Does your son fully grasp the material he is learning in the classroom but struggle to complete assignments on time? Maybe he does his assignments but cannot find his completed work on the due date? Does your daughter spend hours “studying” for her tests – reading her text book and notes over and over again- only to go in on test day and completely blank on the material? Are ADHD and/or poor executive functioning skills inhibiting your student from reaching her potential? If you can relate to any of the above, working with an Educational Coach may be just what your child needs!
The Value of an Educational Coach
I often hear from parents that their son or daughter is opposed to working with a tutor. Many kids adamantly state they can manage their school work on their own; this is especially true for those who can grasp the content of their courses, but rather are tripped up by the logistics of holding it all together. It is these logistics that an Educational Coach helps with. From helping students to set up organizational systems that work, to teaching time management and how to break down big assignments, to learning those invaluable study skills to become an active learner, an Educational Coach may be the ticket to academic success. Rather than providing content support like a traditional tutor, an Educational Coach works with a student to teach those invaluable executive functioning skills that are crucial to success both in and out of the classroom.
If your son or daughter plays sports, they are used to working with a coach. In fact, they expect to work with a coach in order to improve their skills. From Little League to the Pros, athletes work with coaches on a regular basis in order to perform to the best of their abilities on the field. Think of Educational Coaching in the same way – a coach to help your child perform to the best of his ability in the classroom. Educational Coaches work with students on executive functioning skills, helping them with organization, time management, and study skills. Is your son or daughter into technology? Perhaps he or she would be more open to using an electronic calendaring system or app on the Smartphone. Times are changing and there is no ‘right’ way to organize and plan.
Here are a few things an Educational Coach could help your student with:
• Set up an organized binder system for managing the paper flow to 
and from school
• Explore calendar options (including technology!)
• Teach the skills for knowing how to break down big projects and tasks into manageable chunks
• Teach active reading strategies and note taking skills
• Develop study skills
So if you’ve got a child who has ADHD or who grasps the content but is struggling with holding it all together (and poor grades or lack of motivation are on the rise), consider working with and Educational Coach. Knowing what to do and how to approach it is the first step!
