Archives for Blog

Why isn’t a baby cat a citten? Or an adult kitten a kat? Is this just somebody’s idea of a joke? A dirty rotten trick? Or is there a method to the madness? In last week’s video blog, we asked you to come up with as many spellings as you could of the /k/ sound. The answer? There are at least 4 ways of spelling this one sound: “c,” “k,” “ck,” & “ch” (not to mention the “que” in “plaque”!). No wonder spelling is such a difficult thing to master, especially if your brain is wired at all differently. However,
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In our video blog last week we started a conversation about the English language… Does it fascinate you or frustrate you? Regardless of which answer you gave, we have some tricks and tips for the English language that we’re excited to share! So to introduce this first tip, join us in pondering the following question: How many different ways can you think of to spell the sound /k/? Leave a comment on facebook or instagram with your answer and join us next time as we begin clearing up some confusion about when to use these different spellings. There *is indeed* a method
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The English language is definitely enough to keep you on your toes with all of its twists and turns, rules and exceptions. The question in our video blog today is this… which of the following statements do you most relate to? 1. I love playing with the English language. It’s fascinating, and I enjoy learning about all of its intricacies! 2. The English language is full of a bunch of dirty rotten tricks. About the time I think I understand something, the rules seem to change. I find it maddening and confusing! We are excited about our next few blogs,
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We heard from you with answers to our questions from last week: “What’s your kryptonite? The one thing you’ve always wished you could learn but it’s always been a struggle or challenge for you? What would it mean to you if someone who cared about you took the time to figure out how your brain works in order to teach you that skill in a way you could master it?” The answers varied from painting, drawing, and cooking, to word pronunciation and directional ability. But what is the point of the question in the first place? Whatever that challenging thing
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What’s your kryptonite? The one thing you’ve always wished you could learn but it’s always been a struggle or challenge for you? What would it mean to you if someone who cared about you took the time to figure out how your brain works in order to teach you that skill in a way you could master it? Watch our video blog for this week, leave your comments, and join us next time to continue the conversation!
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Constant busyness brings with it the temptation to skip over time-consuming relationship building and intentional kindness for the sake of accomplishing the “more important” things. When faced with so much to do, it is easy to prioritize tasks over time spent pouring into relationships—time that doesn’t have as clearly measurable “results.” However, as we all know, the “to do” lists never really end; therefore, recognizing that relationships need to trump tasks is significant. In addition, when we are willing to pour intentionally into relationships first, we can oftentimes accomplish those to do’s that follow more successfully and quickly. Check out
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Memory tricks, mnemonics, multi-sensory tools, artistic visualization, and many other tricks for learning can make a huge difference for our kids and students–especially those who have some learning differences or reading struggles. The important key to effective tools for learning, as obvious as it may sound, is finding what works for each individual. A trick that works incredibly well for one student may actually be a hindrance to another student’s learning. All of our kids are different, and finding what works for each is a difficult but essential component to successful learning. Watch our video blog from today to hear
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Body language can offer some really helpful cues when trying to stay one step ahead of our kids–whether in the classroom or at home. Being aware of what our kids’ body language is saying can tip us off to the need for a change in pace. Look for clues like excessive fidgeting, darting eyes, or blank stares. Upon noticing these or other body language cues, try incorporating some movement, throwing in an activity, or taking a game break. It may even be time to wrap things up for the day–while you can still do so on a positive note–praising your
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Correction of our kids or our students is a very real part of life, but doing so in a constructive, encouraging way can be very challenging. In our video blog today, one of our teachers gives a few tips from the Reading Tricks curriculum on how to correct without criticizing: 1. When correcting is absolutely necessary, do so gently. Don’t be harsh, critical, negative, or condescending. Respond with kindness, patience, and understanding. Use a gentle tone, watch your body language and facial expressions, and patiently walk your student through the correction. 2. Pair correction with a complement. Find something to
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Life stays crazy enough even without the back to school chaos that arrives without fail every fall. In today’s video, one of our Reading Tricks teachers shares some important reminders she has learned to keep in mind as we jump back into the routine of school—whether you’re a teacher, parent, homeschooler, relative, or even just a friend of some kids heading back to school. Remember that there will be good days AND bad days, and both are okay. Enjoy the good days, hang in during the tough ones, and keep learning through both! Everyone moves at a different pace, and
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