With the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey fresh on our minds and another potentially catastrophic storm, Irma, on the horizon, we know that neighborhoods, schools, and parents are doing everything they can to prepare for the worst-case scenario while hoping for the best possible outcome. At the PsychoEducational Consultant Group, we believe that taking a proactive approach to preparing children for natural disasters can assist in coping with potentially challenging situations, both physically and emotionally. Below are some resources from trusted sources we wish to share with our community: From the National Association of School Psychologists: Natural Disasters: Brief Facts and Tips From HealthyChildren.org: Getting Your Family Prepared for a Disaster From the American Red Cross: Disaster Safety for Children Most importantly, we feel that maintaining
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Do you know what the term executive functioning means? Executive functioning, in simpler terms, relates to the brain’s ability to keep us on-task. Executive functioning also reminds us of deadlines and meetings, encourages us to overcome setbacks, etc. Many students struggle in school and everyday life because they do not naturally possess, nor have they been taught, these important skills. Listed below are some common executive functioning skills: INHIBIT The ability to resist impulses and to block out distractions SHIFT The ability to make transitions, show problem-solving flexibility, alternate attention and to change focus EMOTIONAL CONTROL Managing emotions to complete a task INITIATE Beginning a task and being independent in problem-solving (ability to generate ideas) WORKING MEMORY The ability to hold information to
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Understood.org is a fabulous website for parents and teachers. It allows you to select your student’s grade level and an area that they are experiencing difficulty with (e.g., reading, writing, math, paying attention, etc.). After you plug in the information, you will watch a short video about a child who has learning and/or attention issues (from their perspective). You’ll then play a simulation game/activity to see how it feels to be “in their shoes”. Finally, an expert will break down what it means for a student who is experiencing difficulties in that area. Explore this website.
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Have you ever wondered if your child was bright or truly gifted? Parents of children who appear to learn more quickly than their peers often wonder if their kids are gifted. The attached chart lists common characteristics of bright children and gifted learners. If you are curious about your child’s intellectual abilities, please call our office for a free consultation. We can schedule an appointment to evaluate your child and also offer guidance about how eligibility for services within the school system is determined, your school choice options, and recommendations on how to assist your gifted or bright child at home. Click here for the chart.
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