Blog
Planning the Next Semester
As the semester draws to a close, students need to do three things. First, they need to celebrate another semester in the books. Every semester
Hemingway on Procrastination
Procrastination is a common obstacle. It’s a phenomenon that does not discriminate, affecting tasks from essay writing to complex problem-solving in mathematics or science. The
Recognition vs. Recall
Our brains don’t come with an instruction manual, unfortunately, but just imagine if they did. Students could easily flip through the pages of this manual
Music and Focus
We are constantly searching for new ways to optimize study habits and enhance the learning experience. Every year, a student or parent asks a question
Deconstruction: The Key to Acing Cumulative Exams
Mid-terms and final exams are a frequent source of anxiety and frustration. Parents know how difficult these academic tests are, but struggle to help their
Mastering In-Class Essays with Executive Function Strategies
“Write an essay analyzing the character development of Holden Caulfield throughout The Catcher in the Rye. Focus on the themes of innocence and maturity. You
Using Mind Mapping
At SAOTG, we want students to succeed in the long term. Our four pillars of Executive Function (EF) emphasize longevity and adaptability. For instance, we
One Secret of Successful Students
Everyone has that student in their class who is involved in absolutely everything. She is the student body president, the starting point guard, an honor
Becoming a Model Student
Let’s talk about subtle skills. These are skills that students need to succeed but that no one talks about or teaches. Subtle skillsets are a
EF Skills and Group Projects
Group projects are ubiquitous. Middle and high school teachers of every subject assign at least one group project per year. From group lab reports in
Helping Students with Decision Fatigue
How many decisions do you have to make per day? How many decisions does your child have to make? In many cases, we are making
Principles of Student Motivation
Motivation is a fundamental component in shaping our behavior, profoundly influencing how and why we act in various facets of life. For students, maintaining consistent
Demystifying Soft Skills
“Soft skills.” This term burst onto the corporate lingo scene in the late 1990s and has not lost its prominence. Everyone is vaguely aware that
Navigating Tricky Courses
Certain classes require a delicate touch. Whether caused by complex subject matter or an eclectic teacher, students must learn how to adjust their approach on
Impression Management & Negotiation
Negotiation is a fact of life. It’s a skill that everyone uses daily. Not all of us use it well, but all of us use
Executive Function and Mindfulness
In the last two decades, neurological research on mindfulness training has made headlines. People who meditate or practice reflection on a daily basis report better
Helping Students Build Social Capital
Building strong relationships with teachers and advisors is an essential aspect of academic and personal success. These relationships can provide mentorship, support, and guidance, assisting
Executive Function Benefits of Volunteering
Parents always ask about what their child should do over the summer to improve their executive functioning skills. While SAT tutoring and academic enrichment will
Executive Function and Summer Reading
As May draws to a close, students and their parents are switching roles as the school year oscillates between periods of humdrum routine and intensive
Your Guide to AP Exams
Every year, we get questions about AP Exams. These enigmatic, four-hour academic marathons decide the fate of a student’s college credit, which is, after all,
In Defense of Flashcards
Many students cringe when I suggest flashcards as a study tool, eschewing this seemingly anachronistic practice for more stimulating study methods. However, I quickly remind
A Balanced Approach to Finals Exams
It’s almost May, which means final exams are right around the corner. True to form, we wanted to provide students with proactive support for exam
Navigating Virtual Learning with Academic Coaching
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant shift in how we educate. Schools introduced instant messaging with teachers, zoom office hours, self-paced learning exercises, and
Beating the Instant Gratification Trap
Procrastination is a familiar topic on our blog page. It affects almost every student over the age of eight, becoming progressively more powerful through a