Good Sensory Learning Blog

I’ve been reflecting more and more on how profoundly our bodies and minds interconnect, and one revelation that has recently captivated me is the crucial role the autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays in shaping our executive functioning. We often think of executive functions—skills like attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility—in purely cognitive terms. Yet, consider this: our ability to focus, adapt, resist impulses, and manage information can be directly influenced by how well we regulate our physiological state. By understanding the balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) systems, we can discover simple yet effective...

Are you an educator, parent, or specialist trying to help a student who seems capable but constantly forgets assignments, avoids tasks, or struggles to stay organized? You’re not alone.  Many students today are falling behind, not because they lack intelligence, but because they were never taught how to learn, how to plan, or how to manage their own thinking. These are all executive functioning skills, and while they are essential for success, most schools don’t explicitly teach them. 🧠 What’s Missing in Schools? In traditional classrooms, students are often expected to: Keep track of multiple assignments across subjects Start tasks on...

After reading the recent NY Times article on ADHD diagnoses and stimulant medications, I found myself reflective—not only as an educational therapist but as someone who has spent decades walking alongside students and families trying to make sense of this complex, often misunderstood diagnosis. The article, titled "Have We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong?", was published by The New York Times on October 6, 2023. You can read it here: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/06/opinion/adhd-diagnosis-treatment.html. What stood out most to me was the recognition that the long-term academic impact of stimulant medication is far less significant than we’d hoped. As someone who sees...

Stretch Those Thinking Muscles! A Fun New Way to Build Cognitive Flexibility in Kids Let’s be real—life doesn’t always go according to plan. One moment you’re deep in a math lesson, and the next, a surprise fire drill sends you outside… standing in the rain without a jacket. For kids, these sudden shifts can feel like major disruptions. But what if we could equip them with the mental tools to handle surprises, solve problems creatively, and shift gears with confidence?  Say hello to the E-Fun Cognitive Flexibility Workbook—a playful, 49-page printable resource designed to make developing executive functioning skills both...

In every classroom, students are surrounded by a constant flow of sensory input. They hear the teacher’s voice. They see the text on the board. They speak when called on. But here’s the truth: just because students are sensing doesn’t mean they’re processing. Many students know how to hear, but haven’t been taught how to listen. Many can see, but struggle to visualize. And many can speak, but haven’t yet tapped into the power of metacognitive thinking. Learning doesn’t happen through sensory input alone—it happens through sensory processing. The difference lies in whether the learner is subconscious or conscious—whether they’re simply reacting...