Behavior 101: Understanding Positive and Negative Reinforcement

In the often complex world of behavioral analysis, the simplest and most fundamental question is this: what variables influence behavior? Every adult who interacts with children finds themselves faced with this question as they work to encourage desirable behaviors and discourage undesirable ones.

While many parents have heard terms like ‘positive’ and ‘negative reinforcement’ before, they are often associated with misconceptions about what they truly mean. When the basic principles of behavioral modification are understood, they can be used to craft a more informed and intentional approach to discipline. Similarly, knowing how these variables differ for children with ADHD supports a more nuanced grasp of how they work in action and what strategies will lead to improved outcomes. 

4 KEY TERMS FOR BEHAVIORAL INFLUENCE

First, there are two modes of influence: 

1. Reinforcement, which aims to ‘reinforce’ or increase a desired behavior

2. Punishment, which aims to decrease undesirable behavior

Second, there are two ways of approaching both reinforcement and punishment:

1. Positive, which adds a stimulus (environmental change)

2. Negative, which removes a stimulus

See a visual example here.

REINFORCEMENT: INCREASING DESIRED BEHAVIORS

Positive reinforcement means that if you want to increase the frequency of a certain behavior, you would add (positive) a stimulus (ie. reward). Some examples of positive reinforcers include verbal/written praise, tokens/points that can be redeemed for something of value, and tangible items like candy, toys, treats, etc.

Positive reinforcers should be:

1. Carefully selected - using food has unfortunately been linked to negative effects, whereas more ‘natural’ consequences create a stronger connection between the action and the result (ex. cleaning a room quickly/completely might mean that now there is enough time to go to the park or to play an extra game together)

2. Quickly delivered - reinforcement patterns have a tremendous influence on behavioral outcomes; wherever possible, avoid overly delayed reinforcers (the sooner, the better) 

3. Consistent - results take time, and inconsistency may unintentionally lead to worsening behavior

4. Directly linked to the behavior - explain precisely why the desired behavior was important and how/why it is linked to receiving the reward/reinforcer

Interestingly, deciding how to implement positive reinforcement is particularly important for children with ADHD, as they demonstrate higher sensitivity to both punishment and rewards (Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 2020). Behavior modification for these children should take into consideration the strong preference for immediate over delayed rewards and the heightened need for consistent, high-value reinforcers. 

On the other hand, while negative reinforcement also aims to increase the frequency of a desired behavior, it achieves this through the removal (negative) of a stimulus (something unwanted). For example, if a class is well-behaved, the teacher may waive a homework assignment.

The term negative reinforcement is often mistakenly used to refer to the reduction of undesirable behaviors; however, the correct term for this is punishment.

It is widely understood that positive reinforcement works better and faster - by far - than punishment does (National Library of Medicine). When adults are frustrated that ‘nothing is working’ for behavioral change, this is often directly associated with multiple forms of punishment for undesirable behaviors without positive rewards in place for good behavior.

PUNISHMENT: DECREASING UNDESIRABLE BEHAVIORS

In contrast to reinforcement, punishment aims to reduce undesirable behavior, and positive/negative still refers to the addition or removal of a stimulus. Positive punishment, then, is the addition of an aversive stimulus, such as being given extra chores or having to write an essay about a poor choice, and negative punishment is the removal of a desired stimulus, such as taking away privileges, attention, or toys. 

When it comes to positive punishment, or the addition of a stimulus to decrease a behavior, this often is associated with physical punishment. It is now widely understood that all forms of physical punishment are discouraged, due to its strong association with antisocial behaviors, aggression, and negatively impacted child development.

While some mild forms of negative punishment (such as losing privileges) may “increase on-task behavior and reduce undesirable behaviors effectively in the short-term… its long-term use and/or the use of positive punishment may have unanticipated and unwanted side-effects in children with ADHD” (Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 2020). This approach can also lead to children being motivated by a desire to avoid punishment, rather than an intrinsic drive to perform well or a sense of true engagement with the desired behavior.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Positive reinforcement - or the addition of a stimulus/reward in response to ‘good behavior’ - is regarded as the most effective approach to influencing behavior.

• Punishment is less effective in the long term and is associated with potentially negative effects.

• When it comes to children with ADHD, it is especially important to use positive reinforcers that are a) consistent, b) immediate, and c) high-value.

• Using this understanding to promote better outcomes in children’s behavior leads to improved performance in school, at home, in relationships, and in emotional regulation.

Written by Brandi R.

Setting Positive Intentions for the School Year Ahead

In what may seem like the blink of an eye, summer vacation is coming to a close as schools begin to open for the upcoming school year. And in these few weeks, your child may have a rush of different emotions: first day jitters, excitement, nervousness, and maybe even hopefulness for the school year ahead. These feelings are completely normal, and valid, as your child embarks on a new journey. However, as your child emotionally prepares, there are ways you can encourage them to look forward to, and prepare for, the upcoming school year. 

As children begin school and learn more about their upcoming school year and teachers, it can benefit them to reflect on their intentions. Identifying goals can create a positive outlook and keep your student accountable throughout the year. 

Reflection

Reflection is a great first step for creating positive intentions. Reflections helps your child think back on the successes and areas of improvement from the previous school year. After goals are set, children can incorporate reflective practices in their daily routines throughout the school year. There are many great reflection prompts and self-regulation workbooks that can help you and your child monitor their emotions and intentions throughout the school year.

Goal Setting

Reflection and goal setting can be used together to promote intentional focus for the school year. Many teachers use goal setting strategies to help students take accountability of their learning throughout the year. This helps set positive intentions for the upcoming school year because students are aware of specific skills they need to work on throughout the year and will learn self-monitoring skills to guide them. 

Visualization

Children can explore and present these goals in a number of ways: graphic organizers, letter to themselves, vision board, or even technology based modes (Canva, Powerpoint, Google Slides Prezi, etc). This helps your child create new intentions for the school year, and express them creatively. Creativity can be challenging for some students, so exploring different forms for creativity can help your child feel more confident in their abilities and even inspire positive intentions. 

Morning Routines

Morning routines can incorporate some of the different strategies listed above to set a daily positive intention. Children can create habits that include reviewing goals, setting a daily intention, reflecting on the previous day, or choosing a mindfulness strategy to prepare their brain and body for the upcoming challenges of the day.

Weekly Focus/Daily Affirmations

A weekly focus can help children learn how to segment their large goals into smaller, more manageable pieces. Using a weekly focus or daily affirmation can also reinforce a positive mindset and encourage children to start each day fresh. There are many books children can use for guided practice.

Setting positive intentions with your child will help them feel prepared for the upcoming school year. These positive intentions should be practiced frequently and continued throughout the school year. Even though specific goals may change, positive intentions can help children learn how to cope with some of the more challenging emotions and think positively about their desired outcomes.

Written by Ami Z.

Beat the Heat: Indoor Activities to Keep Kids Active and Healthy

Excessive heat warnings and record temperatures can make it challenging for children in Phoenix to get the kinds of body movement they need while stuck inside. Exercise is essential for kids’ mental and physical health, improves executive function, and doesn’t always have to include leaving the house. Unfortunately, according to the CDC, less than 24% of children 6 to 17 years old engage in the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Here are some strategies for getting those sillies out at any age, even when it’s 118 degrees.

MOVEMENT GAMES

One way to get kids active indoors is to incorporate movement-driven games that are friendly to smaller spaces. Some examples include: Simon Says, Twister, hide and seek, hopscotch, charades, fort building, paper airplanes, musical chairs, and obstacle courses.

For younger children, ask them to imitate animal walks and show off their best frog jumps or alligator crawls. Older children can create a scavenger hunt around the house, then hide the clues and help solve them. Another easy game is to blow up a balloon and see how long they can keep it in the air without hitting the floor. To have extra fun playing as a family, add a musical component and put on everyone’s favorite songs to get them dancing. If there are multiple participants, turn it into a game of Freeze Dance and pause at intervals to see who can stop and start on time.

INDOOR EXERCISE

Without the benefit of a PE class offered at school, and with the added challenge of the heat outside, children need to be given structured opportunities to exercise for at least an hour each day inside the home. The CDC recommends that this time is centered mostly around aerobic exercises (running, jumping, swimming, etc), but it should also incorporate muscle- and bone-strengthening (push-ups, jumping jacks, crab walks, stairs, etc) activities as well.

One simple strategy to meet this need is to locate exercise videos on YouTube or other preferred platforms that children can follow. Ideally, the videos should be selected according to the child’s age, skill, and unique preferences. There are countless types to choose from, including gymnastics for any level, martial arts, flexibility/stretching, aerobics, balance, mindfulness-oriented movement, and more. For example, a morning-focused video can offer some AM warm-ups while a more calming yoga practice can be done on the living room floor before bed to improve sleep.

Yoga can be a particularly valuable and accessible choice for indoor exercise that is associated with a wide range of benefits. These include improving emotional regulation, stress management, body awareness, mindfulness, concentration, memory, strength, flexibility, and self-esteem, while also reducing anxiety and impulsivity. There are plenty of different types and levels, too, so it can be used for both energizing and bedtime routines at any age.

Ultimately, children can and should still benefit from daily physical activity even if they are limited on time outdoors during the summer months. Intentionally providing opportunities to play games that involve movement and participate in indoor exercise can meet this need without costing money or giving anyone a sunburn.

Written by Brandi R.

Developing Flexible Thinkers Through Extracurricular Activities

Flexible thinking is a powerful tool as it contributes to successful problem solving, adaptability, perseverance, and contributes to metacognition and positive thinking. This type of thinking can be implicitly and explicitly practiced through intentional practice, modeling, and embedding these skills in the activities children are completing. Flexible thinking allows children to view situations from multiple perspectives and apply a variety of solution-oriented strategies in a safe environment.

Children learn the importance of flexibility from a young age in PE, athletics, and extracurricular activities. For example, if you were to watch the first ten minutes of a softball practice, you would see active children preparing their bodies for a practice or  game. What you won’t be able to see, however, is that children are not only practicing active flexibility, but they are also preparing their minds to practice flexible thinking skills. Although it is hidden, it is equally important for their success. Extracurricular activities, including hobbies, sports, clubs, and community service, build essential flexible thinking skills.

Hobbies and Clubs

Hobbies are an excellent way for children to learn about themselves, their interests, and practice flexible thinking. Hobbies such as painting, music, photography, writing, yoga, and cooking allow children to explore solutions to difficult problems. Overcoming writer’s block, adjusting a new yoga pose, and modifying a recipe are all different ways children can practice flexible thinking. Creative and critical thinking can also promote mental flexibility. Various clubs can improve these skills such as Chess, Drama, Improv, Art, and Book clubs can provide structured opportunities for students to practice enhancing their skills.

Sports

Different sports and mindful activities can help children develop mental flexibility through task analyzing and routines. Oftentimes children need to analyze their performance for improvements, make real-time decisions, find quick solutions for problems that arise, adjust their performance as needed, process information, and practice situational awareness. These skills can be improved during practice and during their team or individual performance (i.e game, meet, competition). 

Community Service

Community service is a great way for children to get involved and give back to the community. For young children, this may be done as part of a group such as Boy Scouts or an athletic team. While doing so, they can also practice their mental flexibility. When completing community service, children are faced with different problems they may need to overcome. Some situations may be unpredictable and require quick thinking to face these challenges. Other types of community service may encourage children to engage with the process of developing a plan. All of these examples require different components of flexible thinking which children can practice with support until they are able to perform specific tasks independently.

The flexible thinking skills learned through extracurricular activities can translate into real-world experiences. Children can use these skills to help solve problems, use positive self-talk, welcome changes to plans, and overcome challenges. By learning these skills early, children are more likely to continue exercising what they have learned throughout adulthood. Unfortunately, challenges don’t go away as children grow up- they typically get more complicated. Continuing to practice these skills will help children successfully manage changes and uncertainties as adults.

To see Peak’s last blog on flexible thinking, click here.

 Written by Ami Z.

Summer Survival Guide: How to Create an Activities Menu for Kids with ADHD

It can be hard enough to reduce screen time for kids in general, but the often unstructured and indoor nature of summers in the Phoenix Valley can unlock a new level of difficulty for parents of children with ADHD. While getting out of the house is a great way to spend the break, it isn’t always a sustainable choice for the long haul.

For many parents, hearing comments like ‘I’m bored’ and ‘There’s nothing to do’ signals a familiar struggle: decision fatigue. This is particularly true for children with executive function disorders. Decision fatigue occurs because “ADHDers struggle to filter out irrelevant information to focus on what’s most important. The struggle can lead to a significant cognitive load as information is weighed, making even small decisions feel big” (Michael Ascher, M.D., and Lauren Ascher, J.D. M.S.T., 2024). 

ENTER: THE ACTIVITIES MENU

Feeling overwhelmed by the task of choosing what to do during the day, amplified by a reduced sense of structure in general, can be a recipe for meltdowns and conflict. Fortunately, simplifying daily decisions with an activities menu can help prevent them. Working together with your child, brainstorm as many activities as you can. Providing a guided list of non-electronic activities offers a simple resource that encourages them to get creative about how to keep themselves entertained and empowers them with the gift of both structure and choice.

CREATE CATEGORIES

Aim for a variety of activity types, such as physical movement, art, music, reading, play, etc. Movement might include dancing to music, playing hide and seek, or following guided exercise videos for children. If reading and writing are generally a challenge, these can be more exciting after a trip to the library for new material, or when writing a letter to a family member who lives far away. For playtime, they might list the toys currently in their room, such as legos, blocks, and puzzles. If encouraging your child to entertain themselves more independently is a priority, it can also be helpful to create a list of activities that can be done alone versus collaboratively, such as coloring on their own or playing a board game together. 

ON THE HUNT FOR IDEAS

Running out of ideas? Check out Peak’s article on Summer Boredom Busters. Make a research project out of it on Google to see what new ideas you can read about. An adventure together around the house might discover an old pack of bubbles from a birthday party, some cake mix that hasn’t been baked yet, or other small surprises lying around. Even a sheet in the hall closet could become ‘Build a fort’ on the activity menu. Is the list getting too long? Write the ideas on slips of paper in a jar to be pulled as needed throughout the day. Or, the menu can be spread out as separate lists for different days, to help mix things up.

TAKEAWAYS

• Summer boredom can lead to cognitive overwhelm as children with ADHD try to decide what to do with their free time.

• Creating an activities menu can provide a sense of structure and empowered choices, while also reducing screen time and promoting creative problem-solving.

• Activities menus are ideally designed around non-electronic entertainment, and they incorporate variety in the types of choices provided.

Written by Brandi R.

Memory Books: Creating A Visual Representation of the Year's Biggest Achievements

The end of the school year is the perfect time for you and your child to reflect on the successes and achievements of the year! Working with your child to create a memory book is one of the best ways to compile all of the year’s accomplishments and set them on a stage for review. Not only is the process of creating a memory book fun, but it also provides practice with executive functioning skills, like organization, planning, and metacognition, and results in a meaningful keepsake that can be cherished for years to come. Below are some tips and ideas for creating a memory book. Think of these as a starting point and see where this project takes you!

Materials

First, let’s take a look at what components will help to define the past year for your child. This memory book may take on a more academic profile, a more social one, or ideally, be a nice mix of both! Photographs are, of course, one of the main items that will take up space inside a memory book. But you can also add items like report cards, treasured artwork, stories written, meaningful notes or compliments from friends and teachers, and essays or projects. For the memory book, you’ll want to find a blank scrapbook or notebook (or even just blank card stock that you later bind or staple together). You will also need basics like scissors, glue, tape, etc. Patterned paper and stickers are fun too!

Organization

Memory books can be organized chronologically by the different months of the school year or by semesters even! They can also be organized by different types of content. For example, there might be a “school success” section which has all of the items that are school-related, an “extracurriculars” section which highlights all of the achievements made during sports and arts classes, and a “friends and family” section which captures important memories made with loved ones throughout the year!

LayouT

Before adding everything to the actual book, take some time to organize all of the items that will go into the scrapbook by page. You can create a little folder or bag to hold all of the items that you want grouped together for each page or section of the scrapbook. Lay out all of the items on a table before gluing or taping them down onto the pages of the book.

Personalization

After adding all of the special mementos to the book, take some time to encourage a little bit more reflection. Leave space for your child to write captions, anecdotes, quotes, or even little stories next to the items they have chosen to add. For example, if they chose to include an essay that they wrote, next to it they could write, “I was super proud of this essay because…” Having these extra little notes and thoughts included will be so fun for your child to look back at during the years to come!

Creating a memory book is a fantastic way to reflect on the school year and document cherished memories!

Written by Laine J.

Fun Ways to Build Metacognition Over the Summer

Schools all across the country are beginning to prepare for the end of the year. Teachers are preparing final grades, students are turning in their last few assignments, and families are gearing up for summer vacation. Many students can feel the heat of summer approaching and are counting down the minutes until the final bell of the year rings, which means they may be slowly engaging less and less with their coursework. And while students may view this time of year as the “home stretch”, it is an excellent time to encourage them to continue to practice metacognitive strategies throughout the summer months.

“Metacognition is, put simply, thinking about one’s thinking” (Chick, 2013). It focuses on the thinking process and allows students to take ownership in their learning through ongoing self-reflection. However, thinking can be an exhausting process. Rapid thoughts, wandering mind, short attention span, and inner dialogue can all be challenges when it comes to metacognition. Luckily, there are strategies to improve metacognition with practice, such as checklists, goal setting, reflection, and many more.  And while there are many schools implementing these metacognition strategies, there are also fun ways to incorporate them at home!

JOURNAL ENTRIES

Reflection is an excellent way to promote the metacognitive process. Questions like “How was your day overall? What went well? Was there anything you would do differently next time? What challenges did you overcome and how?” can help prompt students to process their thoughts with intention. Journal entries can also help students identify any patterns or trends they see in their thinking process. For younger students, sentence writing with pictures would be a great way to start building writing stamina. Encourage students to add details to their drawing or writing and reflect on what they added!

PROBLEM SOLVING PUZZLES

Different puzzles, such as logic puzzles, crosswords, spot the differences, etc., can help your child develop their thinking skills. Logic puzzles can help children reflect on what they know, what they can infer, and what they do not know yet. Working through new information helps build observation skills. Solving puzzles also promotes the use of checklists to help keep track of information that is processed. Puzzles are a fun and engaging way to help students develop self-monitoring skills without it feeling like another assignment.

GAMES 

Various games can help children with metacognition. Strategy games can provide children with the tools they need to analyze, reflect, and respond. You can even ask prompting questions during these activities to help guide their thinking process. Additionally, modeling your thinking out loud can help students see examples of metacognition. Games like Life, Chess, Risk, Sequence, Connect Four, Battleship, Monopoly, and Sorry can help develop these skills. 

BOOK/TV SHOW CLUB

Book or TV Show Clubs can be a great combination of enjoyment and metacognition practice! Scaffolding information into smaller chunks (i.e. chapters or episodes) can help children process information in greater detail. Provide guiding questions, or allow children to ask their own questions, to help promote metacognition. Focusing on problems, solutions, and new learning can help children discover more about the bigger picture. Study guides, journaling, and notetaking are great tools for students to write their thoughts down and think more deeply about the content. 

While it may seem like the school year is ready to close, there are still lessons to be learned, ideas to be shared, and thoughts to be formed. Modeling thinking processes and offering time for ongoing reflection can help children develop their metacognitive skills. Children may discover a hidden interest by improving the structure of their thinking and discovering ways to expand their knowledge.

Written by Ami Z.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.