Blog
6 Insights about the Emotional Brain
Teenagers are experiencing many “firsts” in life. Parents may notice their child has become more interested in time with friends, staying up later, or testing
Learning Loss & COVID-19
COVID-19 has made for a chaotic spring semester, with over 1.5 billion children out of school worldwide. Perhaps the most alarming aspect of COVID-19 is
Helping Students Build Resilience
Students spend anywhere from 15,000 hours or more in the classroom by the time they graduate high school. Adolescents are fueled by understanding the social
The Adolescent Brain: an opportunity for growth
Not long ago, researchers believed that the only time of increased brain plasticity was between infancy and early childhood. However, we now know that the
Prepping for AP Exams in the Time of COVID-19
Due to changes in school schedules and test requirements, parents and educators can feel overwhelmed and underprepared to assist students with taking AP Exams this
How to Help Students Maintain a Positive Attitude
The invisible COVID-19 has altered the lives of everyone across our planet Earth. Schools are closed, family routines have been flipped upside down, and normal
How to Decrease Conflict at Home
Our “normal” has shifted gears in the past few weeks. With most of our time spent indoors, we are finding a balance of home maintenance,
What COVID-19 Means for Students with Learning Differences
As school closures and schedule interruptions continue due to COVID-19, it is essential that we teach students how to adapt. Students are under high stress
Keeping Students Active
With students and parents cooped up for the majority of the day, conflict is inevitable. We want to encourage students to mimic the school schedule
Cognitive Flexibility: the key to student success
In this time of uncertainty, flexibility is crucial. Parents, educators, and students alike must adapt to a dynamic learning landscape. Many students, especially those with
11 Ways to Help Students Relieve Stress During COVID-19
1. Establish routinesStart each day at the same time, even if it is later than the typical school day would start. Create a relaxed morning
Locus of Control – Strengthening Sense of Control During Chaos
As schools close or convert to online education for the semester, there is a rise in pressure for parents and students to perform well under
Planning and Play: the keys to working from home
As seen in our other blog post about cognitive control, parents should incorporate play into a student’s daily routines. However, time at home can quickly
How Parents Can Improve Cognitive Control
According to NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children, a child’s ability to concentrate on a task and demonstrate self-control is called cognitive control. Cognitive control is
Simple Ways to Support Your Student at Home
In this new era of “work from home”, there are a variety of reasons young people may experience difficulty focusing. With the upheaval in daily
Helping Students Conquer the ‘Blank Page’
“If you write well, you think well”, my high school English teacher belted from the front of the classroom. It was 8 am on a
Cramming & Emergency Preparedness
At SAOTG, we talk a lot about how we prepare, plan ahead, and stay ahead of the game–but everyone knows what it’s like to cram
Preparing Your Student for an Interview
For one reason or another, students inevitably have to interview. Whether the student is doing an admissions interview, trying to land a job, or going
Helping your Student Succeed with Habits & Routines
I may never have completed college if not for Bob Barker. I love a good gameshow and whenever I hear the iconic “COME ON DOWN!”
5 Ways to Motivate Students Who Don’t Want to Study
Our motivation is central to our behavior! Motivation influences HOW we show up and WHY we show up. Sometimes, we all need an extra-boost of
Why Smart Students Struggle in School
Gifted, intelligent students have the world at their feet. They have the ability to breeze through classes, earn impressive grades, and build a successful
Understanding Executive Function
Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’ve heard the term Executive Function used a lot. There’s a good reason for that; Executive Functioning skills are
Keeping Your Student Productive Through the Winter
As the year progresses and we get into the heart of winter, lots of students find it harder to stay productive. At first, it may
How to Help Your Student Get out of a Slump
We all get stuck sometimes. Recently, we spoke about Seasonal Affective Disorder, but really, there are endless possible reasons for why it happens. Whether due
