Good Sensory Learning Blog

Math word problems stump a lot of students, as they have difficulty figuring out how to change a sentence of words into a mathematical problem. For many, the stumbling block is recognizing and remembering the different key words that signify mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. I’m continually trying to craft fun activities that make the process fun and memorable. Most recently, I created the Key Word Race Party Game, that I thought I would share. Key Word Race Party Game Setup Materials needed: 1) Colorful plastic eggs2) 2-5 buckets, bowls, shoe boxes or other medium to...

Utilizing imagery and visual memory can be very helpful when learning mathematics. A single picture can help a student define and remember a concept, or it can even help them to recall the steps required to compute a problem. What’s more, it often brings the “fun factor” into the learning environment as students can pull out their crayons, colored pencils or magic markers to complete the activity. The Palm Tree Method I recently learned about the Palm Tree Method from one of my students. I scoured the internet to find its origin, but came up empty handed. So, although I...

Over the years, I have scoured the internet to find high-quality online games that not only entertain but also strengthen the brain, support cognitive growth, and help learners find joy in the process. As a learning specialist, educational therapist, and executive functioning coach, I know that when students are engaged in playful and meaningful activities, they are more motivated, focused, and receptive to learning. Educational games are one of my favorite tools because they blend fun with function, offering children and teens an opportunity to exercise their minds while enjoying themselves.  Why Online Games Can Be Powerful Learning Tools Research shows...

Let’s face it, the US education system is a mess. Most kids are anxious and stressed, many teachers are fearful and disrespected, countless parents are confused and annoyed and scores of administrators are angry and aggressive. When programs are hurting most, funding is usually diminished. Kids don’t receive services until they are failing or close to failing, and if interventions help these underachieving students, services are continually stripped away as soon as they get their heads above water. It’s a competitive, punitive, and dysfunctional system that desperately needs radical reform. The Atlantic Magazine Summary This blog post reflects back on...

I just love to use balls for teaching students. It's a great way to accommodate and engage your kinesthetic and tactile learners, and it always brings the fun factor into your lesson! I often purchase beach balls at the dollar store and use permanent markers to write down different, reading, writing, grammar, and math concepts. How Do I Use Beach Balls? Here are a few things that I use balls for: parts of speech multiplication touch math vowel combinations types of sentences letters blending writing prompts If you use balls for other lessons, please share your ideas. Cheers, Dr. Erica...