Math Made Fun: Playful Strategies for Math Education

When it comes to the subject of math, words like "rigid," "defined," and "standardized" often spring to mind. However, the true nature of mathematics can be one of curiosity, wonder, and yes, playfulness! A play-based approach to math offers children the chance to transition from abstract concepts to concrete understanding in a deeply engaging manner. This blog dives into how integrating play into math education fosters a deeper comprehension.

Why play?

From an early age, "play" is an inherently human trait. Research shows, “During play, children’s brains are actively seeking and using skills such as negotiating, improvising, communicating, critical thinking, problem-solving, taking risks, sharing ideas, perspective-taking, creating, and learning from mistakes.” These abilities are fundamental for academic success, and math, in particular, demands solid problem-solving and critical thinking skills. A flexible and curious brain is more adept at strengthening these skills. By adopting a play-based approach to math from the start, children develop increased flexibility and stronger problem-solving abilities, preparing them for the ever-increasing complexities of math as they progress.

Let’s Play!

So, what does a play-based approach to math look like? Math often poses difficulties for children due to its abstract nature. Introducing play into math education bridges the gap between abstract concepts and concrete understanding. This approach enables children to grasp the "why" behind mathematical concepts, rather than relying solely on rote memorization. Here are some inspiring ideas for incorporating play into math education:

Math Manipulatives

An array of math manipulatives are available, from snap cubes and pattern blocks to dice and counting objects. In fact, almost anything can serve as a math manipulative, including Legos, coins, trinkets, and stickers! Think outside the box when it comes to counting, learning math facts, and simple computation skills by using manipulatives!

Food

What’s more fun than food? It not only captures children's interest but also provides a multi-sensory learning experience. Whether it's using apples to introduce fractions or M&M's for counting and ratios, food offers a delightful and engaging way to explore mathematical concepts.

Board Games

Many board games offer opportunities to practice math skills in a playful manner. Monopoly, for instance, enhances money sense and computation skills, while a deck of cards or dice can be utilized for various math concepts. Additionally, numerous board games are now designed explicitly to strengthen math skills in children.

Apps

Digital apps provide another opportunity for a play-based approach to mathematics. Often, children enjoy these games so much that they don't even realize they're doing math! In a previous Peak blog post, numerous apps were highlighted that cultivate confidence in elementary math skills through play and games.

By embracing playfulness, educators and parents can unlock children's inherent curiosity, leading to a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts from an early age. Through manipulatives, food, and games, math transitions from abstract memorization to tangible, interactive learning.

Written by Laine J.

When Motivation is Low: Finding the 'Want' to Persevere

The word motivation is often used to describe one's desire to complete various tasks. Typically, when someone is unmotivated, words such as “lazy” or “apathetic” are used to describe them. However, the National Library of Medicine views motivation as the “process whereby goal‐directed activities are initiated and sustained” (Cook & Artino, 2016). Adding the word “process” to the definition provides more clarity that motivation can be a learned behavior and may look different for each individual. For most people, it’s a lot easier to get motivated to do something you enjoy. So, how can you increase the sustainability of task completion when motivation is low?

Checklists

Most school homework assignments and projects require multiple steps for full completion. It can be overwhelming, especially for younger students, to focus their attention for an extended period without knowing the smaller steps required to complete the task in its entirety. By helping your child create a checklist and outlining the specific steps needed to complete each task, they will see the big picture while also understanding how much attention they will need to complete each individual step. It may be helpful to include a range of tasks (i.e. personal, educational, chore-based) with varying amounts of effort required to complete them. Often, the tasks seem more manageable and less scary when they are broken down into steps.

Must Do/May Do list

Tasks can be broken down into Must Do and May Do lists for your child to complete based on what absolutely must be completed in a particular day and what can wait. Oftentimes providing choices for the May Do’s will support your child’s task initiation. Your child might be motivated with the agreement that they can choose what they will work on next. Must Do/May Do lists can include a variety of topics - from household chores to homework to after school activities - based on your family’s schedule.

Reinforcement

Reinforcement, from oneself or others, can be a powerful tool to increase productivity levels. Rewards can be used in different capacities based on your child’s desire to complete specific tasks or assignments. For example, if they REALLY do not want to complete a task, you may choose a reward system that emphasizes positive reinforcement after each smaller step complete is completed. For example, if they are completing a homework assignment with ten questions, you could give them the option to earn a minute of free time for each question they complete. This will reward them more frequently to encourage them to persevere. They may also choose to be rewarded after a larger task is completed, like an entire assignment or chore, for a larger reward. 

Environmental Factors

Sometimes low motivation is developed based on environmental factors and distractions. You can try to enhance your child’s motivation by having them work in a clean space, using noise canceling headphones, utilizing comfortable seating, or selecting a new workspace. If they seem to be unmotivated, encourage them to change their scenery, limit distractions, or remove unnecessary clutter.

Low motivation can develop for several reasons: long tasks, disinterest in the topic or activity, previous experiences, lack of self-confidence, environmental factors, desire to be doing something else, and many others. Most tasks have a deadline which can cause even more pressure to get the task done. There are many ways to increase motivation to persevere during these difficult internal struggles. If motivation is something your child struggles with, have them try journaling and reflecting on the root cause and suggest new ways of persevering until they find something that works for them!

Written by Ami Z.

Empowering Children: Strategies to Teach Self-Advocacy Skills

When children are aware of their needs and, more importantly, how to communicate those needs, they can unlock a skill that promotes life-long success. Teaching children to advocate for themselves is a gradual process that involves weaving in age-appropriate strategies over time. The eventual goal is for every child to feel comfortable actively advocating for themselves in a variety of situations. Teaching self-advocacy skills to children involves building upon the foundation of both their self-awareness and confidence, starting from an early age.

Cultivating a Strong Sense of Self

Before even beginning to teach self-advocacy skills and language, it is crucial to nurture children and encourage them to build a strong sense of self. The more a child is in touch with their needs, wants, emotions, and feelings, the more they are able to connect those with the idea of asking for what they need in any situation. Refer to our past blog here, which gives specific strategies for supporting children as they develop a sense of self.

Encouraging Independence

As caregivers and educators, it is tempting to intervene when children face challenging situations. The natural instinct to find the path of least resistance can be strong. However, constantly stepping in when things get hard can eventually send a message to children that they are unable to do hard things without help, which can ultimately hinder their confidence. Instead, provide them with space and support to tackle obstacles on their own. By giving children time and grace to work matters out for themselves, they gain problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, and confidence in themselves. These skills will all help them become better advocates for themselves down the road.

Developing a Language Toolbox

Equipping children with the language to articulate their needs is another important factor in teaching self-advocacy. For example, a child may know that they need certain accommodations in the classroom at school, but being able to actually voice those needs to their teachers requires a set of vocabulary they probably don’t inherently know how to utilize. Role-playing difficult situations is one wonderful way to teach children the foundation of vocabulary needed to advocate for themselves. When children have the language that they need readily at their fingertips, they will feel more empowered and confident, even in tricky situations. This website provides some great “self-advocacy” sentence starters for children with all kinds of specific needs in school!

Assigning Responsibilities

Providing children with tasks that they can complete on a regular basis not only makes them feel important but is also a great confidence booster. As they accomplish tasks, they realize their capabilities, ultimately allowing them to assert their wants and needs. Responsibilities should be given and adjusted as children continue to age. This blog gives some great ideas for age-appropriate chores for children from ages 2–18!

Teaching children to advocate for themselves lays the groundwork for a successful future. By fostering self-awareness, independence, language skills, and responsibility, we empower them to navigate challenges confidently and assert their needs effectively.

Written by Laine J.

Avoiding the Rush: Completing Homework with Intention

“Take your time”, “Check your work”, and “Read the directions” are phrases your child may hear as reminders to complete their work thoughtfully. For most students, these simple reminders may be all they need to complete their work with intention. However, students with executive function challenges may not have strong self-control skills, or response inhibition. This often results in impulses, such as rushing through work “just to get it done”. 

So, how can you help strengthen this skill at home? It is not uncommon for children to need a combination of strategies to improve executive functioning skills. Harvard College explains, “These functions are highly interrelated, and the successful application of executive function skills requires them to operate in coordination with each other” (Harvard College, 2024). Here are some strategies you can try to help your child with self-control during homework time.

Noise Canceling Headphones 

Noise cancelling headphones could benefit your child from getting distracted from loud noises. Sometimes playing music, including instrumentals, may give an additional level of noise protection. Additionally, it may become a habit for your child’s brain to engage meaningfully with their work when they wear headphones. 

Checklists and Rubrics

Checklists and rubrics give your child something to reference when analyzing their work. It can provide specific skills to check for, strategies such as what to do when they get stuck, or specific actions that need to be completed before finishing a task. When you use vague terms such as “Check your work”, it will not benefit your child if they do not understand WHAT to check. Provide explicit instructions, such as “Check your work for capitalization, punctuation, and spelling errors”. Giving them a checklist, or using writing rubrics, will help them understand the expectations and allow them to self-correct anything that does not meet the requirements. This will teach them HOW to check their work thoroughly. 

Time Management Strategies

Timers, goal setting, and time management with planned breaks can help children overcome the unknowns of work time. By choosing a specific amount of time students need to work for, there is a clear designated amount of focus and attention they will need to allocate to complete the task. You could give an amount of time (15 minute work time), or a quantity of work (5 math problems) before incorporating a break in between. Using a visual checklist during this time will be helpful so students can keep track of their progress as they work. Try having a conversation with them about the directions and steps needed to complete each activity prior to getting started- this can help them understand the amount of time and effort they will need to contribute for successful completion!

Structured Think-Time

Structured think time can be a great way to increase intent during work time. This gives students the opportunity to explore more than one topic, rather than choosing the first idea they had. This is especially helpful when engaging with the writing process, critical thinking activities, and multi-step math problems. Graphic organizers may also be beneficial during this time. Modeling and incorporating structured think-time will allow children to slow down and analyze different ideas to pick the best one for the assignment. 

Strategy Games

Strategy games are a fun and engaging way to build children’s self-control. The skill they will develop while playing these games can transfer into their work habits as well. It could be beneficial to include strategy games in their work time breaks! This may help slow their thinking down and can even be used as a warm-up practice. 

Every child will need different supports to strengthen their self-control. A good first step is to connect with your child’s classroom teacher to see what strategies they have tried implementing at school. Don’t be afraid to ask questions such as: What strategies have you tried? Were they successful? What didn’t work about it? How long did you try these strategies? How were they implemented? Responses to these questions can give you a better understanding of what to try at home. Environmental factors (large group setting vs independent homework time) may require different strategies for your child to be successful. Just remember that it is a process - it will take time and patience to see positive results.

Written by Ami Z.

Time Management Tips for Your Child's Busy Life

GUEST BLOG WRITTEN BY EMILY GRAHAM OF MIGHTY MOMS

In today's fast-paced world, children often face a whirlwind of academic and extracurricular activities. As a parent, guiding your kids efficiently through these packed schedules is essential. This efficient management not only paves the way for their success in diverse areas but also fosters a well-rounded, balanced life. This article, courtesy of Peak Academics, offers strategies for you to help your children confidently and skillfully manage their busy lives.

Prioritize Their Interests

You play a pivotal role in helping your children discern the value and importance of their various commitments. Engage in meaningful discussions to understand what truly resonates with them. This process will not only assist them in identifying their passions but also in committing to activities that genuinely enrich their lives. Emphasize the significance of quality over quantity in their choices, fostering a deeper engagement in fewer, more meaningful activities. This approach ensures they are not overextended and can dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to pursuits they are genuinely passionate about.

Embrace Technological Aids in Scheduling

In an era where technology simplifies many aspects of life, utilizing digital tools can be a game-changer in managing your children's schedules. Introduce them to the concept of visually tracking their commitments with an online calendar that the whole family can access. This not only enhances their planning skills but also fosters a sense of responsibility as they oversee their own schedules and to-do lists. By incorporating technology in scheduling with free online resources, you provide them with tools that are relevant and easily accessible in today's digital age, preparing them for future success in personal and professional arenas.

Regular Schedule Reviews

Engage in regular discussions with your children about their schedules, and truly listen to any concerns or anxieties. This practice promotes open communication, allowing you to understand their needs and make necessary adjustments. It also empowers your children, giving them a sense of control and involvement in their own time management. These reviews are an opportunity to reflect on their activities, reassess priorities, and ensure that their schedule aligns with their goals and well-being.

Cultivate Time Management Abilities

Teach your children time management skills that will benefit them for life, guiding them to balance academic work, hobbies, and personal care. Show them how to set achievable goals and break tasks into smaller, manageable steps to enhance productivity and reduce stress. As they learn to handle responsibilities without being overwhelmed, they'll develop the ability to navigate their duties efficiently. Through mastering these skills, your children will lead well-balanced lives, excelling in their pursuits while still enjoying relaxation and leisure.

Establish a Structured Routine

Consistency is key in a child's life. By setting up a structured daily routine, you provide a sense of security and predictability amidst their hectic schedules. Ensure that key daily activities such as homework, meals, and bedtime are consistent. This structure helps in creating a harmonious balance between their various activities, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Such routines also instill discipline and organization skills, which are essential for their personal development and future success.

Value of Unstructured Time

In the midst of structured activities, it is vital to remember the importance of unstructured time. This time allows for relaxation, play, and exploration of their creative instincts. Encourage your children to engage in activities that are not governed by rules or structure, providing them with the freedom to express themselves and unwind. This balance of structured and unstructured time is critical in nurturing their mental and emotional well-being, fostering a sense of joy and spontaneity in their lives.

Collaborative Parenting

Sharing responsibilities with other parents can be a practical approach to managing your children's schedules. This collaborative effort not only lightens your load but also fosters a sense of community and support. Organize carpools or take turns supervising group activities, creating a network of trust and cooperation. Look for school events that will allow you to connect with other moms and dads. This not only benefits you but also provides your children with an extended support system and the opportunity to build relationships outside their immediate family.

Navigating your children's busy schedules can be daunting, but with the right strategies, it becomes a manageable and rewarding task. By fostering prioritization, organization, and a balance between structured and unstructured activities, you equip your children with the skills to thrive in their multifaceted lives. Embrace these practices to guide your children towards a fulfilling, balanced, and successful future.

Peak Academics offers tutoring services in all core learning areas, as well as educational evaluations that can help parents understand their child’s strengths and potential areas of improvement. Have a question about these services? Get in touch today!

Homework Help: 7 Targeted Strategies to Improve Focus and Sustained Attention

Social media notifications, texts from friends, siblings playing, and the TV blaring in the background—does it all feel chaotic yet? In a world filled with constant stimuli and distraction, it's all too easy for the mind to wander during precious homework time. Thankfully, there are many strategies you can implement at home to enhance your secondary students’ focus and attention for a more productive work time.

Set a Routine

Establishing a consistent homework routine is the first step toward more productive study sessions. It doesn't have to be complicated. Students should reflect on their most successful homework days. Did they start with a specific subject? Did they tackle harder or easier tasks first? Did they begin with a snack or listen to calming music? Identifying key elements and incorporating them into a daily routine can significantly improve focus. For those who prefer structure, written schedules with subject and time breakdowns can be helpful. Alternatively, creating a visual "my homework routine" chart on a whiteboard or piece of paper can also be effective.  For more ideas, check out our past blog about crafting the ultimate homework routine here.

Craft a Workspace

A conducive workspace is crucial for concentration and sustained attention. A clean, organized home workspace not only promotes focus but also offers psychological benefits. While some students may prefer a completely isolated workspace in a separate room, others might benefit from a corner close to family areas for occasional check-ins. Personalizing the workspace with touches that reflect individual interests fosters a sense of ownership and makes it a welcoming environment. See our past blog here for more ideas on how to create a home workspace.

Break it Down

Homework assignments for secondary students often involve multiple steps. Using a planning tool, such as a step-by-step worksheet, can help break down each assignment into manageable components, making them less daunting and more achievable. Setting a deadline for each step is also supportive.

Utilize Timers and Breaks

Introducing timers and breaks can aid focus during homework sessions. Phone apps, sand timers, and visual timers are all useful and can help determine the student’s concentration span. After each work interval, encourage a short 5-10 minute break to recharge before resuming work.

Build in Mindfulness and Exercise

Incorporating mindfulness techniques and physical activities can enhance sustained attention. During breaks, try integrating brief mindfulness exercises, like breathing exercises. The 4-7-8 breathing technique—inhaling for four counts, holding for seven counts, and exhaling slowly for eight counts—can promote a sense of calm and focus. Some students need movement breaks to get excess energy out. Students can try physical activities, such as yoga, jumping jacks, burpees, or jump roping.

Try Productivity Apps

Leverage technology to boost productivity. Install tools like Mindful Browsing to gently redirect attention back to tasks if distractions arise. Additionally, consider using apps that block specific websites or apps for designated periods to minimize distractions during homework time.

Introduce Rewards

Sometimes, a little incentive can go a long way in maintaining focus. Implementing reward systems, such as offering a weekly or monthly reward for completing homework tasks on time, or providing smaller daily rewards, like extra TV time or a treat, can motivate students to stay on task.

Focusing during homework time isn’t always easy, especially in today's digitally driven world. However, incorporating these suggested strategies can pave the way for increased sustained attention and productivity at home. By creating a conducive environment, establishing routines, and utilizing technology wisely, students can better navigate distractions and achieve academic success.

Written by Laine J.

The importance of Exploring Outlets

During a child’s first five years of life, their interaction with caregivers sets the stage for their emotional development for life. The five stages of emotional development during these years consist of a variety of emotional skills such as: naming, identifying, self-regulating, expressing, and managing emotions. And while you can help your child develop these skills during the early years, how can you support your child with their emotional development when they venture off into full days of school, extracurricular activities, and play-dates? Helping your child discover new independent interests gives them a unique opportunity to engage with emotional outlets. 

What Are Outlets?

Outlets are activities and/or interests that children can practice regularly as a way to manage emotions. These outlets can range from a variety of activities and can be practiced independently or in a more directed, group setting. There are different types of outlets children can explore to find their passion and interest. Young children often begin exploring extracurricular activities such as sports, dance, mindfulness activities, band/music, theatre, art, STEM, technology/coding, and many more! Through these various activities, children can explore their interests, improve their skills, and develop a sense of identity. 

Benefits of Outlets 

There are many benefits to utilizing outlets as an avenue for self-expression and self-regulation strategies. Here are some specific benefits to channeling outlets:

Goal Setting- Outlets provide explicit practice with creating, attaining, and planning goals. For example, a child may want to learn a new soccer trick or art skill or develop fluency in math puzzles. These examples all require specific goals and steps to reach these goals. While younger children may require assistance at first, eventually they will learn to independently set and attain goals. This skill will inevitably transfer into other areas of their lives as well. 

Expressing and Managing Emotions- Outlets provide a safe and controlled environment to express emotions and even manage stress. The skills learned in the controlled environment can be used in independent or guided practice to help self-regulate emotions. For example, if your child relies on a structured activity weekly, such as yoga, they can choose to use these skills when they are feeling dysregulated. 

Self Discovery- Outlets can provide an opportunity to discover new interests and explore a variety of passions. As children practice specific activities over time, they often learn ways to manage different executive functioning skills such as: planning/time management, flexibility, organization, self control, task initiation, and emotional control. Explicit practice in multiple contexts will help them become proficient in these skills. 

Increased Development in Many Areas- Once children begin school, there is a large emphasis on academic achievement and development that continues through adolescence. This can cause limited time to practice other essential areas of development. When children are provided time to participate in outlets, they are practicing non-academic skills that will help them succeed in school. These skills include gross/fine motor skills, emotional development, imagination, critical thinking, creativity, confidence, communication/language skills, empathy, and general life skills.

From exploring new interests to stepping out of your comfort zone to safely regulating your emotions, outlets offer a variety of opportunities to reconnect with yourself. Children, teens, and adults can all benefit from exploring outlets and choosing specific ones that work best for them. In early childhood, children may choose to explore a variety of activities before choosing specific areas of interest. For example, a child may explore dance, ice skating, sports, pottery, and yoga before choosing a specific outlet. Additionally, as children grow into teens and adults, their interests may change. As humans, we are continuously learning and re-discovering ourselves as we enter new stages of life. With that said, outlets may change and new interests may be explored at different stages of life.

If your child is looking to learn more about Yoga & Crafts as an outlet, please check out our  group class offerings!

Written by Ami Z.

Creating Healthy Habits: How to Manage and Structure Screen time for Children

Let’s face it… screens are here to stay. In today’s world, it is nearly impossible to completely avoid technology and screens. Oftentimes, the concept of “screen time” carries a negative connotation, causing parents to become concerned about how to limit and restrict technology. However, with computers and tablets becoming more commonly used, even in schools, technology is now an integral part of our society. This blog aims to provide practical tips and insights into creating a healthy and balanced outlook on screens for families.

Lay the Groundwork

Before setting expectations and creating rules, it is imperative that children understand the reasoning behind limiting and structuring screen time. As a family, discuss the benefits of engaging in activities outside of technology, whether that be sports, board games, cooking, arts and crafts, yoga, dancing, or going to the park. A balanced approach to screen time can lead to improved sleep, better academic performance, and enhanced social skills. Helping children understand the “why” behind technology limitations may make them more receptive to these boundaries.

Creating Guidelines

Whether termed “guidelines” or “rules,” it is important to make all expectations surrounding screen time concise, clear, and specific. For younger children, keep expectations very clear and discuss the rules with them. If opting for a daily time limit, younger children might benefit from a timer to help them understand how much time they have for playing tablet games or watching TV. For older kids, collaborate to establish rules, write them down, and have everyone sign an agreement. Make clear distinctions for school days, weekends, and holidays. Revisit these guidelines every few months to adjust as needed.

Incorporate Routines

Children of all ages thrive on routine. The more screen time is incorporated into a routine, the easier it will be to manage. For instance, consider allowing screen time every day during snack time after school for 30 minutes. Alternatively, screen time could be permitted only after completing a certain amount of homework for the day. Different routines work best for different children, so families need to work together to discuss and find what fits into their daily lives.

Make Screen time Safe

Another paramount concern for parents involves the safety of technology, particularly when it comes to the internet and social media. Most internet browsers, smart TVs, etc., have specific parental controls that can be set up. Smartphones and tablets also typically have built-in settings and apps to block and restrict unwanted content. Explore Verywell Family's list of great parental control apps.

Other Tips and Insights

Consider these additional tips while deciding how to navigate screens and technology in the household:

• Model correct screen time usage for children: Be aware of your screen time habits, such as having the TV on in the background or scrolling social media on your phones.

• Establish “tech-free” zones or times: Designate areas or times within the house where screens are off-limits, like kids' bedrooms or dinnertime. Plan specific family “unplug” times, perhaps an hour before bedtime, a few hours each weekend, or on the way to school each day.

• Offer choices: Overcome resistance to giving up screen time by providing choices. Children could choose between tablet time or TV time that day or between two different educational games.

With technology being an unavoidable aspect of modern society, nurturing a healthy and structured relationship with screens is of the utmost importance. As parents, it's easy to stress over screen time and its impacts on children. By creating a balanced screen time routine, children can learn to positively incorporate technology into their lives.

Written by Laine J.

Tips and Tricks to Work Through Writer’s Block

Task initiation is an executive function that refers to one’s ability to begin a new task in a timely manner without prompts or reminders. Children who struggle with task initiation show it in different ways. While one child may stare at a blank computer screen, another may procrastinate or avoid a task altogether. These behaviors are typically observed more frequently with tasks that require multi-step processes or critical thinking. Because many writing assignments require students to engage in the entire multi-step writing process, students with poor task initiation skills often feel overwhelmed, or even develop writer’s block (the inability to start or continue writing for reasons other than lack of skill or commitment).

This blog shares simple tips and tricks to help students initiate writing tasks or overcome the dreaded writer’s block:

Create an outline

Creating a plan for writing assignments is a big help. For younger grades, graphic organizers and brainstorming maps can be extremely beneficial. Older students can create an outline to help organize their ideas and thoughts. The planning phase is also a great time to determine how long each section will take to complete! It may be helpful to create a schedule to determine when each section will be completed. Schedules can increase motivation and help incorporate planned breaks into longer projects.

Work backwards

Knowing where something ends can help the brain process the information in a new way. It can take the anxiety out of reading a new book, watching a new show, or even writing a paper. If students get stuck trying to figure out the perfect beginning, they can try writing the end of the assignment first and working backwards. 

Find Resources and Examples

If a writing assignment requires the use of resources or specific examples from a text, students cab try outlining these ideas if they get stuck in the process. This can spark new ideas and help redirect thoughts. For younger grades, finding resources and thinking of specific examples can help your child write strong, detailed sentences. It will also help chunk the assignment into smaller workloads, which can help motivate them to get started with the physical writing part.

Relocate or Reorganize for Less Distraction

Relocating to a new location or decluttering the current work station may increase the chance of curing the student’s writer’s block. If the student usually works in their room, they can try working at the kitchen table or in a public setting, such as a library. If your child’s workspace is cluttered, try helping them declutter it or move them to a new tidy space to prevent unnecessary distractions. 

If your child focuses best with background noise, be sure they use familiar sounds (songs, shows, etc.) that do not require their attention to be shared between multiple tasks. With struggles in task initiation, it will be easy for a child’s brain to choose the more exciting task to attend to - be sure that your child’s background noise is supporting their brain’s thinking process and not inviting distractions to take over. 

Use Breaks and Rewards as Motivation

Breaks are an easy way to keep kids motivated and encourage them to get started on the a new section of the assignment. When using breaks and rewards, be sure to use a timer for time on task. Checklists can be used as a visual reminder to see how much progress has been made! For example, your child could create a list of individual sections they need to complete (i.e. Introduction, 10 minute break, Paragraph 1, 10 minute break…) and cross each one off as they finish. Using positive reinforcement and self-talk can help your child overcome writer’s block and motivate them to keep working. 

When writer’s block strikes, it can seem impossible to overcome. Sometimes the best medicine is taking a break, re-organizing, and finding a groove!

Written by Ami Z.

Developing Executive Functioning Skills through Creativity in the Kitchen

Are you searching for fun and unique ways to help children continue to develop and strengthen their executive functioning skills over winter break? Look no further than… the kitchen! The kitchen is an incredible place to work on key skills like as planning, organization, time management, task initiation, sustained attention, and self-control. Food preparation not only enhances executive functioning skills, but also promotes social skills, responsibility, fine motor skills, and self-esteem! Below are some exciting activities that promote skill building and creativity!

Trail Mix

Trail mix is particularly great for young kids! Start by having children create a list of their favorite trail mix add-ins (think mixed nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips, raisins, M&M’s, etc.). Then, take them along to the grocery store to help find the ingredients. Once home, measure out the correct amount of each trail mix ingredient and let them scoop, pour, and stir to their heart’s content. Bless This Mess offers some fun DIY trail mix recipes here.

Fruit Kebabs

Fruit kebabs are not only fun to make but also pleasing to the eyes and delicious to eat! Creating fruit kebabs targets skills like planning, sequencing, fine motor, and organization. Select the desired fruits for the kebabs, and again, have children accompany you to the store to ensure all necessary items are purchased. Once home, ask them to write out the order in which they want to assemble each fruit kebab. Older kids, with supervision, can help cut up and organize the fruit into separate bowls to make assembly easier. After these steps, everyone can join in assembling the skewers and enjoy the end result together. Here is a fun rainbow variation to try by Healthy Little Foodies!

Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Undoubtedly the most enjoyable of all activities, working together to create an ice cream sundae bar will create special memories while also developing key executive function skills like organization. It’s a win-win! You'll need a few different kinds of ice cream, your favorite toppings, and sauces. Younger kids can color and make labels for each of the toppings, while older kids can type them up and print them out. Everyone can help separate and organize all the toppings into small bowls or containers and decide how to arrange them on the table. Planning is also an important step prior to actually building the sundae creation so the treat turns out as desired. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can try out a homemade vanilla ice cream recipe by Chocolate Slopes here.

Overnight Oats

Preparing overnight oats is a wonderful activity to help with task initiation and time management. Since they need to be made the evening before, children have to remember to plan accordingly. This one is also excellent for older kids because they need to ensure they get the correct ratio of oats to milk, etc. Not only are overnight oats a great source of nutrients and fiber, but they can be personalized with a variety of ingredients to fit your kids’ taste buds. Workweek Lunch provides some kid-friendly recipes here.

All of the above activities help build executive functioning skills. As parents or caregivers, be sure to set expectations by providing clear instructions, helping when necessary, and assigning responsibilities appropriate to the child's age level. This blog by Lukin Center of Psychology offers a comprehensive list of age-appropriate tasks in the kitchen.

And, if you’re looking for some winter specific activities to try out at home, see our past Peak blog here for some ideas!

Written by Laine J.

Building a Sense of Time: The First Step to Time Management

Most kids naturally become curious about time as they learn more about the world around them. “Are we there yet?”, “How many more minutes until dinner is ready?”. “How much longer will it be?” While these questions may seem simple, and maybe even overwhelming at times, kids are beginning to develop their curiosity about the concept of time. And even though this may be easy to dismiss or ignore, you can use this curiosity to their advantage by guiding children through the first steps to successful time management skills. 

Time management incorporates a variety of abilities such as: estimating the time required on a task, identifying how much time you will need to complete a task, and allocating an appropriate amount of time to specific tasks. These skills can be particularly challenging for students who require additional support with executive functioning skills, but practicing various time management skills at home will help strengthen these deficits.

Concepts of Time

Young children begin exploring different times throughout the day by using words such as morning, afternoon, nighttime, bedtime, and more. Once they enter school, they may use different subjects to discuss the time of day. For example, they may use lunch, recess, specials, etc. as a reference point when talking about their day. Teaching words and routines related to different parts of the day (specifically AM and PM) can help students develop this concept. 

Your child will also benefit from calendar conversations. Talking about seasons, months, days, and even years for the older elementary students, will help strengthen their fundamental concepts of time. 

Work Stamina Development

When developing a new skill, young children may not have the required work stamina required to complete specific projects, activities, or schoolwork. For example, when students enter first grade, they typically need to practice building their reading stamina so they can independently read for 15-20 minutes. Using a timer can support their work stamina and exercise their ability to refocus for a specific amount of time. Visual timers can help children develop their sense of time as they become familiar with different lengths of time.

Visual Supports

When children use visual supports to develop time management skills, they are more likely to be able to recall steps and processes independently as they become proficient with the task. Some visual supports that will help strengthen working memory and time management skills include timers, clocks, checklists, to-do lists, chore labels, AM/PM routines, monthly/weekly/daily schedules, academic planners, and visual reminders for important dates. These resources can be used in combination with other supports to solidify learned skills.

Routines and Procedures

Following routines and procedures at home is an incredibly effective way to help children develop time management skills—especially when these routines are displayed in an easily accessible location for children. Routines can benefit time management skills as they break down a longer process into more manageable and smaller steps. It also helps them begin building an understanding of how much time is required to complete each step. 

Planning and Organizing

Children can practice time management skills when they plan and organize. Younger children will need more guided practice when planning and organizing their time. Thinking aloud to children about schedules, homework due dates, and other important dates/times will help them develop foundational skills. As children get older, planning and organizing becomes more challenging. Older children often have more tasks to manage and have more rigorous assignments to complete. Using an academic/personal planner can help children prioritize assignments, allocate time appropriately, and strengthen these skills so they are ready to practice them independently in middle school.

“Work smarter, not harder” is a common phrase heard in adulthood and frequently in the workplace. While it can be considered “office small talk”, it also reiterates the benefit of strong time management skills. By teaching children to work “smarter” by focusing on the time required to complete each task in a process, young children will be able to build on these skills to develop independence and continue strengthening their skills through adulthood.

Written by Ami Z.

Strategies to Help Children Navigate Big Feelings

Stress, anxiety, frustration, restlessness, anger, jealousy, sadness, fear, and guilt—what do all of these have in common? They make up some of those BIG feelings children commonly experience as they grow into adolescence. As parents, witnessing your children moving through these big emotions can lead to some pretty intense feelings for you as well! So, what can be done to help when big feelings arise? This blog highlights strategies children can use to become more emotionally aware and provides tools they can add to their emotional regulation toolkits!

The Building Blocks of Emotional Awareness

Before diving into strategies for managing big emotions, it is first imperative to develop an awareness of what those emotions actually are, when they strike, and how each individual reacts to them. Even at a young age, there are ways to begin to strengthen the awareness of one’s emotions.

Visual prompts offer a great opportunity for children to name their feelings as they begin to become more emotionally aware. Feeling face charts can help children connect the way they feel to the proper word to describe it. Once a child can actually name what they are feeling, they will be more empowered to communicate their big emotions that arise, and you as the parent will be better able to help them!

Books and movies can be another tool to assist children in understanding what their big feelings are. Inside Out is an excellent Pixar movie that turns emotions into characters. Books like In My Heart: A Book of Feelings also help represent and describe the many feelings humans go through! There are also some great social media accounts, one example being Big Little Feelings, that aim to empower parents to help their children navigate all of their emotions.

When your child is going through a big feeling, help them to name the feeling, and be sure to validate it. Children need to know that all emotions are okay to feel and have a sense of security in doing so. Once this groundwork is laid, your focus can shift toward helpful strategies to manage these emotions!

Coping Mechanisms: Creating an Emotional Regulation Toolkit

Once your child has a better understanding of their emotions, they can then start to build a personal toolkit of ways to cope with these feelings. Remember, each child is different, and what works for one kid may not work as well for another. Below are some starting points to try out!

Mindfulness and breath work can be extremely powerful tools to use when stress, frustration, and anger come around. These practices encourage more self-awareness in times of calmness, so that whenever big emotions arise they can be of help! Check out our previous blog titled “Stress-Free Ways to Incorporate Breath Work into Kids’ Daily Lives” for specific ways to integrate breath work into your children’s day.

Exercise may be one of the most effective ways to deal with emotions when they get big and scary. Movement, in whatever form your child prefers, will allow them to clear their heads enough to be able to circle back and more gracefully deal with their feelings. Going for a run or walk, having a dance party to some favorite tunes, biking, playing a sport, or spending time in nature are all ways to get the body moving!

It is also important to cultivate some emotional outlets with these strategies. A Calm Down Kit is a physical bag or basket with items that nurture the senses and help calm the nervous system. Read our previous blog called Creating the Ultimate Calm Down Kit: Using the Five Senses to Reset and Regulate to learn how to create your own. Allowing space for creativity can also be of use. Drawing, painting, dancing, singing, creative writing, and journaling are all great creative outlets to help process big emotions strike! We also have a blog titled Encouraging Children to Find their Voice Through Journaling with tips to help jumpstart journaling.

There is no single “best” way to deal with all of the big emotions children will inherently encounter as they grow, but through communication, practice, and trial and error, you and your child can work together to create a personalized set of strategies and tools to maneuver all of life’s twists and turns.

Written by Laine J.

Multisensory Reading Strategies for Young Readers

For people of all ages, reading can be an enjoyable, rewarding hobby. From a young age, children are encouraged to develop a positive relationship with reading, but for beginning and struggling readers, this task does not come with the same level of enjoyment as it does for those who view it as a hobby. Rather, it is often thought of as a chore. With the use of multisensory reading strategies, beginning and struggling readers develop necessary reading skills while using multiple learning modalities to build connections. Not only is this approach effective, but it is also very engaging and FUN!

What are multisensory reading strategies?

Multisensory reading is a fabulous way for beginning and struggling readers to develop literacy skills. Reading Rockets explains that this approach can, “improve phonemic awareness, phonics, and reading comprehension skills. Multi-sensory instruction combines listening, speaking, reading, and a tactile or kinesthetic activity”. These activities are a great way to build skills and can slowly be reduced as your child increases their reading proficiency. Eventually your child will be able to read words without relying on multisensory activities. 

TPR

TPR, or Total Physical Response, is a great way to connect words with specific movements. This can be a useful support if your child is struggling with specific high frequency words (these could be called a number of different things such as heart words, sight words,  ‘just know it’ words, or even trick words). One example is the word “said”. This can be a tricky word for children to remember as it does not follow a specific spelling pattern. When saying the word “said”, have your child move their hand from their mouth outward. You can also use movements as a way to connect letters to sounds like in this video!

Tap and blend

The Tap and Blend strategy is a great way for students to segment and blend sounds out loud, or even write words! To read aloud, have students say the word aloud. Then, have them tap a finger for each individual sound they hear in the word and drag their thumb across to blend the words together. One example is with the word “box.” Your child will say /b/ as they tap their pointer finger to their thumb, /o/ as they tap their middle finger to their thumb, and /x/ as they tap their ring finger to their thumb. Then they will use their thumb to slide across these sounds as they blend the word together.

Stamps

Letter stamps, magnet letters, and kinetic sand can be used to help support your child’s letter-sound correspondence when learning to read. This is a great opportunity to practice spelling and reading words. An example could look like, “Stamp the letters b-a-t. What word does that spell?” Students could also use this strategy in combination with elkonin boxes or word ladders to segment and spell words.

Elkonin Boxes

This resource can be used in a very similar way to the Tap and Blend strategy. Each box represents an individual sound in a word. You can use different items and letters to represent sounds which can make learning so much fun! We Are Teachers includes more examples and ideas, including a free printable.

decodable words or word families

When reading short vowel or high frequency word passages that focus on a specific spelling pattern/word family, you can ask your child to underline all of the words that belong in the pattern. This can bring extra attention to the pattern and boost their memory skills by giving them a reading cue to sound out the word.

Picture cues

Picture cues or cards can be used to help your child associate a picture with each letter that matches the beginning sound for that letter. This is a great resource to use when your child gets stuck on a letter sound, to gain alphabet awareness, or to help with letter sound fluency.

Reading can be a tricky task when children lack resources or strategies to help. When incorporating movement and multisensory strategies, children have the opportunity to connect reading to real-life experiences and enhance their learning practice!

Written by Ami Z.

Crafting the Ultimate Homework Routine

Creating a well-structured nightly homework routine can make all the difference when it comes to managing the pressures of middle school life! Middle school students have to balance an increasingly difficult workload, numerous extracurricular activities, time with family, and their social lives. This blog dives into specific strategies for crafting a homework routine that can help students streamline their study habits, ultimately leading to more academic success and more free time for preferred activities!

Understanding the Assignments

Before students can appropriately plan and manage their homework, it is important that they have a full understanding of the tasks at hand. Students should have a concrete and consistent method of keeping track of their assignments. Assignment trackers should include space for the assignment's name, any important details, a due date, and a way to indicate when the assignment is complete. It is also imperative that students understand the requirements of the assignment. The assignment tracker should be easily transportable between school and home so that students can check in with their teachers in class if there is ever any confusion about a particular task. Students can also ask their teacher about how long they expect an assignment to take.

Creating a Homework Schedule

Creating a homework schedule is key to ensuring assignments are completed in a timely and efficient manner. The first step is to take a look at the entire month. Consider purchasing a monthly whiteboard calendar to keep track of trips, sports games, appointments, etc. Then move into a weekly schedule. Write down when all activities that take place each day of the week, and then determine how much time is left to complete homework each day. Now, students will have a clear visual understanding of just how much time they actually have to study and work each day of the week. Consider using apps like Todoist or myHomework to help create these types of schedules.

Choosing the Right Workspace

Having a calm and quiet workspace can greatly enhance the study experience. In this previous Peak blog, a multitude of tips and tricks for creating the ultimate homework space were shared. Essentially, a home workspace should be free from the hustle and bustle of the home, have comfortable, upright seating, good lighting, and be clutter-free and organized.

Setting Up Good Homework Habits

Students need to experiment to find out what homework habits work best for them. For example, some students work better by tackling their easiest tasks first, while others might prefer starting with the most challenging ones. Some students might be night owls and able to work later into the night, whereas others might be more focused if they allocate extra time in earlier in the day to complete their work. Encouraging students to try out a few different methods can benefit them in the long run because they will discover what works best for them. A few other helpful homework habits include starting each session with deep breathing or a mindful minute, taking scheduled study breaks, or listening to calm instrumental music. This Peak blog also delves into some strategies for helping students when they have a hard time getting to work at night.

Creating a nightly homework routine will look different for each student. Expect it to take some time to figure out what truly works best for your child. Experimenting with different methods and honing in on the most useful ones for each individual will ultimately lead to better habits and academic success!

Written by Laine J.

Real-Life Math Skills: Building Money Sense

It has become increasingly more common for consumers to rely on contactless pay as a preferred transaction method. People are using physical money less frequently, and while this may be more convenient for those of us who have a strong foundation of money sense, this may also develop a new challenge for the younger generations. Despite young adults having access to electronic banking tools, children of all ages need to develop foundational skills related to money prior to more advanced skills such as budgeting, balancing checkbooks, and creating saving plans. Although it may seem impossible to do in a world of “tap, insert, or swipe card here”, there are plenty of additional ways for children to strengthen their skills! 

Money sense often begins in school as early as first grade with students identifying coins and bills and their corresponding values. From here, students begin practicing more complex skills such as money-related word problems and understanding the relationship between place value and money. There are plenty of strategies you can use at home to help students of all ages continue to develop these skills.

For students, it is important to use engaging tools to help them build these beginning mathematical skills. Math can be such a tricky concept so it may be beneficial to incorporate a mixture of games and practical activities to help students develop these concepts. Aside from pretend store playsets, there are plenty of board games that teach these foundational skills that can be found at Lakeshore Learning, Amazon, Walmart and more! Some of these include Monopoly, Pay Day, Allowance, Making Change, and the Exact Change. Games are such a positive and interactive way to engage students and develop these skills in a low stress environment. Additionally, for various ages, there are math flashcards, trivia questions, workbooks, and online tools that can help strengthen these skills!

Other ways to help students develop these skills include processes such as earning allowances, creating savings plans so your child knows exactly how much they need to save before purchasing an item, and even building savings (perhaps in a piggy bank!). As your child grows older, it may be important to share insights on the roles and responsibilities of earning money. Tasks such as trips to the grocery store, buying clothes, and eating out could be excellent ways to start these conversations. Greenlight is one banking app/debit card for kids and teens that allows parents to set controls and manage money spending with their kids. Additionally, We Are Teachers provides a list of ways you can help your child develop money sense at home. 

Money sense often begins with fundamental skills as simple as understanding the value of money. Children begin developing these skills from a young age and continue to develop them through high school and their young adult lives. Helping students strengthen their money sense and establish money management strategies will contribute to their success as adults! Money can often be a stressful topic, but helping your child develop these skills can be a fun and rewarding experience! Real-life examples, visuals, and physical money can be one of the best ways for your child to make sense of these complex concepts!

Written by Ami Z.

Cultivating Balance: Strategies for Students to Avoid the Hustle and Embrace Intentional Living

The hustle culture narrative in our modern day society suggests that success can only be attained by working long, exhaustive hours, and that burnout and stress are a ‘normal’ consequence. With the rise in social media influencing and tendency for everyone to play the comparison game, hustle culture has become a pervasive aspect in our lives. While it deeply impacts our adult population, the effects certainly trickle down to students and can have damaging effects, like anxiety, disengagement, and guilt. Working hard is important, BUT not at the expense of health and wellbeing. Students must find opportunities between the constant "go, go, go" to slow down, unwind, and hone in on what is important each day. This blog dives into some simple methods you can use with your kids to introduce a healthy school/life balance, move through overwhelming feelings, and escape the clutches of the "hustle."

Set Boundaries

As your students moves through elementary and secondary school, part of your role as a parent is to help guide them on what they can take on within and outside of school. It has become increasingly popular for kids to "overload" their plate with AP classes, volunteering, and multiple extracurricular activities. Add in a robust social life, and this can be a recipe for stress, anxiety, and burnout. Work with your child to set a realistic goal of what classes they can take and how many activities they can manage in their schedule. It may help to create a visual weekly calendar with all of their commitments so they can see just how much free time they will end up having. Our past blog also details some tips and tricks on how to best structure a balanced after-school routine.

Encourage Self-Reflection

When life is moving at a far too rapid pace, there isn't really time to stop and reflect. Self-reflection is important because it offers an opportunity to reprioritize, learn and grow. Pick a time once a week for your child to journal about their feelings regarding daily responsibilities, academics, social life, and more. If journaling isn't their style, encourage a few minutes at the end of each week to have them check in with you instead. Questions like "Was there anything you felt particularly worried about this week?" or "What is your number one stressor right now?" may help you and your child start to identify areas that are weighing on them more heavily than others, and thus allow you to make some changes or set some boundaries to alleviate some of that stress.

Utilize Mindfulness Practices

One key aspect of avoiding negative effects of stress is to simply notice when it creeps up and practice some self-regulation techniques when it does. Getting into the habit of a daily mindfulness practice allows students to witness their thoughts, emotions, and feelings on a consistent basis. Mindfulness practices, like breath work, yoga, and meditation, also aid in living each day with more intention and less stress. In our past blog, we go over some tools to use with kids of any age when stress gets high! At Peak Academics, we also offer an integrative service that combines traditional academic tutoring with coaching in self-regulation practices.

Incorporate Downtime

In a society that often "praises" the hustle, it is easy to feel guilty or lazy for taking some time for yourself. However, burnout can greatly affect creativity, mindset, and intrinsic motivation. While some students have no issue finding joy in downtime, others may find it difficult to set aside their responsibilities for time to relax and reset. If your child falls in the latter category, sit down with them each week and try to schedule in a time for rest and relaxation where all other responsibilities can wait, even if just for a bit! In a recent blog, we discuss the importance of incorporating downtime into a daily or weekly routine and some methods to do so.

In a culture of near-constant busyness, setting boundaries, encouraging self-reflection, utilizing mindfulness practices, and incorporating downtime into our lives are all essential components of achieving a balanced and healthier approach to life and education. It is not about abandoning hard work but rather redefining it, emphasizing the importance of self-care, and finding a more intentional and sustainable way to navigate the challenges of our modern world.

Written by: Laine J.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Checklists That Work

For students with ADHD or executive function challenges, managing daily tasks for school and home can feel pretty overwhelming. For one reason, they tend to have underdeveloped working memory skills. This can influence many aspects of their life, from struggling to track assignments to misplacing materials to falling behind on daily responsibilities. While checklists are often suggested as a go-to tool for working memory support, they will only be effective if the student understands how to use and apply them. So, how can you make checklists more effective, less overwhelming, and actually productive for your child? Let’s take a look at the do’s and don’ts of checklists that ACTUALLY work.

DON’T: Overdo it. Expecting your child to jump right in and use a checklist for everything is an unreasonable expectation.

DO: Start by introducing 1-2 simple checklists so your child can feel success. You can offer scaffolding and support in other areas while they work on developing this new skill. Once they have mastered their introductory checklists, you can explore adding more!

DON’T: Only use checklists as to-do lists. Children should have the opportunity to see the function of checklists in multiple settings.

DO: Create checklists for important items to remember and routines to follow. Checklists can be used to make sure kids follow all steps while learning a new routine or to make sure they have all of their materials or equipment for an activity!

DON’T: Make one long list of tasks to complete. This can be overwhelming and cause confusion when trying to prioritize deadlines and due dates.

DO: Create an individual checklist for each aspect of life. Whether it be school-related, extracurricular, or personal, separate tasks into individual categories. This will help students prioritize tasks based on level of importance (i.e. school work should be completed before a fun personal project).

DON’T: Tuck checklists away in a folder or drawer. If they’re kept out of sight, they will most likely be kept out of mind.

DO: Keep each checklist organized and in a designated spot. Help children by placing checklists in common areas, or related areas, where they can easily access them as part of their normal routine. For example, a checklist posted next to a backpack may help your child remember to pack all of their belongings before leaving for school. If beneficial, lists can also be transformed into transportable bag tags or eventually put in electronic format on a phone for older kids.

DON’T: Only use checklists once per week. New habits are difficult to form if practiced infrequently.

DO: Encourage your child to check and revise their lists at least once per day so they can finish up or reassign any uncompleted tasks and prepare for the next day! Build a consistent routine at a fitting time each day. For example, it may be appropriate to check a “Turn In” list right after school before leaving campus to catch any missed items.

DON’T: Simply make a list. A list is a great starting point, but simply creating one does not teach kids how to use it.

DO: Model how to use a checklist and practice with your child. Physically checking items off on a list will clarify what is left and also feel rewarding!

DON’T: Expect children to be able to complete all of their tasks or prioritize their schedules independently. Executive functioning skills take practice and need to be taught! 

DO: Have weekly planning meetings to go over your child’s responsibilities. This is a great way to communicate expectations for the week, check school grade postings for missing items, and share family events/reminders. It also provides an opportunity for you to model how to create checklists for the week ahead. Try using the think-aloud strategy to demonstrate how your brain is processing information as you create lists.

Just remember, not everyone has fully developed working memory skills. Checklists can be a great support to help kids manage their daily to-do's but they might need to practice and try different strategies until they find some that work!

Written by Ami Z. and Krista G.

Strategic Organizational Systems for a Successful School Year

With the start of a new school year, it is the perfect time to lay a strong foundation for success through the use of student organizational systems. From transforming cluttered corners into calm and cozy workspaces, to navigating the chaos of lockers, backpacks, and binders, strategic systems provide students with the essential tools to manage their workload with ease.

Crafting an Effective Home Workspace

Crafting and nurturing an environment conducive to focused study time is a fundamental aspect of academic success. To establish an efficient home workspace, consider these key factors. Opt for a quiet and well-lit area. A dedicated room or a corner within a room can provide the calm vibes needed for optimal concentration. Adequate lighting and comfortable yet supportive seating also help to sustain study sessions. Assign a specific place for each item on and around the desk. By creating labels and designating spots for supplies, workflow becomes more streamlined. Introducing daily, weekly, and monthly decluttering checklists empowers students to maintain their workspace and keep it more efficient. For those who struggle with task initiation or require frequent breaks, employing time management tools, such as timers or alarms, can be beneficial. Lastly, personalize the workspace with items like fairy lights, potted plants, cheerful office supplies, or framed family photos to foster an inviting and warm atmosphere.

Maintaining a Clutter-Free Backpack

Backpack organization is essential for management of school materials and staying on top of school assignments. Begin by designating distinct pockets for various items like phones, calculators, snacks, and writing utensils. Adding labels to each compartment or pocket can help maintain order as well. Preparing the backpack the night before school not only alleviates the dreaded morning rush, but also reduces the likelihood of forgetting crucial assignments or items. Regular sessions for tidying up, whether on a weekly or monthly basis, are essential for decluttering compartments and discarding old trash or papers. A laminated backpack checklist serves as a practical tool to ensure all essentials are prepped and packed each day.

Utilizing a Binder or Accordion File System

By creating a system to keep school assignments and papers neat and organized, students will easily be able to access their homework and class materials and be more prepared for quizzes, tests and long-term projects. Students should choose the best system based on their individual needs and preference, whether it be a traditional binder, a Trapper Keeper or Case-It, or an accordion folder system. It’s beneficial to use dividers and tabs to assign separate sections for each school subject. Color-coding offers an effective method for distinguishing subjects and assignments. Sheet protectors protect important papers from wear and tear, and keeping a three-hole punch at home facilitates easily adding unpunched papers into the binder. Consistently dedicating time each month to declutter, organize, and eliminate outdated papers ensures efficiency throughout the school year.

Unlocking the Key to Locker Success

A clean and tidy locker can make passing periods more efficient and help prevent students from losing school supplies and assignments. Purchase shelving and compartments to optimize locker space, making it functional for the assortment of necessities. Nowadays, there are many options for magnetic organizers or hooks to add to the locker's functionality. Placing a laminated class schedule within the locker aids in packing materials according to class order. Keep only the essentials in the locker to avoid a mess and schedule a weekly time for locker clean out. As with the home workspace, items such as pictures, uplifting quotes, or decorative magnets can instill a personal touch.

By embracing strategic systems as those outlined above, students can elevate their organizational skills, setting the stage for a successful school year!

Written by Laine J.

Gearing Up for Another School Year: Making Sure Your Kids Feel Prepared and Excited

Ready or not, another school year is upon us! Stores have stocked their aisles with this year’s must-haves, families are finishing up their school supply shopping, and teachers are working hard to get their classrooms ready to welcome a new group of students. While kids may be excited to see who their teacher is, which friends they have in their class, and even what their new classroom looks like, let’s face it, transitions can be challenging. And entering a new grade is a BIG transition!

With every new transition comes a lot of unknowns. These unknowns can be stressful and overwhelming- especially for school-aged children. You can ease your child’s mind by helping them transition from “summer mode” to “school mode” with consistent routines, goal setting, and enthusiasm!

Consistent Routines

Some of the best perks of summer vacation are staying up late, sleeping in, and spending your days relaxing. During summer, routines are less rigid and there’s extra room built in to recharge. As school begins, it is important that you help your kids set up essential routines. Kids rely on morning, afternoon, and/or bedtime routines to remember important tasks, stay on track, and self-regulate. It’s important to practice these routines prior to school starting so that your child can build consistency. Visuals (ex: picture cards, written routines, posters) may help remind your child how and when to complete each step.

Goal Setting

Goal setting is an amazing way for you to help your child develop realistic and attainable goals for the upcoming school year. Creating these goals can help motivate your child throughout the year and may even get them excited about going back to school. Goals can be set weekly, monthly, quarterly, and even annually. PBS for Parents gives great suggestions for incorporating goal setting at home!

Excitement

This can be one of the easiest ways to ease your child’s mind about going back to school! Excitement is often “contagious” and can be used as a motivation tool. Helping your child get excited about school can be enjoyable as a parent, too. Here are some ways you can create excitement for the school year ahead:

• Take your child back-to-school shopping for supplies or new clothes

• Attend the school’s Open House/Meet the Teacher Night

• Have conversations with your child about what they are looking forward to most

• Read back-to-school books together

• Let your child write and decorate their own routine boards

• Enroll your child in an after-school program/extracurricular activity

• Create a back-to-school countdown

Just because summer is over, doesn’t mean the fun has to end! Creating excitement for the new school year can be a great way to connect as a family. It requires a positive attitude and outlook from everyone involved. If your child is feeling anxious or worried about the upcoming school year, just know that it is more than okay to acknowledge their feelings and share a time you felt anxious or worried yourself. Helping your child ease back into the routines of a school schedule may help alleviate some of these worries and will hopefully leave them, and you, feeling a little bit more prepared and excited for the first day!

Written by Ami Z.

Exploring the Past: Engaging Children in History Through Travel

Children are natural explorers, full of curiosity about the world. With summer in full swing, vacations and trips provide a golden opportunity to tap into their natural wonder and enlighten them about the rich history that can be discovered through travel. This blog will dive into creative and unique ways to engage children in the captivating narratives of our past, connecting their travels to a deeper understanding of history.

Plan Visits to Historical Sites

When planning your family vacations, make it a point to include visits to historical sites. These can include a wide range of locations, from museums to ancient ruins and renowned landmarks. Many historical landmarks and museums offer guided tours or activities tailored specifically for children, heightening their interest in the subject matter. To up the excitement factor, consider organizing a scavenger hunt related to the specific landmark or site. This interactive approach not only engages children, but also allows them to more actively participate in history.

Utilize Guidebooks

Prior to your trip, consider investing in guidebooks or exploring online resources that outline various places of historical significance in your chosen destination. Involve your child in the process, exploring different possibilities and discussing what interests them most. Guidebooks and websites often include an array of historical facts that can provide a valuable context to the upcoming trip, building both curiosity and anticipation.

Make History Hands-On

Enlivening history through hands-on activities can be an extraordinary way to create an immersive learning experience. Encourage your child to try historical foods, witness plays or reenactments, participate in traditional crafts, or explore the musical traditions of the region. These types of experiences will not only deepen their appreciation for history, but also foster more of a connection to the culture and people of the past.

Attend Cultural Events

Research and identify cultural events taking place during your travels. Attending these events exposes your child to many different historical perspectives through unique traditions, music, food, activities, displays, and art. By immersing themselves in shared experiences of the culture, children gain a broader understanding of the historical context in which it all unfolds.

Document Your Travels

Capture cherished memories by taking plenty of photos, videos, and jotting down favorite moments from your trip. Once you return home, involve your child in the process of creating a scrapbook, PowerPoint presentation, or video slideshow to recount their experiences. This interactive reflection reinforces their learning and allows them to showcase their newfound knowledge to family and friends.

By taking the time to emphasize history through travel, you provide your child with a deeper appreciation of those who came before us. By gaining insights into the past, they can contemplate the contributions they themselves may make in shaping the future!

Written by Laine J.