Good Sensory Learning Blog

What is Rapid Automatic Naming? Rapid Automatic Naming (RAN)—also known simply as rapid naming—is the ability to quickly name a sequence of familiar items such as letters, numbers, colors, or common objects. Research consistently shows a strong correlation between RAN and reading ability. Why? Because the faster and more efficiently a person can retrieve information from memory, the easier it is to decode and comprehend written text. How Does RAN Work in the Brain? Although RAN’s impact on reading is well documented, researchers continue to explore exactly how it influences literacy. Three main theories have emerged: Phonological Retrieval Theory   This...

The human brain, a marvel of nature's engineering, is often discussed in terms of its two distinct hemispheres, each with its unique strengths. Bridging these cerebral continents is the corpus callosum, a superhighway of nerves that facilitates interhemispheric communication. Yet, this pathway isn't always trafficked to its full potential. The common discourse around being 'right-brained' or 'left-brained' suggests many of us navigate life tapping into just half of our cerebral potential. But imagine the possibilities if we could harness the full spectrum of our brain's capabilities, merging the analytical with the artistic, the logical with the intuitive. By learning to...

What are Executive Functions? Executive functions, or what I like to call the conductor of the brain, are the process of the mind gathering together and making sense of all the information we receive from our instruments or senses. Helping us to create meaning from what we see, hear, touch, taste, and experience, executive functions also allow us to focus our attention, learn and think about new information, and make connections to what we already know.   The Three Parts of Executive Function Executive function is not fully understood in the literature, and studies continue to explore this complex skill. However,...

I have never understood why the number-line extends horizontally from left to right. Young learners often confuse left from right and others have trouble remembering which way to travel when trying to solve simple addition and subtraction problems. However, when viewing a vertical number line, it makes conceptual sense that going up would equate with adding, while traveling down would result in subtraction. Furthermore, when solving multi-digit problems, we teach students to line up numbers vertically. Therefore, wouldn't it be best to start instruction with the number line extending up and down? Turning the Number-line Into a Ladder To make...

Federal law requires schools, colleges, and universities to provide reasonable accommodations for students who have documented learning disabilities such as dyslexia (commonly called a Specific Learning Disability). Many of these students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities need a foreign language requirement to be modified. A common accommodation is a foreign language exemption, waiver or modification. What are Foreign Language Exemptions, Waivers and Modifications? Over the years I have heard a few terms that have been used to describe foreign language accommodations in education.  Here is a quick review: A foreign language exemption: Some state laws provide mandates that...