Listen Up! 5 Tips to Improve Students' Attention Span

May 2, 2017 by Carrie Gajowski, MA

paying attentionDid you know that goldfish now have a longer attention span than the average human? Distractions don't stay at home. Many follow students into the classroom. Continue reading to receive five tips for ways you can improve students' attention span. 

Just the Beginning: How Fast ForWord Helped Monicia's Son with Autism

Apr 18, 2017 by Hallie Smith, MA CCC-SLP

Monicia autismMeet Monicia, a parent whose vulnerability, strength, and optimism are contagious. No matter what the "experts" tell her, Monicia stays focused on helping her son with autism. After only 5 weeks of using the Fast ForWord intervention, Monicia is amazed. You might be surprised why.

3 Ways Poverty Impacts Children Learning to Read

Apr 4, 2017 by Kimberly Vasconcelos, MA, CCC-SLP

poverty impacts childrenResearch shows that children who come from homes in poverty often struggle to learn to read. But there is hope. In this blog, you'll learn about the three primary factors that impact children from homes of poverty and how educators can positively influence reading and learning skills by understanding how students' brains function.

What Weak Cognitive Skills Look Like in the Classroom

Mar 21, 2017 by Linda Gajowski, M.Ed., MS

weak cognitive skillsThe idea that cognitive skills can be improved — and that IQ is not fixed — is a relatively new concept in education. Here’s a breakdown of the four main cognitive skills you’ll see in students, and how to improve them.  

Impaired Auditory Processing in Children from Low-Income Homes

Mar 7, 2017 by Hallie Smith, MA CCC-SLP

sound-povertyThe "30-million word gap" has received a great deal of well-deserved attention. But, focusing on vocabulary only is missing the point. The problem begins way earlier than previously thought and has serious implications for reversing the seemingly intractable achievement gap.   

5 Ways to Boost Parental Involvement at Low-Income Schools

Feb 21, 2017 by Leslie Ferguson, MA, MFA

low income parentsFirst things first: leave stereotypes behind. Read on for tips to engage your students' parents more effectively. 

Phonemic Awareness as a Predictor of Reading Success

Feb 7, 2017 by Kimberly Vasconcelos, MA, CCC-SLP

phonemic awarenessPhonemic awareness: it's not innate to humans. It must be taught. Learn the 5 levels...And beware if reading instruction is bypassing weaknesses in any one of these!

Cursive Becoming Obsolete?

Dec 13, 2016 by Carrie Gajowski, MA

CursiveCursive becoming obsolete?  How can that be?  Take a look at some of the latest research on cursive and its importance in the classroom.

Underperforming Student Success Strategies

Nov 15, 2016 by Eric Jensen, Ph.D.

eric-jensenWhen students come to school every day, here's their question to teachers: are you on my side or not? Are you a friend or a foe? Are you an ally or adversary?  See what practical classroom activities Dr. Eric Jensen recommends to build relationships and get results with your students -- you'll see their progress skyrocket. 

Risks of Not Identifying Dyslexia

Oct 25, 2016 by Joanne Gouaux

identifying dyslexiaSome are resistant to seek a diagnosis for a student or child's learning issue, worrying that a "label" may do more harm than good. But there are risks with not identifying issues as well.  Read on for pros and cons on the topic, from a mother who has weighed all options. 

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