Spring is around the corner and that means a period of high-stakes testing, such as standardized testing and college exams. Older students have a lot of final exams that can be overwhelming and stressful on top of preparing for national exams like SATs or ACTs. State testing begins as early as 3rd grade in many areas. How do we successfully prepare students for rigorous testing without giving them anxiety about the process? Here are some ways to create a supportive environment that empowers and encourages kids during this time! Support At Home Parents play a significant role in supporting the ..read more

Report cards can cause stress for both students and parents, and it’s natural to feel this way, but it shouldn’t be overwhelming. If students are worried about their grades, either because they are holding themselves to high expectations or because they anticipate low scores, there are ways to help.  Support at Report Card Time Report cards offer valuable insights into how students are doing in school and can help identify areas where they may need extra support or encouragement. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and discuss any challenges they might be facing. So ..read more

‘Tis the season when families come together to enjoy an extended break from the usual school routine. While this respite provides a welcome pause from the hectic pace of the school year, our goal is to ensure that students’ skills remain sharp and that their minds are active! Balancing rest and relaxation is crucial for teenagers during the long winter break. When school is out of session, teens are tempted to  slip into a routine of sleeping all day and being glued to their phones at night. Let’s explore ways to engage their minds and keep their bodies active, promoting not only their we ..read more

Welcome to the last part of our blog series about highlighting the strengths of students with learning differentiations! We have already explored the strengths and abilities of students who experience anxiety and those with ADHD. If you want to refer back to Part 1, click here, or for Part 2, click here! This week we will focus on students with dyslexia. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects reading, spelling, and writing skills. While it can present challenges in traditional educational settings, individuals with dyslexia often possess unique strengths and abilities that can ..read more

Welcome back to our blog series on highlighting the strengths of students with learning disabilities! Last week, we explored the strengths and abilities of students who experience anxiety. If you want to refer back to Part 1, click here! This week we will focus on students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is characterized by a shortened attention span, impulse control, and hyperactivity. While ADHD can present challenges that affect major aspects of life, such as academics, students with ADHD often possess a unique set of strengths and abilities that they can use to t ..read more

Recently I participated in a professional development session where teachers discussed ways to support neurodivergent students by emphasizing their strengths, and I realized that this information was too important not to share with my readers! Highlighting the unique strengths of students with differentiated abilities doesn’t have to be limited to the classroom- helping students learn to identify and hone their natural strengths benefits them at home, in extracurricular activities, and even sports. Let’s boost their confidence by highlighting their strengths!  This blog post is the first ..read more

Transitions can be difficult for people of all ages, but particularly for kids when they are making big changes, like going from elementary to middle or high school. New schools can leave students feeling uneasy due to the unfamiliar environment, change in routine, and more challenging classes. They may be leaving friends behind as well, which could add an additional challenge of finding a new group of friends. As parents, there are many ways we can support our children during school transitions and set them up for success from the sidelines.  Academic Coaching Helps Students Adjust Acad ..read more

Why are more parents than ever choosing homeschooling? There are a lot of reasons families choose to homeschool their children rather than enroll them in a traditional classroom setting. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 15% of parents who had homeschooled students report that they chose to  homeschool due to their dissatisfaction with instruction in public schools. Parents also choose to homeschool their children because of flexibility in scheduling, concerns about safety in schools,  and being able to provide responsive instruction that is aligned to a ..read more

Did you know that students can lose up to 35% of academic progress over the summer break? The ‘summer slide’ is what many refer to as the regression in learning that can happen over summer vacation. When students do not engage their minds over the summer, they risk losing some of the skills they learned during the school year. But don’t fear- there are many ways to prevent ‘the slide’! Maryland Teacher Tutors provides a great Diagnostic service, wherein a certified teacher assesses your student’s grade-level skills and proficiency,  and recommends a personalized learning plan. Parents ca ..read more

Educators have so much on their agendas these days. Their time is limited, yet they have a lot to accomplish with students each year. Educators are challenged by burnout, student behavior, parent demands, district requirements, and more! I know this, I feel this, and I experience this at the school where I teach. But even in the face of all these challenges, we need to make sure students are making academic gains. Time to Sound the Alarm Ryan Colman, President of the Randallstown Chapter of the NAACP, says that he watched student outcomes in Baltimore County Public Schools worsen year after y ..read more