Good Sensory Learning Blog

Meeting the needs of a student with dyslexia can be a complicated process because most require an individualized approach. Although two students might struggle with common symptoms such as word reversals or spelling problems, the underlying causes can be remarkably different.  This is true because there are a variety of cognitive-based deficits that can cause a diagnosis of dyslexia. The two most common, core difficulties lie within the processing of either auditory or visual information. Dysphonetic Dyslexia Those with dysphonetic dyslexia experience difficulties connecting sounds to letter symbols, sounding out words, and spelling words phonetically. Although hearing is not impaired,...

The brain is much like the body. If we exercise areas that are weak or underdeveloped, we can overcome significant difficulties. In fact, we may even be able to turn a weakness into a strength. Just like a personal trainer or physical therapist can strengthen an underdeveloped bicep or repair a sprained ankle, a learning specialist or educational therapist can remediate troublesome cognitive processing areas like visual processing or auditory memory. In fact, I often tell my students that I'm a personal trainer for the brain.  What is Cognitive Remedial Therapy? Cognitive remedial therapy involves activities that improve mental abilities such...

Many classrooms nurture passive learning by training students to sit still and receive lessons through lectures and texts.  They are expected to acquiesce, listen, absorb, and remember the new content.  Unfortunately, this approach does not serve the needs of all students, and an active learning environment can offer an exciting solution. What is Active Learning? Active learning environments are bustling with energy and thought-provoking activities. Students are busy engaging with others, sharing ideas, and applying new content to prior knowledge. Active learners are continually involved in creative projects, self-directed learning, mindful activities, interactive discussions, and multisensory ways of learning. In addition, learners...

Can you imagine what it would be like to navigate our surroundings without a sense of touch? It would probably be challenging to simply get from place to place, let alone learn anything! For many learners, a hands on approach greatly enhances the learning process, and we as teachers need to know how to accommodate these students.  3 Distinct Types Of Tactile Learning Virtually everyone learns through the sense of touch, but there is a vast continuum with some learners reporting the tactile modality to be somewhat distracting while others find that it serves a vital role. In fact, over...

Struggling students often show signs of academic problems at an early age.  They may complain about homework, independent reading, or going to school altogether.  Parents might also witness other telltale signs such as trouble tying shoes, difficulties following directions, or maintaining focus, to name a few.  With large class sizes, it is not uncommon for bright kids with learning disabilities to remain unrecognized, and they can slip through the system. Why is Early Testing for Learning Disabilities Important?  Seeking screeners and a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation, when signs first arise, can help a struggling student uncover the root problems.  If they are given the...