and uplift ourselves. Let’s choose to see the beauty in each small victory, for it is in these moments that we truly see the strength, resilience, and spirit of our children.

Education is about celebrating the little things as we climb the mountain to graduation. Celebrate every tiny victory. Those things matter.

As the year comes to a close, from learning to walk up or down the stairs to taking the first steps to learning to read or making it to all your classes to graduate–those little things matter. What can you help your child celebrate?

Celebrating Our Child’s Learning

It’s funny once you hit Spring Break blink and it is summer break. Where did the year go? How was the year? Before rushing into vacation mode, here are a couple of things you can do to make sure the year ends on a good note and set up our children for success next year.

Celebrate Growth—Big and Small

One of the best ways to wrap up the school year is by celebrating your child’s growth. This doesn’t mean just focusing on report cards—progress is about so much more than grades! Think about all the ways your child has grown, whether it’s mastering new sight words, improving their social skills, becoming more independent, or developing a better attitude toward learning.

How You Can Celebrate:

• Make a “Proud of You” List: Sit down together and list five things your child accomplished this year, big or small.
• Create a Memory Box: Save special schoolwork, drawings, or projects in a box to look back on.
• Write a Letter to Your Child: Tell them what you’ve noticed about their hard work and growth this year.

Taking time to acknowledge progress boosts your child’s confidence and helps them see that learning is about the journey, not just the destination.

Keep Communication Open with the Teacher

If you have any lingering concerns about your child’s progress, now is the time to connect with their teacher. Most teachers are happy to offer insights and suggestions to help your child continue growing over the summer.

What to Ask:

• What progress has my child made this year?
• What areas should we focus on over the summer?
• Do you have any recommendations for summer learning activities?

If your child has an IEP or receives special education services, ask about any progress toward their goals and what skills they’ll be working on next year.

If Your Child Struggled Academically: Be Proactive

If your child had a tough time this year, don’t panic! The end of the school year is a great time to put together a plan so they don’t feel overwhelmed when school starts again.

Steps You Can Take:

• Request a Meeting or Updated Progress Report: If you’re concerned about academics, ask for an update on your child’s progress so you have a clear picture of where they stand.
• Consider Summer Tutoring or Learning Support: A little extra help over the summer can make a big difference. Look into tutoring services, online programs, or even summer school options.
• Make Learning Fun at Home: Find ways to sneak in learning through fun activities like reading together, playing math games, or exploring educational apps.

Keep a Routine Going

Summer break often means a big shift in routine, which can be challenging for some kids—especially those who thrive on structure. Keeping a loose but predictable routine can make the transition smoother and help prevent a back-to-school slump.

Simple Ways to Keep a Routine:

• Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule: Try to keep wake-up and bedtime within an hour of the school-year schedule.
• Set Aside Time for Learning: Even 15-30 minutes a day of reading, writing, or problem-solving can help keep skills sharp.
• Plan for Social Interaction: If your child struggles with social skills, set up playdates or group activities to keep practicing those skills.

Get Ready for Next Year

As summer winds down, start preparing for the next school year early to reduce stress for both you and your child.

Things You Can Do:

• Talk About Next Year Positively: Even if your child struggled this year, frame next year as a fresh start with new opportunities.
• Visit the School If Possible: If your child is transitioning to a new teacher, classroom, or school, see if you can visit before the year starts.
• Organize School Supplies Together: Let your child help pick out supplies and set up their backpack. This builds excitement and gives them a sense of control.

The end of the school year is a time for reflection, celebration, and planning. Whether your child had a great year or a challenging one, they’ve grown in ways you may not even realize. By keeping communication open, maintaining some structure, and being proactive about academic concerns, you can help your child finish strong and start the next year with confidence.

Most importantly, enjoy the summer together—learning happens in everyday moments, whether you’re reading a book before bed, cooking together, or exploring the outdoors.

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?”

Understanding ADHD in the Classroom

Children with ADHD often experience:

• Difficulty maintaining attention (especially on non-preferred tasks)
• Impulsivity (blurting out answers, interrupting, acting before thinking)
• Hyperactivity (constant movement, fidgeting, trouble staying seated)
• Executive functioning struggles (organizing materials, following multi-step directions, remembering assignments)

It is important to note that the term “ADD” changed to “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder” (ADHD) in 2013 with the release of the DSM-52. The official change in terminology occurred with the publication of the DSM-IV in 1994.

What can teachers do within their classrooms?

1. Provide Movement Breaks

Sitting still for long periods is difficult for students with ADHD. Movement can help them focus.

• Allow short brain breaks (e.g., stretching, jumping jacks) between activities.
• Use alternative seating options like standing desks, wobble stools, or yoga balls.
• Let students move while they learn, such as walking while reading or using hand motions for new concepts.

2. Offer Flexible Seating and Workspaces

Some students focus better in quiet spaces, while others do better with background noise.

What Teachers Can Do:

• Create a variety of seating options—quiet corners, floor cushions, or desks with dividers.
• Allow students to choose where they work best for certain tasks.
• Use noise-canceling headphones for students who are easily distracted by sound.

3. Break Down Tasks into Small Steps

Many students with ADHD struggle with multi-step directions.

What Teachers Can Do:

• Give one instruction at a time instead of a long list.
• Use visual checklists to help students stay on track.
• Offer frequent feedback to keep them engaged and motivated.

4. Use Visual and Hands-On Learning Tools

What Teachers Can Do:

• Use graphic organizers to help with writing and reading comprehension.
• Incorporate hands-on activities (e.g., manipulatives in math, science experiments, or interactive notebooks).
• Use color-coding to help with organization (e.g., different colors for subjects or materials).

5. Build Predictable Routines

Changes in routine can be difficult for students with ADHD.

What Teachers Can Do:

• Establish clear daily schedules with visual schedules or timers.
• Give transition warnings before switching activities.
• Maintain consistent classroom rules and expectations.

6. Provide Positive Reinforcement

Students with ADHD often receive negative feedback for their behavior, which can lower self-esteem.

What Teachers Can Do:

• Use praise and rewards for effort, not just accuracy.
• Create a positive behavior system (e.g., sticker charts, token rewards).
• Focus on strengths, such as creativity, problem-solving, and enthusiasm.

7. Allow for Fidget Tools

Fidgeting is a way students with ADHD self-regulate and stay engaged.

What Teachers Can Do:

• Provide fidget tools like stress balls, putty, or small hand-held items.
• Allow doodling or note-taking during lessons to help with focus.
• Set clear rules for using fidgets appropriately (e.g., not distracting others).

What can parents do?

1. Establish a Structured Homework Routine

Homework can feel overwhelming for kids with ADHD, but structure helps.

Tips for Parents:

• Set up a consistent workspace that is quiet and free from distractions.
• Use a visual schedule to outline tasks and break them into small steps.
• Incorporate movement breaks (e.g., 5 minutes of jumping or stretching between assignments).

2. Use Timers and Alarms

Students with ADHD often lose track of time, so timers help them stay on task.

Tips for Parents:

• Use a visual timer (like a Time Timer) to show how much time is left for a task.
• Set a “beat the timer” challenge for short tasks to make it more engaging.
• Try the Pomodoro technique (25-minute work periods followed by 5-minute breaks).

3. Reduce Clutter and Improve Organization

Disorganization makes focusing even harder for students with ADHD.

Tips for Parents:

• Use color-coded folders for different subjects.
• Create a designated homework station with necessary supplies.
• Help your child clean their backpack weekly to prevent lost assignments.

4. Encourage Physical Activity

Exercise helps regulate dopamine levels, improving focus and impulse control.

Tips for Parents:

• Let your child run or play outside before starting homework.
• Consider sports, martial arts, or activities like yoga that improve focus.
• Use active learning strategies (e.g., bouncing a ball while spelling words).

5. Implement a Reward System

Positive reinforcement can help kids stay motivated.

Tips for Parents:

• Use a simple point system (e.g., earning stars for completed tasks).
• Allow your child to “cash in” points for small rewards (e.g., extra screen time, a special outing).
• Praise effort over results to build confidence.

6. Teach Self-Regulation Strategies

Kids with ADHD benefit from learning how to manage their emotions and energy levels.

Tips for Parents:

• Teach deep breathing and mindfulness exercises.
• Use calm-down corners with sensory tools like weighted blankets or stress balls.
• Help them identify what strategies work best for them (e.g., chewing gum, listening to music).

7. Work with the School

Communication between home and school is key to helping students with ADHD succeed.

Tips for Parents:

• Regularly check in with teachers about what’s working and what’s not.
• Advocate for an IEP or 504 Plan if your child needs accommodations.
• Keep track of patterns and triggers that may be impacting your child’s focus.

Kids with ADHD are not lazy, unmotivated, or “bad” students. They simply need the right strategies and support to reach their potential. By making small adjustments—both in the classroom and at home—we can help them develop focus, confidence, and a love for learning.

 

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.

What Are Your Educational Desires for Your Child?

As a parent, I was torn. I want my daughter to love school. I want her to enjoy reading, writing, and learning. I want her to engage in play with her classmates, and learn the arts, music, and technology. Do I want her to take standardized assessments? Do I really care about those tests in comparison to the other educational desires I have for my child? I found myself sitting across from her teacher at the kidney table, in a chair that was way too small for me, wondering how much emphasis I should put on my daughter’s diagnostic results. The assessment I was being shown was her iReady diagnostic from January. This assessment measures growth by assigning each student an expected growth score based on their first assessment for the year. A lot of analysis goes into determining what this growth score is, but basically they show teachers, students, and parents where a child “should be” by the end of the school year.

How Does My Child Respond to Daily Learning?

I asked my daughter’s teacher if he felt she was trying her best. He said that she is very engaged, tries on all of her work, and turns everything in. She is very kind and helpful, and loves to play with the other kids. At times, she gets distracted or tries to rush through her work to get to the art activity. I decided, with my legs cramping under the tiny table, that I would focus on the good, have a discussion on how she could continue to improve, and tell her how proud I am to be her daddy; and I would not put much emphasis on her standardized test.

What Types of Tests Must My Student Complete?

Students in some grade levels will take a staggering number of tests. In California public schools, students may be taking the ELPAC (an English language proficiency assessment), the CAASPP (a standardized test in reading/ELA and math), the CAST (statewide science assessment), school-based benchmark diagnostics, performance tasks, SATs, ACTs, final exams, and whatever other end-of-year projects and tests teachers need to assign to determine mastery levels and grades. It can all be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing for everyone involved: teachers, administrators, parents, and especially students.

How Can I Support My Child?

Take time to talk with your child about their upcoming assessments. Make sure they know that you expect them to try their best, but that you are proud of them no matter what the outcome. Yes, these assessments are important for students and schools, but they absolutely do not determine the value a child brings to the table. Every child has a unique set of skills, talents, and abilities, many of which cannot be measured by these standardized assessments. Your child needs to know that you see their value and you love them for just who they are.  Ironically, when we take the pressure off and make sure kids know they are loved, they will do better on their tests. With the knowledge of your love and support, they will be able to walk into their tests feeling confident and supported. That is what your child needs from you in this era of assessment.