Good Sensory Learning Blog

How I love to get challenging and difficult students, because they always help me to grow and find new, exciting pathways to learning. For the past few months, I have been working with a discouraged and easily agitated 4th grader that, "hates to write." In fact, he would shut down and spin into a tantrum when asked to hold a pencil. So, what can we do to reach students when they are disempowered and shut down to learning altogether?  Let me share some tools and strategies with you! Why Do Some Students Struggle to Write? Writing, like reading, is a...

In New York State, most middle schoolers are amidst state-mandated standardized tests. This involves four days of testing for ELA and Math, and many families debate about whether it is best to let their children take these tests or opt out altogether. What is the Purpose of the Testing?  According to the NYS Department of Education: "The federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 maintains the requirement that students in Grades 3-8 are tested once a year in English Language Arts and Math."  They purport that, "The tests are designed to measure how well students are mastering the learning standards that guide...

Having to take notes by copying from a board or projection while a teacher is lecturing is challenging for any learner, because it requires students to multitask and constantly shift modes of learning. The process demands students to read, listen and write while making sense of the material. However, for students with dyslexia this teaching method can be disastrous. How Has Technology Impacted Note-taking? Before the rise of educational technology, students used to copy while the teacher wrote on the blackboard, however, with the use of devices such as the Smartboard and software like PowerPoint, the words just magically appear....

Because emotional intelligence is thought to be an important step in realizing one's true potential, it's vital that we develop EQ in our schools. What is Emotional Intelligence? Emotional intelligence, sometimes referred to as EQ (emotional quotient), is one's ability to understand and manage internal and external emotions in positive ways.  It includes stress management, emotional regulation, nonviolent communication, and empathy. 5 Strategies to Help Students Improve their Emotional Intelligence? Share and discuss stories of people that exhibit high levels of emotional intelligence. Teach students about active listening skills, and discuss ways to attend to both verbal and nonverbal communication....

I think everyone will agree that no two people have the same strengths and weaknesses. But because we cannot observe each student’s brain behavior, it’s easy to blindly assume that what helps us learn, will help others. In fact, you will often see teachers insist that their students study a certain way, because the teacher knows how much that methods helps themselves. So should teachers step out of their preferred ways of learning and accommodate the unique needs of their students? What are Learning Styles? Learning styles are an individual's unique approach to learning based on strengths, weaknesses, and preferences....