Articles

The Keys to Remembering What You Read

Learning is an active process, not a spectator sport. It requires energy and most important of all, concentration. For many students, focus is not a problem when they are reading about subjects they enjoy. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In the course of their studies, students have to plow through a good deal of material they find dense and boring. And this is when taking the time to take good notes while reading becomes so useful in enhancing learning.


In Praise of Praise - The Right Words Can Motivate Your Child

Praise is a powerful tool, especially when it comes to homework. Research shows that by simply praising effort rather than intelligence, kids will develop greater motivation to keep trying, even when the going gets tough. Read more…


How Family Dinners Improve Students' Grades

Believe it or not, your family's eating habits can have a profound effect on your child's academic success. The routine of preparing and sharing meals regularly creates a sense of family togetherness and unity. Though the hustle and bustle of everyday life can get in the way, it's important to carve out time specifically to sit down together around the table.


Why Is Learning Style So Important?

Most people have a preferred way to learn. Some learn best by listening, some have to observe every step, while others have to do it to learn it. The fact is that individuals need all three modalities to truly commit information to memory: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. While most are typically stronger in one area than another, the trick is figuring out the preferred modality and capitalizing on strengths. Read more…

Does Your Elementary Schooler Hate to Read?

Many parents of reluctant young readers have tried rewarding, cajoling, and sometimes, in the end, giving up simply because their child refuses to read for pleasure. So, what's the trick to get your child to open up a book? The first thing you need to know is that reading comes in all forms, not just in the traditional books that the school has suggested. Read more…


Best Ways to Calm the Homework Rush

"My kid always rushes through her homework!" I hear this complaint from many parents. As adults, it's difficult for us to understand why our children can't slow down, take time to focus, and check their work. Rushing is not a serious issue if your child occasionally races through homework because she has "better things to do." Rushing only becomes a problem when your child can't slow down, seems unmotivated to do well, and often turns in work that is inaccurate and contains careless errors. For this type of student, rushing is frequently a daily habit. Read more…


Why Are Executive Functions So Important?

Over the last 20 years, there has been a tremendous amount of research devoted to very important cognitive abilities responsible for school success. These innate abilities are called executive functions and they control a person's ability to stay focused, plan ahead, strategize, and recall information. Some students come by these skills naturally, while others need lots of support. Read more...