tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560937537927324912024-09-07T14:35:41.536-04:00Dr. Erica Warren offers a friendly and informative place where teachers, parents and therapists can find expert advice, multisensory strategies and mindful teaching materials. Find all her resources, at www.goodsensorylearning.comDr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.comBlogger397125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-5621319673819990202021-03-28T13:38:00.002-04:002021-03-28T13:38:13.229-04:00

Building reading stamina for struggling readers can be a tricky endeavor.  After a few pages of text, many lose interest because reading is a difficult and cognitively taxing chore.  So what can be done to increase endurance and help learners find joy in reading.What is Reading Stamina?Reading stamina is a learner's ability to sustain attention and effort when reading independently.Why

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-43186706810194312862021-02-28T15:21:00.000-05:002021-02-28T15:21:16.882-05:00

In the classroom, many students are discouraged from using their imaginations or visualization skills, because, in the past, they have used mental imagery to escape the lesson.  However, when kids learn how to take the reins of their imagination and tame their mind's eye, they can use mental images as well as their inner voice to drop into the teachable moment.What is Visualization?

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-43789511608251088292021-01-31T12:41:00.008-05:002021-01-31T13:33:49.911-05:00

Many students that struggle with auditory processing weaknesses can be irritating to teachers and family members because they just don't seem to pay attention or follow verbal directions.  In addition, when these struggling learners attempt to follow through with directives, they may miss sequence tasks, leave out steps altogether, or they may completely misunderstand or misinterpret what

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-65225789478135628192021-01-14T16:42:00.006-05:002021-06-21T10:59:30.393-04:00

Although it may appear that a child or student is not paying attention or listening, sometimes it has nothing to do with that.  In addition, it may not be an issue of effort or intellect, rather they may be lost in a world of words that are difficult to process and understand.  What is Auditory Processing?Auditory processing involves the cognitive functions that recognize,

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-14106651725171493762020-12-06T13:14:00.007-05:002021-01-30T14:09:19.302-05:00

Visual processing is one of many complex cognitive tasks that allows us to make sense of images we perceive through our eyes.  Although it appears to be an effortless process, it requires a number of different skills that work in tandem.  How is Vision and Visual Processing Different?Many people think that vision and visual processing are one in the same thing.  However, they

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0Putnam Valley, NY, USA41.3423559 -73.8491353-13.281866116866681 -144.1616353 90 -3.5366353000000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-5114878021497124852020-10-22T13:23:00.004-04:002020-12-06T13:18:03.331-05:00

Did you know that a strong working memory is one of the best indicators of academic success?  In contrast, those that struggle with a weak working memory often find learning, accessing prior knowledge, and solving problems in their mind challenging. So what is working memory all about?What is Working Memory?Working memory is like a mental sketchpad and guiding voice that allows us to solve

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0Putnam Valley, NY, USA41.3423559 -73.849135313.032122063821156 -109.0053853 69.65258973617884 -38.6928853tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-10813542060921498212020-09-21T12:10:00.003-04:002021-01-01T16:07:21.361-05:00

Many struggling readers have a difficult time making sense of text because they lose their place on the page.  In addition, some find it challenging for their eyes to track from one line of text to the next, and they often read the same line, again and again.  Skipping over words, or even missing a line of text altogether is not uncommon.  As you can imagine this could have a

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0Putnam Valley, NY, USA41.3423559 -73.849135313.032122063821156 -109.0053853 69.65258973617884 -38.6928853tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-89126722020071363002020-09-10T09:00:00.002-04:002021-07-29T16:56:36.132-04:00

Finding the best online, learning resources can be a challenge.  There is an overwhelming number of sites, apps, and products, and finding the best ones can be a time-consuming chore.  Having been an educational therapist and learning specialist for the past twenty years, I continually scour the internet for the best resources, and I would love to share with you some of my favorites!My

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0Putnam Valley, NY, USA41.3423559 -73.8491353-15.586822892394991 -144.1616353 90 -3.5366353000000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-69426466800501126422020-08-17T12:15:00.002-04:002020-09-02T13:24:17.897-04:00

Wouldn't it be great if a teacher's actions triggered neurotransmitters in the brains of their students that improved attention, motivation, and learning at large?  Many would say that this idea sounds like a science fiction novel, but, in fact,  it's not far from the truth. What Role do Neurotransmitters Have in the Learning Process?Countless chemical messengers called

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0Putnam Valley, NY, USA41.3423559 -73.8491353-10.730804707113414 -144.1616353 90 -3.5366353000000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-16049626502483200742020-07-29T16:34:00.002-04:002020-09-02T13:24:03.030-04:00

When working with students online using Zoom, it can be frustrating and messy when trying to write out lessons with your mouse. Although Zoom does offer a great typing tool, when doing math problems or drawing an image or diagram that requires a less linear approach there are better options out there.How Can You Use an iPad During Zoom?A great way to write and draw neatly on a Zoom session is to

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-52737931859502010092020-07-13T08:00:00.025-04:002020-08-25T17:18:02.670-04:00

Have you been looking for a supportive community to help you manage the academic and emotional needs of kids?  Are you an educator or parent that has questions about the best schooling options?Perhaps you would like to learn more about topics such as executive functioning, dyslexia support, serving the needs of struggling students, remedial methods, and more. Dear friends:I hope you are

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0Putnam Valley, NY, USA41.3423559 -73.8491353-7.2104324817205594 -144.1616353 89.895144281720562 -3.5366353000000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-51549665408068049492020-06-30T17:38:00.015-04:002020-07-11T14:08:08.903-04:00

Whether your child sprinted towards the finish line or limped over it, they’re done with the 2019-2020 school year - Congratulations!  So, how do we now manage the summer months to accommodate for academic losses and remediate any learning difficulties?This guest blog is by my colleague, best friend, and amazing educational therapist, Nancy Platt Dawud. She was so gracious to share some

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-67804552466308717892020-05-20T15:00:00.037-04:002020-11-26T22:33:21.522-05:00

COVID 19 has Changed the World and Education Bustling metropolises have become overnight ghost towns and rambunctious classrooms lay deserted and lifeless. Families who once scattered during the daylight hours into detached existences are now hunkering down in close quarters at home together both day and night. Kids with dyslexia and other learning disabilities are spending all

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0Putnam Valley, NY, USA41.3423559 -73.849135313.032122063821156 -109.0053853 69.65258973617884 -38.6928853tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-41518312482461788612020-05-06T15:00:00.002-04:002020-12-14T23:27:08.048-05:00

In order to teach our students to be critical thinkers, we must step out of the traditional pedagogical paradigm where learners are seen as blank slates that are dependent on their teachers and instead embrace and educational climate in harmony with many anthropological principles. Although andragogy refers to methods used in adult education, this approach offers a much better platform for

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-45784808064247709802020-04-22T12:13:00.000-04:002020-04-22T12:13:00.583-04:00

Although there is no specific diagnosis for executive function disorder, the term is often used to describe the impairment in one's ability to manage their own cognition or executive functions. What are Executive Functions?  Executive function is a term that has become more and more popular in the educational realm as it can have a profound impact on learning. Executive functions (EFs)

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-2631025988663753642020-04-08T09:00:00.000-04:002020-04-08T09:00:07.848-04:00

A couple weeks ago I wrote a blog entitled, How to Use Zoom in 2020 for Video Tutoring, but this week, I wanted to share with you five, fun, educational games I created for my students that you can play while conducting lessons or tutoring online with Zoom! What are Five, Fun, Free Learning Games for Zoom Sessions? Here are some fun, educational games I created to be played with the

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-63467709962841343412020-03-25T09:59:00.000-04:002020-04-03T20:48:16.797-04:00

With schools closed, children homebound, and teacher's sending lessons and assignments, online tutoring and academic support is at an all-time high.  In-person sessions have been the preference, but with the coronavirus sweeping across the globe, online instruction offers a safe and effective option. What is the Best Platform for Conducting Online Sessions with Students? Although there

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-55626105120195455762020-03-11T16:00:00.001-04:002020-11-22T20:32:07.043-05:00

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

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-67991794212488044842020-02-26T16:30:00.004-05:002020-11-11T22:48:44.046-05:00

Most teachers have excellent executive functioning skills, so when they come across students that struggle in this arena, they may have little compassion or patience. For many students, executive functioning is relatively easy. However, for some, tasks that require self-initiation, planning, time management, and organization to name a few, can be an immense struggle. What is Executive

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-62873237280093967572020-02-12T16:07:00.000-05:002020-05-01T15:15:08.554-04:00

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

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-62119700957146310622020-01-29T16:00:00.000-05:002020-03-01T23:07:17.647-05:00

With increasing academic expectations, the pressure on teachers to bring up test scores, and competitive classroom environments, more and more students are struggling with chronic stress and anxiety.  So, what can we do to calm students and get their brains in a state for optimal learning? First We Must Understand that Excessive Stress Negatively Impacts Learning While some nervousness

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-87518425978042581442020-01-15T16:45:00.000-05:002020-01-15T16:45:03.817-05:00

Affirmations are phrases that foster a positive mental attitude and self-empowerment.  They are words that can be said aloud or written around a room to inspire students, and they can become inner mantras that learners can use to support and encourage themselves.  Affirmations are extremely important, as we live in an academic culture that typically points out what students are doing

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-6832934208838494242020-01-02T18:00:00.000-05:002020-01-11T19:51:05.691-05:00

Procrastination is a common problem that parents report when their children are meant to do their homework, but they just don't feel like doing it.  This can be an overwhelming feeling that tempts kids into putting off or delaying assignments that require attention. What Does Procrastination Look Like?   Students usually procrastinate because they do not understand the

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-5691443503399272342019-12-18T17:07:00.000-05:002019-12-24T17:18:38.663-05:00

Finding excellent educational materials when you are homeschooling your children can be a challenge, but when you have a child with a learning disability, such as dyslexia, it is extremely important to utilize fun and engaging multisensory materials as well as cognitive remedial tools that make the learning process both enjoyable and memorable. What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia, a common condition

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356093753792732491.post-35745010113288072032019-12-04T15:00:00.001-05:002021-01-02T20:32:23.297-05:00

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

Dr. Erica Warrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170117829182890844noreply@blogger.com0