Special Needs Articles

Get Those Wiggles Out!

By Jessica M. | 5/10/2013 12:44 PM CST |

When working with children (especially 7 and below) it can be vital to their memory retention to take a break every thirty minutes.

I have had great success with my younger students who become stir crazy after half an hour of reading by leaving the study are and going outside or in a space where we wont bother others and doing some physical activities.

Since time is a concern it is important to only do this for ten minutes or so.

Sometimes we run and play tag, or we will do some jumping jacks, or just do some silly dancing.

When the student returns they are feeling a little more refreshed,...

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Is Summer School for You?

By Jeff S. | 4/27/2013 8:38 PM CST |

May is a busy month for schools. Standardized tests, field trips, and graduation planning takes center stage. Teachers meet with parents of struggling students as well as those who would benefit from summer enrichment classes to discuss summer school enrollment. This article will help parents/ guardians decide whether or not to enroll their child(ren) in summer school.

A "Bad Rap"

The words “summer school” tend to stir negative thoughts. Many parents and students falsely believe that going to summer school is a bad thing. Some cite teasing as a reason for not sending their child to summer...

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Meds or No Meds -- Improved Academic Performance for ADD ADHD Students

By Robert B. | 4/18/2013 9:04 AM CST |

Over the past two years, I have discovered some very effective methods for helping ADD/ADHD students improve their concentration levels and ultimately their, academic performance. When my ADD/ADHD students struggle to concentrate, my job as a tutor is to find a solution. Tutoring one-on-one gives me the opportunity to make what a student believes is difficult extremely easy. Many times, students do not understand because they are not processing the information correctly. As a special needs educator, I make learning much easier.

While many classroom teachers advocate ADD/ADHD medication, I...

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Put a tune to it

By Katherine L. | 4/9/2013 5:57 PM CST |

I learned in my human development class that babies learn through repetition = Rote memory

You may have also witnessed the ease with which the ABC's were learned. Mary Had a Little Lamb? Twinkle Twinkle?

It is easier to commit something to memory through a song. Why is it so easy to remember that annoying tune on the radio?

To better memorize
- Words
- Phrases
- Rules (Grammatical, mathematical etc)

Try putting it to a simple song tune.
Ex My 2 year old learned how to spell his name BINGO style. L-O-G-A-N.

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Special needs tutoring available with individual who has a master's degree in special education as well as employment history

By Deborah R. | 4/5/2013 8:21 AM CST |

Please review my profile credentials to see if I am a candidate for your tutoring needs. With both a master's degree in special education and several years of hands on experience in a variety of work environments, my education and experience make me a flexible individual who is readily available to discuss your tutoring needs. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages, and have consistently had a tremendous rapport with all age groups. Please advise me if you feel that I am the right person to assist you.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Deb R.

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Homeschooling: Getting started, part 1

By Jeff S. | 3/23/2013 7:12 PM CST |

Parents consider home schooling their child(ren) for a number of reasons. Some may be dissatisfied with the curriculum offered by local public and private schools. Others may travel a lot and want their children to experience other countries and cultures. Whatever your reason for considering home schooling, this series of articles will teach you basic steps to take to begin home schooling your child(ren). Today’s article teaches you six important first steps to ensuring a successful and legal transition from traditional school settings to home school.

1. Review state home schooling laws.The...

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A Matter of Perspective

By Natalie B. | 3/20/2013 5:47 PM CST |

Recently I had the opportunity to meet with a parent/business owner who hires/places tutors for high end families in my area. It was a wonderful opportunity as once again I heard the mantra, "Parents just want the grades to go up." I asked what this meant, how I could measure it (quantitatively and anecdotally) and if this was indeed proof of my skills as a tutor or a momentary 'save' on a reversal of fortune. This parent does not use Wyzant. I was hard pressed to accept from this parent the reason I wasn't being contacted by high end parents for tutoring was my lack of guaranteeing grades...

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Advice to my younger self- the student

By Lisa B. | 3/19/2013 8:54 PM CST |

IF I could go back in time and give my younger self some advice on how to be a better student, be more successful in school, life, etc, I would definitely tell myself that being involved in everything comes at a cost. It is better to find a few things that you like to do, do them well and often, than feeling stressed because there is so much on your plate at one time. Being a 'Jack of all Trades' it is natural for me to dip my toes in different waters- all at the same time, but that does not mean that I can give 100% to any of them at that time.

While I was able to get good grades (A- average)...

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Suggestions for finding the BEST tutor for your child or student.

By Paul C. | 3/8/2013 9:49 AM CST |

When interviewing a prospective tutor, parents should ask about the tutor's skills and experience, and find out if the tutor truly enjoys teaching. When the tutor feels enthusiastic about the subject, and communicates well, the student has an opportunity to learn to enjoy the subject too.

I recommend for parents to observe the first lesson to see the tutor's skills in action, and watch/listen carefully to future lessons when possible, to make sure the tutor has an encouraging, supportive attitude at all times. (Tutors should welcome and respond positively to the child's questions, and NEVER...

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Standardized Testing: The Inside Scoop

By Jeff S. | 2/6/2013 1:31 AM CST |

Spring is just around the corner and with it comes annual standardized testing for many students. These tests can cause a range of emotions from confidence to near panic - inducing anxiety in students, parents, teachers, and administrators. While parents understand that the tests are important to their child’s academic future, they may not understand how the scores are used. This article explains some of the ways teachers use standardized test scores, their general thoughts about the tests themselves, and several reasons parents should review test score sheets.

Teacher Opinions About Standardized...

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