Classroom

I HATE shrimp – especially the tiny ones used to make shrimp cocktail.  I hate how they look, how they smell, how they feel in my mouth, and how they taste.  I have a visceral reaction to shrimp, and needless-to-say, as an adult, I NEVER eat them. At our Parent Information Night last week, a…

Myth #1:  People with learning challenges just aren’t that smart. Truth:  By definition, students with learning disabilities have average to above average intelligence.  This is why it is so frustrating and confusing for all involved when otherwise typical students struggle in school Myth #2:  Students who struggle in school are just lazy. Truth:  After multiple…

I think everyone has times when they just wish someone could step into their shoes and really understand how they feel. I have a feeling our students with learning and attention challenges may feel this way a lot.  When they are told to try harder, and they’re already trying as hard as they can, it’s…

Once when I was traveling in Europe, I heard some American tourists grumbling that things just weren’t the same in Europe as they are at home!  “Of course not,” I thought.  “Isn’t that why we travel to other countries?  To experience something different?” Most of us do like routine and predictability in our lives most…

I’m sitting in Starbucks writing and sipping a hot cup of coffee, listening to a dad and young son enjoying doing homework.  Did you get that?  ENJOYING doing homework.  The little boy needed a fair amount of guidance and Dad was very patient, but the instruction was received with smiles and understanding. I think that’s…

Moms are very astute when it comes to their children, so when something is not right, moms usually know. Typical children feel overwhelmed or unhappy about homework at times. They may even come home saying they feel stupid or hate school once in a while. But when an otherwise happy, energized child routinely whines, sobs,…

I was at the ice rink to watch a hockey game, but a 4-year-old girl and her 2-year-old brother totally upstaged the game as they exuberantly raced up and down in front of the bleachers! Aren’t little kids great!  They embrace life with gusto and pull everyone around them into their adventure. As kids grow,…

Could Your Child’s “ADHD” actually be an Auditory Processing Disorder? Does this describe your child? Struggles to focus in a noisy environment Trouble paying attention in class Zones out in conversations Has difficulty following directions Fidgety and easily distracted Delayed response to questions Social, emotional, or behavioral problems Lower academic performance Sounds like ADHD, right? …

I am continually astounded when I hear from many speech/language therapists and reading specialists that they know little to nothing about auditory processing.  How can that be when auditory processing is the very foundation of language and reading? Auditory Processing Is the Root System Skills like speaking, reading, and other academic skills are like the…

Pinterest has the cutest ideas for Valentine’s Day cards! When I was in elementary school, my mom always made sure that I took a Valentine’s card (you know, the silly little cards you buy in a box) for every child in the class. I think that’s the rule now in most classrooms, but back then,…