Good Sensory Learning Blog

I am a learning specialist and educational therapist. However, I tell many of my clientele that I’m a personal trainer for the brain. I help individuals of all ages to improve overall cognition, develop compensatory learning strategies and master optimal study skills. I have seen, first hand the power of brain training. What is Brain Training? Brain Training, Brain Fitness, or Cognitive Remediation is the act of strengthening deficits in learning or weak areas of cognition. This is typically done using activities that concentrate on specific areas of difficulty. Just like a personal trainer or physical therapist can focus exercises...

With busy schedules, keyboard shortcuts can save a lot of time and frustration. Committing a few of your favorites to memory is worth the effort, and I have also created an image that you can print so that these tricks can be posted beside your computer - when needed.   Shortcuts often require you to hold down one or more modifier keys while pressing another key. For example, to use the print shortcut, Command-P (print), hold down Command and press P, and then release both keys. Here is a list of the modifier keys: Command ⌘ Shift ⇧ Option/alt ⌥ Control...

Working memory is a fundamental cognitive processing activity required for learning, and it is the part of the brain that is responsible for the transient holding and processing of new and stored information. In fact, recent research suggests that working memory is a better indicator of academic success than IQ.   How Does Working Memory Function?   Working memory is one of the three key components of executive functions.  It is much like the stage of our conscious attention and is a place where incoming sensory information is processed, encoded, and retrieved.  Working memory also works with the two other parts of executive functioning, inhibitory...

Imagine going to the movies with your eyes closed. How much of the movie would you understand? How much of the storyline would you recall? Not much, and it probably wouldn't be very engaging. In fact, you may begin to focus on the smells and the sounds of people crunching on popcorn. Your thoughts might wander, and you could even fall asleep.  Why Struggling Readers Disengage Many struggling readers have a similar experience when they open a book. They get little to no visuals in their mind's eye while reading, they report that it is difficult to maintain attention and many...

There are many successful adults with learning disabilities, but what are the common traits that these people share? A 20-year research study by the Frostig Center in Pasadena, California answered this question and they identified 6 key attributes that contribute to success.  The Six Key Attributes to Success for Adults with Learning Disabilities: Self-Awareness: Understanding one's strengths and weaknesses is an important indicator of success because students can learn to utilize their strong abilities and, with the right support, deficits can be remediated. One of the best ways to define difficulties and talents is by pursuing a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation...