This article will walk you through how to find the right special education tutor, including what to look for in an instructor and how to make sure you’ve found the right match for your child.

What is special education tutoring?

Special education tutoring is highly individualized tutoring that uses research-based approaches to help students with learning challenges such as:

• ADHD
• Dyslexia
• Dysgraphia
• Dyscalculia
• Executive functioning challenges
• Autism
• Processing delays
• Speech and language challenges

Unlike homework help or generic tutoring, specialized tutoring focuses on:

• Your child’s individual needs, including their unique skills and levels
• Building foundational skills in reading, writing, and math
• Developing executive functioning skills, including planning, time management, and organization
• Increasing independence and confidence

What are signs that your child may need a special education tutor?

Some children may just need homework help or minimal academic support, but others need more specialized instruction. Here are some signs that your child may need specialized tutoring:

• Your child has been evaluated and has an IEP or 504 Plan
• Homework is a struggle and takes a long time to complete
• Reading, writing, or math skills are weak
• Your child struggles to learn and retain new concepts
• Your child’s teacher has noticed challenges with focus, organization, and executive functioning skills
• Your child has low self-esteem
• If any of these points apply to your child, they may benefit from specialized one-on-one tutoring, not just generic tutoring or homework help.

What makes a strong special education tutor?

Some tutors specialize in early childhood reading. Others are pros at high level math or writing instruction. Yet not all tutors specialize in special education tutoring. When searching for a “special education tutor near me”, the following characteristics are important:

1. Specialized experience and expertise

If your child has specialized learning needs, it’s important that they work with a tutor who has expertise in working with similar students. For example, if your child has dyslexia, look for a tutor who specializes in working with students with dyslexia using the Orton Gillingham approach. If your child has dysgraphia or struggles with writing, look for a writing specialist who uses multi-sensory techniques. In general, you should look for a tutor who has expertise in:

• Special education tutoring
• Reading remediation, using research-based methods like Orton Gillingham
• Executive functioning coaching
• Writing remediation
• Multi-sensory math instruction

Read more about executive functioning coaching at Executive Functioning Coaching | Build Organization, Time Management & Study Skills | EBL Coaching

2. Individualized tutoring approach

Children who have specialized learning needs respond best to tutoring that is customized to their specific needs. When looking for a tutor for your child, avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to tutoring. A strong special education tutor will:

• Start with an initial assessment to gauge your child’s strengths and areas of need
• Create an individualized tutoring plan using research-based, multi-sensory techniques
• Modify the pace of the instruction based on how your child responds
• Tweak the tutoring as your child progresses through the lessons

3. Strong relationship building

Students with learning challenges typically respond best to tutoring when they connect well with their tutor. The right personality match is key. If your child has specialized learning needs, they will likely need:

• Positive reinforcement
• Encouragement
• Self-esteem building
• Opportunities to make mistakes without feeling poorly about themselves

The relationship your child has with their tutor is key to your child being open and receptive to the content being taught.

4. Focus on confidence-building

Many students who struggle in school have low self-esteem. The best tutors don’t just focus on academic skills building but are also positive and encouraging, focusing on improving your child’s self-confidence. Strong tutors help students:

• Feel confident and capable
• See their progress, in turn empowering them to enjoy learning
• Build independence

Read more about finding the best tutor for your child at How to Find the Best Tutor for Your Child in NYC – EBL Coaching

How do I find a special education tutor near me?

Finding the right tutor for your child – someone who has the appropriate areas of specialty and who connects well with your child – can sometimes feel challenging. When searching for a tutor near you, here are some helpful strategies:
Use specific search terms when looking online
Instead of searching just “tutor,” try searching:

• “Special education tutoring near me”
• “ADHD tutor near me”
• “Dyslexia tutor near me”
• “Math tutoring near me”
• “Orton Gillingham tutoring near me”

 Try to find specialized tutors

While virtual tutoring works well for some students, others respond best to local in-person tutoring. Local tutors may:

• Work with your child in-person at your home
• Bring multi-sensory tools for the tutoring sessions, such as magnetic tiles, shaving cream, and sandpaper
• Understand the schools and curricula in your area
• Provide more individualized instruction than large tutoring chains which may not specialize in working with students with learning challenges

Ask questions!

Before committing to a specific tutor, ask specific questions, such as:

• Do you have experience working with students with my child’s specific needs, including dyslexia, ADHD, autism or other learning disabilities?
• How do you individualize the tutoring sessions to meet the needs of each student?
• Do you use research-based, multi-sensory techniques?
• How do you communicate progress to parents?

In-home or virtual tutoring: which is better?

Some children prefer virtual tutoring, while others learn best with in-person tutoring. Both options can work well, depending on your child’s specific needs and profile. Detailed below are advantages to both modalities:

In-home tutoring

• Develop strong rapport with tutor
• Multi-sensory tools can easily be integrated
• Fewer distractions for some students
• Comfortable environment

Virtual tutoring

• More flexible scheduling
• Access to specialized tutors who may not be available in your local area
• Great option for middle or high school students, including those who are comfortable using technology

Some students prefer a hybrid approach that combines in-person and virtual tutoring. This option can work well, especially when families travel or a family member isn’t feeling well and in-person tutoring isn’t feasible.

Why the right match is important

Many tutors are highly qualified and are experts in their fields. However, if your child doesn’t connect with them, they may not be receptive to the concepts the tutor in teaching them. The right personality fit is important for successful tutoring.
When the right match is in place, you’ll likely notice:

• Less resistance to tutoring sessions
• Improved self-confidence
• More engagement in learning
• Increased academic performance
• Improved independence

With tutoring, it’s important that your child not only builds their academic skills but that they become more self-confident in their abilities.

Closing thoughts

Finding the right special education tutor for your child can help them immensely. When you search for “special education tutoring near me”, make sure you look for a tutor who specializes in working with students like your child, creates a structured tutoring plan, and connects well with your child.

If your child is struggling in school, EBL Coaching can help! We specialize in providing one-on-one tutoring to students in grades prek-12 with specialized learning needs. We use research-based, multi-sensory techniques to help students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, specific learning disabilities, and other academic challenges build their reading, writing, math, and executive functioning skills. Sessions can take place at our learning centers, located at 17 East 89th Street, Suite 1D, New York, NY and 50 East Palisade Avenue, Suite 201, Englewood, NJ 07631. We also provide virtual tutoring and in-person tutoring at your home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education Tutoring

How often should my child meet with a special education tutor?
The frequency and duration of tutoring vary based on your child’s needs. Some children only need 1-2 sessions per week while others need many more frequent weekly sessions, depending on the severity of their challenges. Before starting the tutoring sessions, your child should receive an initial evaluation to gauge their specific needs and to come up with a unique tutoring plan most suitable for them.

How long does it take to see progress from special education tutoring?
The rate of progress from special education tutoring varies based on each child. Some students respond quickly to specialized tutoring while others need more time to process and comprehend new material.

What’s the difference between a regular tutor and a special education tutor?
A regular tutor may help your child with homework or provide instruction to them that may vary from session to session. Special education tutors, however, create individualized, structured tutoring plans using research-based, multi-sensory techniques that cater to your child’s needs and modify the instruction based on how your child responds to the tutoring.

Is one-on-one tutoring better than group tutoring sessions?
For students with specialized learning needs and academic skills challenges, one-on-tutoring tends to be much more effective than group tutoring since it allows the instruction to be truly individualized to your child’s needs.

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, has helped thousands of students with specialized learning needs build their academic skills over the past twenty years. She is the author of the Strategies do Study Success student workbook series, the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook program, and the Flags and Stars Multi-Sensory Math student workbook series. She speaks nationally at educational conferences and frequently appears on podcasts as an educational expert.

The post Special Education Tutoring Near Me: How to Find the Right Tutor appeared first on EBL Coaching.

What is summer learning loss and why is it more critical for students with dyslexia?

During the summer, many students experience academic learning loss, also known as the summer slide. This slide typically happens because students do very little (if any) academic work over the summer. In fact, research tells us at over 50% of students in the United States lose an average of 39% of gains from the school year over the summer.

For students with dyslexia, summer learning loss is often even greater because:

• They typically need consistent instruction year-round
• They need regular repetition of concepts taught in order to retain them
• Gaps in reading and writing skills can widen quickly without consistent reinforcement
• Even a short break over the summer from consistent learning can lead to learning loss for students with dyslexia and can make the start of the new school year much more challenging for them.

Why is summer such an important time for dyslexia tutoring?

Some parents may feel that their child needs a break from academic work during the summer, but consistent learning is critical for students with dyslexia. They can still have fun during this time while continuing to build their academic skills. Additionally, during the school year, it can be challenging to find time to build foundational skills and fill in learning gaps, but summer is an ideal time for that work, when there are usually fewer homework and school constraints.

When students with dyslexia receive tutoring over the summer, they tend to start the new school year feeling more self-confident and prepared, instead of feeling nervous and behind their peers academically.

What does effective summer dyslexia tutoring look like?

Tutoring for students with dyslexia should follow evidence-based, multi-sensory techniques that are catered to the needs of each student. Most students with dyslexia don’t respond as well to traditional, non-specialized tutoring or homework help. The type of methodologies used in the tutoring sessions and the expertise of the instructor are key elements to successful dyslexia tutoring.

Read our guide on how to find the best dyslexia tutor in NYC for your child at How to Find the Best Tutor for Your Child in NYC – EBL Coaching
Structured, multi-sensory summer tutoring

Students with dyslexia respond best to structured, evidence-based tutoring methods such as the Orton Gillingham approach. This type of instruction breaks down reading into clear, sequential steps. It also integrates the visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic modalities to help engage students in their learning and retain the information taught.

Learn how Orton Gillingham tutoring helps students with dyslexia at What Is Orton-Gillingham Tutoring? Multi-Sensory, Structured Help | EBL Coaching

Consistent tutoring sessions

Tutoring sessions that are occasional and inconsistent are not ideal for students with dyslexia. They need regular, consistent tutoring on a fixed schedule to make the most progress. Students with dyslexia often need multiple sessions per week, especially during the summer when there are fewer constraints of school and foundational skills building can be addressed.

Individualized one-on-one tutoring

Each student with dyslexia has an individual learning profile with unique needs. One-on-one tutoring that begins with an initial assessment and focuses on the specific areas that the student needs the most help with is most optimal for students with dyslexia.

Foundational skills building

During the school year, many students struggle to keep up with their schoolwork. However, because in the summer there are usually fewer school and scheduling limitations, and the tutoring can focus on filling in any learning gaps and building foundational reading and writing skills. Dyslexia tutoring sessions can focus on skills such as phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, reading fluency, and writing expression. Building strong reading and writing foundations can help improve your child’s overall academic performance.

How much summer tutoring does a child with dyslexia need?

The frequency of tutoring sessions for students with dyslexia varies based on their individual needs. While some students may only need 1-2 sessions per week, students with more profound learning challenges often need multiple sessions per week to effectively build their reading and writing skills.

What are signs your child with dyslexia may benefit from summer tutoring?

You may want to explore summer tutoring for your child with dyslexia if they:

• Struggle with decoding words and reading fluently
• Have trouble spelling words accurately
• Show frustration around reading and writing
• Received poor grades during the school year
• Have an IEP or 504 plan
• Has low self-confidence related to their skills

Keep summer tutoring positive!

Some parents may feel like they are “punishing” their child with summer tutoring. Yet the opposite should be the case – with the right tutor, methodologies, and engaging approach, your child will see how much summer tutoring can help them. By providing your child with one-on-one tutoring, you are giving them tools and strategies to help them feel good about themselves and improve their academic performance. Just like soccer or baseball players receive coaching to improve their athletic performance, tutoring is like having a learning coach to help your child excel.

How can I find a summer dyslexia tutor near me?

Finding the right summer tutor for your child with dyslexia is important. Try to find someone who utilizes the Orton Gillingham approach (which is ideal for students with dyslexia) and who connects well with your child. When searching for a tutor, use specific search terms when looking online. Instead of searching just “tutor,” try searching:

• “Dyslexia tutoring near me”
• “Orton Gillingham tutoring near me”
• “Dyslexia summer tutor near me”
• “Special education tutoring near me”
• “Multi-sensory summer tutoring near me”
• “Summer tutoring for students with IEPs near me”

Discover what to look for in a one-on-one summer tutor near you at One-on-One Summer Tutoring Near Me: What to Look For

Closing thoughts

Summer should be a time filled with enjoyment and fun activities, but it should not be a time when learning is ignored. Students with dyslexia need continued learning over the summer to help reinforce concepts taught, continue building their academic skills, and avoid the summer slide.
Regular one-on-one structured tutoring during the summer can help students with dyslexia improve their self-confidence and start the new school year strong.

Are you looking for a summer dyslexia tutor for your child?

EBL Coaching can help! We specialize in providing one-on-one tutoring to students in grades prek-12 with specialized learning needs, including dyslexia. We use research-based, multi-sensory techniques to help students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, specific learning disabilities, and other academic skills challenges develop their reading, spelling, writing, math, and executive functioning skills.

Sessions can take place at our learning centers, located at 17 East 89th Street, Suite 1D, New York, NY and 50 East Palisade Avenue, Suite 201, Englewood, NJ 07631. We also provide virtual tutoring and in-person tutoring at your home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Summer Dyslexia Tutoring

Is summer tutoring necessary for all students with dyslexia?
While summer tutoring isn’t absolutely necessary, many students with dyslexia face significant learning loss without continuing learning over the summer. Instead of experiencing the summer slide, help your child continue developing their academic skills, reinforce content taught, and start the new school year on a positive note.

Can even just a few weeks of tutoring really help my child with dyslexia?
While longer stretches of tutoring time of the summer are ideal, even just a few weeks can help. The key is consistency and targeted instruction. If your child is only available for tutoring for a few weeks in the summer, you may want to consider a more intensive summer tutoring program for them.

What type of tutoring is best for dyslexia?
The ideal type of tutoring for dyslexia is systematic and multi-sensory, ideally using the Orton Gillingham approach. This technique is research-based, structured, and individualized to the needs of each student.

Should dyslexia tutoring be in-person or virtual?
Students with dyslexia can respond well to either in-person or virtual tutoring. Virtual tutoring typically offers more flexible scheduling and access to tutors who may not live in your local geographic area, while in-person tutoring offers face-to-face connections. Both modalities can be effective if the instruction is systematic, targeted, and engaging.

Learn more about virtual tutoring at Can Virtual Tutoring Help My Child? – EBL Coaching

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, has helped thousands of students with specialized learning needs build their academic skills over the past twenty years. She is the author of the Strategies do Study Success student workbook series, the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook program, and the Flags and Stars Multi-Sensory Math student workbook series. She speaks nationally at educational conferences and frequently appears on podcasts as an educational expert.

The post Summer Tutoring for Students with Dyslexia: How to Prevent Learning Loss appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Spring is a great time for fresh beginnings. Flowers are blooming and the chilly weather will soon be behind us. As the school year progressed, many students developed habits that may not be serving them well. Spring is a wonderful time to reset these habits and help your child boost their academic performance. Try some of these strategies with your child to improve their study skills, organization, reading, and writing skills this spring.

Study skills strategies

Your child may have started the year off with well-organized materials and intact study skills strategies. Yet as the school year progressed, these habits may have faded. They may now be completing their homework at random and inconsistent times, studying at different spots in your home, turning in assignments late, or losing their belongings. Help your child kick-start spring with these refreshed study habits:

Set a consistent homework time

Your child may come home and decide to have a snack, which then leads to TV time, a few video games, and another snack – and they don’t start their homework until well into the evening. Other days they might do their work right when they get home from school or just before dinner. For many students, this inconsistency can create chaos and can negatively affect their grades. Spring is a great time to help your child recreate a consistent homework time. Talk to them about the time they feel is best for completing their homework. Some students prefer doing their homework right after school, when they are still in “school mode.” Others prefer a snack or physical activity break before completing their work, and some prefer doing schoolwork in the early evening. Any of these options can work; the key is picking a consistent time and sticking with it. If there are days when your child has an after-school activity, come up with a plan for the time they will complete their homework on those specific days. Having a consistent homework time can help your child increase their focus, improve their productivity, and reduce parent-child homework battles that might otherwise ensue.

Set up a dedicated study space

As the school year has progressed, your child may have moved their homework spot all around your home, completing their work in different places just about every night. Take advantage of spring to help your child recreate a consistent study space. This space should ideally be a desk in their bedroom, but a spot on your kitchen or table or another room can work too. The key is having them complete their homework at this same spot on a regular basis. Also make sure they have all of the supplies they need for completing their school work at this spot – pens, pencils, scissors, highlighters, etc. If the supplies run low, fill them up to make sure your child doesn’t wander around during homework time looking for supplies they need, losing focus on their work. If your child works at a spot in another room, help them create a portable supplies bucket containing all of the supplies they need to complete their homework that they should carry with them to and from their room during homework time.

Create a reading routine

With phones, televisions, video games, apps, and so many options for entertainment, reading often falls by the wayside. Yet reading regularly is critical for success in school, as reading affects essentially all academic subjects. This spring, help your child get back into reading by creating a daily 20-minute reading routine. For young children, this ritual might take place right before bed, where you read to your child and discuss the events in the book. As children get older, you can alternate reading – you read a page, then they read a page, and discuss the book as you read to help your child develop active reading and comprehension skills. Talk about the characters, setting, and plot, and ask them prediction and inference questions. Later, when children are independent readers, have them read on their own for 20 minutes and then ask them to tell you about the book. You can even have them write a chapter summary at the end of each chapter in a notebook and create character maps describing each character in the book. The more children read, the more their fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary skills will improve.

Daily writing work

Spring is a great time to encourage your child to practice daily writing – something they should ideally continue into the summer months to further develop this skill. Have them start a journal and write a daily journal entry about something that happened to them that day. If daily is too frequent, even 2-3 times per week would work. You can also have them peruse newspapers or online news sources and have find articles that interest them – then write a summary about the article, or write a written response on whether they agree or disagree with it and why. Alternatively, you can have them pick any topic that interests them – rainbows, tornados, dogs – anything works, and each week write one paragraph per day (or as many days as possible) about that topic. Later, you can encourage them to self-check their writing using a checklist like COPS, which stands for Capitalization, Organization, Punctuation, and Spelling. The more they practice writing, the better.

Spring is a great time for renewal, and there’s still time in the school year for your child to improve their academic skills. Try these strategies with your child to help them end the school year on a confident and positive note.

EBL Coaching specializes in one-on-one in person and virtual tutoring for students in grades pre-K-12 with specialized learning needs. They use research-based, multi-sensory techniques, including the Orton Gillingham method, to develop students’ reading, writing, math, note taking, test taking, and executive functioning skills. Each student is evaluated and then receives an individualized learning plan to address their specific academic needs. Learn more at http://www.eblcoaching.com/.

Dr. Emily Levy, Founder & Director, is happy to hear from anyone who is in need for their child. You may reach her thru her website, and mention you heard of her thru MotherhoodLater.

The post How Spring Is a Great Time to Reset Academic Habits appeared first on EBL Coaching.

This guide will explain what the Orton Gillingham approach is, who benefits from this method, and how to find the best Orton Gillingham tutor in NJ.

What is Orton Gillingham?

Orton Gillingham is a research-based, multi-sensory approach that helps students develop stronger reading and spelling skills. While it was originally designed for students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities, any student struggling with reading can benefit from this approach.

Unlike traditional reading tutoring, Orton Gillingham is

• Multi-sensory – it integrates the visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic modalities
• Structured and systematic – Orton Gillingham lessons are taught in a step-by-step order, and previously taught concepts are integrated into new lessons
• Diagnostic and prescriptive – lessons are individualized based on the needs of each student
• Explicit – Orton Gillingham sounds and rules are directly taught to students

The Orton Gillingham method is considered to be one of the most effective approaches for students with reading challenges, including dyslexia.

Who benefits from Orton Gillingham tutoring in NJ?

Orton Gillingham tutoring can help any student who struggles with reading, but it is an optimal approach for students who:

• Have a dyslexia diagnosis
• Struggle to decode, or sound out, words
• Have challenges spelling words accurately
• Struggle to read fluently
• Feel frustrated when reading or avoid reading

Parents in New Jersey often start looking for Orton Gillingham tutoring when they notice their child is struggling with reading, is feeling frustrated, or is losing self-confidence.

Read more about who benefits from Orton Gillingham tutoring at Who Benefits from Orton Gillingham Tutoring?

Why Orton Gillingham works

Orton Gillingham works because it is structured, systematic, and teaches struggling learners in a way that works for them, using an easy-to-follow, step-by-step approach. Rather than looking at the beginning sound and “guessing” at a word or otherwise memorizing words, with Orton Gillingham tutoring, students learn:

• The names of each letter and its corresponding sound
• The connection between sounds and letters
• Specific word patterns
• Spelling rules
• Tools for decoding words they haven’t seen before

Orton Gillingham tutoring sessions are hands-on and engaging, helping students not only develop their reading and spelling skills, but retain what they learn. Ultimately, this approach leads to improved decoding, spelling, reading fluency, and reading comprehension skills.

What to look for in an Orton Gillingham tutor in NJ

When seeking an Orton Gillingham tutor in NJ, look for someone with the following:

1. Experience with learning disabilities and reading challenges 
A strong Orton Gillingham tutor has expertise in working with students who have learning disabilities, including dyslexia, as well as students with general reading challenges, and can adapt their tutoring based on how the student responds.

2. Creates a structured plan
When providing Orton Gillingham tutoring, a structured plan should be in place for the tutoring sessions. Students should receive an initial evaluation to determine their strengths and weaknesses and the specific aspects of reading they struggle with. Then a structured tutoring plan should be put in place, beginning with the student’s current level and progressing forward accordingly.

3. Provides individualized Instruction
Orton Gillingham lessons should always be tailored to the specific needs of each student. Some students may struggle to read and spell basic consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words, while others may have difficulty with more complex words containing consonant digraphs, vowel digraphs, or multi-syllabic words. An Orton Gillingham tutoring plan should always be in place for students and modified based on how the student responds.

4. Offers consistent tutoring sessions
It’s important that students who receive Orton Gillingham tutoring have consistent tutoring sessions on a regular basis. Orton Gillingham lessons build upon one another, and most students need consistent repetition in order to internalize new sounds and concepts. Reinforcement at home in between sessions is helpful as well.

5. Provides progress Updates
Parents should receive updates on how their child is progressing from the Orton Gillingham tutoring lessons. Some students show progress quickly, while others need more time and repetition to significantly improve their reading skills.

Orton Gillingham versus traditional reading tutoring

Traditional reading tutoring may involve individual unconnected lessons that vary from week to week or might focus simply on helping students complete their reading homework.

Orton Gillingham tutoring, on the other hand, focuses on core skills building, starting with foundational reading skills and then progressing upwards from there. The lessons build upon one another in a systematic way, helping students gain mastery of new sounds and concepts and feel more confident with their reading skills.

For students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities, this type of dyslexia reading tutoring is highly effective.

In-person versus virtual tutoring 

When seeking an Orton Gillingham tutor for your child, you may be looking at both in-home and virtual tutoring options. Both modalities can work for Orton Gillingham tutoring, based on your child’s needs and preferences.

While in-person tutoring offers face-to-face interactions and easily integrated multi-sensory tools, such as colored sand, magnetic tiles, and shaving cream, virtual tutoring has its advantages as well. Online tutoring generally offers more flexibility with scheduling and allows you to access specialized tutors who may not be available in your local geographic area.

How long does it take to see results from Orton Gillingham tutoring?

The rate at which students show progress from Orton Gillingham varies based on their unique levels and profile. Some students show progress very quickly, while others take longer to process and internalize new Orton Gillingham sounds and concepts.

In general, families might notice the following from Orton Gillingham tutoring:

• Increased reading confidence within the first month
• Improved decoding and spelling skills within the first 2-3 months
• Significant growth in reading and spelling with 6-12 months

These are just general estimates – some students may take less time to show progress, and others may take more time. The goal with this systematic, multi-sensory approach to tutoring is to create gains that will last for the long run.

Why NJ Parents choose Orton Gillingham tutoring 

Many parents are looking for the right support to help their child who is struggling with reading. They often choose Orton Gillingham tutoring in New Jersey because their child:

• Is not responding well to traditional classroom reading instruction
• Has dyslexia or another learning disability
• Is struggling to keep up with the pace of reading instruction in a large class and needs more individualized support
• Is showing challenges with foundational reading and spelling skills

OG tutoring provides students with individualized, highly effective instruction that can help them build their reading skills and feel confident and successful in school.

Concluding Thoughts

If your child is struggling with reading, don’t wait! The reading demands will only increase as students progress through school. Orton Gillingham tutoring in New Jersey can provide the individualized support your child needs to thrive academically.

If you are looking for an Orton Gillingham tutor in New Jersey or NYC, we can help! EBL Coaching specializes in providing one-on-one Orton Gillingham tutoring to students in their home, at our learning center, or virtually. Contact us now to see how we can help your child with our individualized Orton Gillingham tutoring programs.

Our New Jersey learning center is located at 50 East Palisade Avenue, Suite 201, Englewood, NJ 07631 and our NYC learning center is located at 17 East 89th Street, Suite 1D, New York, NY 10128.

We provide in-home Orton Gillingham tutoring throughout NYC and its surrounding areas, and we also provide in-home Orton Gillingham tutoring in Bergen County, dyslexia tutoring in Essex County, specialized reading tutoring in Hudson County, and Orton Gillingham tutoring in all surrounding areas in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions about Orton Gillingham tutoring 

Is Orton Gillingham tutoring only for students with dyslexia?
No, absolutely not! While Orton Gillingham was originally designed for students with dyslexia, any student who is struggling with reading can benefit from this approach. It is systematic, multi-sensory, and highly effective at helping students build their reading and spelling skills.

When should my child start Orton Gillingham tutoring?
Your child should start Orton Gillingham tutoring as soon as you notice them struggling with reading. This could happen very early; some young children struggle to learn the names of the letters and their corresponding sounds, along with how to properly write each letter. Orton Gillingham tutoring can help students build these early foundational skills. This method can also help students who may be older and struggling with reading or spelling more complex words.

How often should my child receive Orton Gillingham tutoring?
The frequency that students receive Orton Gillingham tutoring varies based on their needs and levels. Some students need only a few sessions per week, while others need daily instruction. Each child should be evaluated to assess their specific needs before Orton Gillingham tutoring begins, and an individualized tutoring plan should be created.

Read more about Orton Gillingham tutoring in New Jersey at Orton Gillingham Tutoring in NJ for Students with Dyslexia

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, holds her Doctorate Degree in Education and her Master’s Degree in Special Education. She has helped thousands of students with dyslexia and reading challenges through Orton Gillingham tutoring for over twenty years. She is also the author of the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook series, used by students and schools nationwide.

The post Orton Gillingham Tutoring in NJ: What Parents Should Know appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Which academic delays can occur in kindergarten?

Academic delays in young children can show up in various forms. There are early signs that can help determine whether your child may benefit from extra support. Some common areas of challenge include:

• Recognizing the names of the letters and their corresponding sounds
• Writing letters
• Writing numbers
• Counting numbers
• Following multi-step directions
• Focusing during lessons

Each child progresses at a different pace, but if you notice your child struggling with any of these skills, take action. The academic demands of school will only continue to increase, and targeted support can make an immense difference.

Early signs your child may need kindergarten tutoring

You might be unsure about whether your child is following their own developmental track or is falling behind. While some children may grasp foundational academic skills with time, others might benefit from a tutor to help them build these skills.  Here are some signs that your child may benefit from tutoring:

• Difficulty learning letter names and sounds
• Trouble with rhyming
• Challenges with identifying beginning and ending sounds in words
• Avoiding reading and writing tasks
• Struggling with holding a pencil, cutting, and other fine motor skills
• Difficulty learning how to count and recognize numbers
• Trouble staying on task for long stretches of time

If your child is struggling with any of these tasks, tutoring can help them build these foundational skills and prevent future challenges.

Why kindergarten tutoring helps

Kindergarten is a time when many early academic skills are taught. Foundational reading, writing, and math skills are introduced, and students need to grasp these basic skills in order to learn more complex material. If your child is having trouble learning these skills, they may benefit from kindergarten tutoring in NYC.

Early tutoring can help them:

• Build foundational reading, writing, and math skills
• Fill in any learning gaps they may have
• Prevent these gaps from turning into larger challenges
• Build their self-confidence
• Help them enjoy learning
• Reduce frustration
• Set them up for future academic success

If your child is struggling in school or has a diagnosed learning disability, tutoring can make an immense difference in their academic trajectory and help them feel confident in school.

What does effective kindergarten tutoring in NYC look like?

Many tutors have their own niche specialties. Some tutors are high level math specialists; others might be pros at teaching paragraph and essay writing; and some specialize in working with young learners, including kindergarten students. When students are in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, the tutoring sessions should be fun and engaging, helping them enjoy the process while learning key skills. The ideal kindergarten tutoring approach should be:

1. Multi-Sensory

Young children tend to learn best when the visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic modalities are integrated into teaching. Students should be able to see, hear, and touch new concepts being introduced during tutoring sessions. Multi-sensory tutoring lessons might include:

• Tracing letters in sand or shaving cream
• Creating words using magnetic tiles
• Tracing numbers on sandpaper
• Using manipulatives for math
• Integrating learning games to reinforce content covered

2. Structured and systematic

Most young children benefit from clear, step-by-step instructions that follow a systematic plan. This structured approach to teaching can help children effectively develop all core skills, including reading, writing, and math.

A sample structured reading tutoring lesson might include:

1. Teaching individual consonants and short vowels along with their corresponding sounds, including how to identify and write these letters.
2. Blending sounds together to form basic words, working in groups of four consonants and one short vowel, learning to read words such as at, in, fun, pat, & rug.
3. Moving on to reading and spelling words containing blends, consonant digraphs, vowel digraphs, and multi-syllabic word patterns.
4. Integrating oral sentences and story reading that reinforce concepts taught once the student is ready.

3. Individualized tutoring

Every child has unique learning needs, and tutoring sessions should be individualized to these needs. An effective tutoring program will:

• Start with an initial evaluation to assess your child’s current skill levels
• Create an individualized tutoring plan
• Tweak the lessons based on how your child responds

4. Engaging, fun, and positive

Kindergarten students should have fun during tutoring sessions and enjoy the learning process, helping them feel successful and motivated to learn. Tutoring sessions should be:

• Fun and engaging
• Positive and uplifting
• Self-esteem building
• Hands-on

One-on-one tutoring vs. group programs for kindergarten instruction

For pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students who have learning delays, one-on-one tutoring in NYC is generally the most effective option, allowing the instruction to truly be tailored to their needs. Students with dyslexia and other reading challenges may benefit from specialized Orton Gillingham tutoring.

Benefits of one-on-one tutoring:

• Tutoring sessions are individualized to your child’s specific needs
• Pacing is flexible based on how your child responds
• New lessons are introduced when your child is ready
• Previously taught concepts are reinforced as needed, based on your child’s grasp of the material
• Stronger connection with the tutor

Challenges with group programs:

• Less individualized instruction
• A specific curriculum is often followed that may not be best for your child
• Pace may not match your child’s needs
• Limited ability to tweak instruction based on your child’s response to lessons

At this young age, individualized instruction is particularly important, as this is a time when the foundations of learning are still being established. Without these foundations, students will likely continue to struggle in school and may develop learning gaps. Note that if your child has a diagnosed learning disability or ADHD, one-on-one tutoring is even more important.

Learn more about signs your child may be neurodivergent at Signs Your Child May Be Neurodivergent: ADHD, Dyslexia, And Autism

Which subjects can kindergarten tutoring in NYC help with?

While every child is different and should be assessed before tutoring sessions begin, kindergarten tutoring generally focuses on foundational skills building. These skills might include:

Pre-Reading & Reading 

• Letter recognition
• Sound recognition
• Phonemic awareness, including rhyming and identifying sounds in words
• Blending sounds to form basic words

Writing

• Writing letters properly, using top to bottom formation
• Fine motor skills
• Writing their name
• Blending sounds together to write basic words

Math

• Counting skills
• Number recognition
• Simple addition concepts
• Simple subtraction concepts
• Recognizing Patterns
• Sorting objects

Executive Functioning

• Staying focused on tasks
• Following directions
• Initiating tasks

How often should kindergarten tutoring occur?

The frequency at which a kindergarten student should receive tutoring varies based on their needs. Some students need one or two sessions per week, while others may need much more, depending on the severity of their needs. Summer tutoring is also a great way to focus on core skills building before the new school year begins. The key is receiving regular, consistent instruction.

Read more about summer tutoring at One-on-One Summer Tutoring Near Me: What to Look For

Supporting your child at home

When your child receives tutoring, it’s helpful to reinforce the concepts covered during tutoring sessions at home. Remember to keep the reinforcement work fun and engaging. Learning should be enjoyable for your child at this stage. While you should coordinate with your child’s tutor to reinforce what they are working on, some ideas for helping your child at home might include:

• Reading together every day and engaging your child in the book with questions about the characters, setting, and plot
• Practicing letter formations by having your child trace letters in salt or sand at the beach
• Playing learning games
• Encouraging drawing and writing to build fine motor skills

Remember to keep these activities positive, engaging, and encouraging.

Concluding thoughts

If your kindergarten child is showing signs of academic delays, one-on-one tutoring can make a lasting difference. With tutoring, your child will not only strengthen their academic skills but will likely become more confident and enjoy the process of learning.

Are you looking for kindergarten tutoring in NYC or NJ? We can help! EBL Coaching specializes in one-on-one tutoring for young children with academic delays using multi-sensory, research-based methods. In addition to kindergarten tutoring, we have expertise in ADHD coaching in NYC, dyslexia tutoring in NYC, learning disability instruction in NYC, and Orton Gillingham tutoring in NYC. Contact us today to see how we can help your child with individualized tutoring!

Our NYC learning center is located at 17 East 89th Street, Suite 1D, New York, NY 10128 and our New Jersey learning center is located at 50 East Palisade Avenue, Suite 201, Englewood, NJ 07631.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kindergarten Tutoring 

Is kindergarten too early for tutoring?
Absolutely not! Kindergarten is a time when academic foundations are still being established. If your child is having difficulty learning basis skills, tutoring can help them immensely, especially if the sessions are fun and engaging.

What type of tutor should I look for?
When looking for a tutor for your child, try to find someone with expertise in early childhood education. Also look for someone who will use a structured, multi-sensory approach to teaching, including tools such as colored sand, magnetic tiles, and shaving cream to help engage your child in the learning process.

Learn more about what to look for in a reading tutor in NYC at What to Look for in a Reading Specialist in NYC

Can kindergarten tutoring help if my child doesn’t have a diagnosis?
Yes! Many children benefit from tutoring even when they don’t have an official diagnosis. If you notice your child struggling, don’t wait! If they miss out on learning foundational academic skills, they will likely continue to struggle as they move through school without effective remediation.

How long does it take to see progress from tutoring?
Every child improves at a different rate. Some students progress quickly, while others take much longer. However, with the right tutor, frequency, and methodologies, many students show progress within the first month of tutoring.

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, has helped thousands of early childhood students improve their academic skills over the past twenty years. She is the author of the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham workbook series, the Flags and Stars multi-sensory math student workbook program, and the Strategies for Study Success study skills workbook series. She regularly writes educational articles for publications and frequently appears on podcasts as an educational expert.

The post Kindergarten Tutoring for Children with Academic Delays: What Parents Need to Know appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Summer is an opportune time to take advantage of, where the demands of school are reduced and more time can be spent on skills building. Some students need help with foundational skills; others have learning gaps that need to be filled; and students with learning disabilities or ADHD often struggle when the new school year starts if they don’t receive consistent instruction during the summer.

How can you select the best one-on-one summer tutoring program for your child? This summer tutoring guide will help you through the process.

Why one-on-one summer tutoring is important

Most students, especially those with academic challenges, need continued tutoring during the summer that is individualized to their needs. This type of tutoring has the following advantages:

• Individualized instruction that meets your child’s needs and levels
• Tutoring can be tailored to reading, writing, math, or executive functioning skills – or whichever skills your child needs help with
• Faster progress can be seen during the summer due to individualized learning and fewer school constraints
• Flexibility in tweaking the instruction along the way based on how the student responds to the tutoring

Students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities tend to respond best to one-on-one, multi-sensory tutoring using evidence-based techniques.

Which qualities should I look for in a one-on-one summer tutor for my child?

When looking for a summer tutor for your child, try to find a tutoring program that provides the following:

1. An individualized tutoring plan

The best summer tutoring programs should begin with an initial assessment to gauge your child’s specific needs and levels. From there, an individual tutoring plan should be created to help your child develop their core academic skills.
Look for a tutoring program that:

• Conducts an initial evaluation before the tutoring begins
• Identifies specific skills that need to be developed, and, within that, which aspects of those skills need work. For example, a child who struggles with reading may need help with decoding, reading fluency, reading comprehension, or a combination of those skills
• Adjusts the tutoring plan based on how your child responds and the pace of their response

In general, try to avoid one-size-fits-all tutoring programs that provide the same instruction to all students.

2. Specialized expertise

If your child has a learning disability, ADHD, or academic skills challenges such as reading, writing, math, or executive functioning skills, it’s important that you find a tutor with expertise in these areas.
Effective summer tutoring programs typically include:

• Research-based reading instruction, including the Orton Gillingham approach
• Expertise in working with students who have learning and attentional challenges
• Structured, systematic methods where concepts build upon one another

This approach is especially important for students with:

• Dyslexia
• ADHD
• Autism
• Executive functioning challenges
• Language difficulties
• Other learning disabilities

Learn more about specialized dyslexia tutoring at Best Tutoring for Dyslexia: Orton Gillingham, Reading, and Writing Support for Children – EBL Coaching

3. Consistency and structure

Summer is often filled with unstructured days, including playing outside, riding bikes, and swimming, but learning over the summer should be structured and consistent. This structure and regularity will help your child maximize their gains.

4. Progress and feedback

An effective tutoring program should provide feedback to parents so they can reinforce what is covered during tutoring lessons in between sessions. When looking for a summer tutor for your child, ask about the type of feedback you will receive and how you can reinforce the concepts being taught at home.

5. Confidence building

Many students who struggle academically often have poor self-esteem. Summer tutoring can help students not only build their reading, writing, math, and executive functioning skills, but can also enhance their self-esteem.
Students who struggle academically during the school year will often:

• Avoid work they perceive as challenging
• Lose confidence in their abilities
• Feel discouraged
• Become easily frustrated

However, summer tutoring can turn all of this around! The right summer tutor can help students rebuild their:

• Self-confidence
• Motivation to excel in school
• Willingness to challenge themselves academically
• Excitement about learning

Building these skills now can help your child feel confident, motivated, and ready to take on the demands of the new school year.

6. In-person and virtual summer tutoring options

Some students prefer in-person tutoring, while others like the flexibility of virtual tutoring. When searching for “summer tutoring near me,” there are various factors to consider.
Many summer tutoring programs offer:

• In-person tutoring sessions
• Virtual tutoring sessions
• Hybrid tutoring options

The best modality for summer tutoring depends on your child’s needs, preferences, and availability.

7. Plan for the fall

A great summer tutor will help your child build academic skills over the summer and prepare them for the new school year in the fall. An executive functioning coach may help your child set up organizational systems and study spaces. A tutor focusing on academic remediation may work on filling in learning gaps over the summer and even previewing new material that will be introduced in the fall.
When searching for a summer tutor, look for a tutoring program that:

• Starts with an initial assessment to determine any learning gaps
• Previews important academic skills that will be introduced in the fall
• Provides recommendations for continued tutoring if needed, once the school year begins

Learn more about what to look for in a specialized reading tutor at What to Look for in a Reading Specialist in NYC- EBL Coaching

Final thoughts

Choosing the right summer tutoring program for your child can make an indelible impact on their learning and help set them up for success down the road.

The best summer tutoring programs offer:

• An initial assessment
• Individualized instruction
• Specialized tutoring based on your child’s needs, such as Orton Gillingham tutoring for students with dyslexia or reading challenges, or executive functioning coaching for students with ADHD
• Consistent sessions
• Parent feedback on methods and progress

At EBL Coaching, our one-on-one summer tutoring programs use research-based, multi-sensory techniques to help students with learning and attentional challenges start the new school year on a positive note.

If you’re searching for “one-on-one summer tutoring near me,” now is the time to plan your child’s summer. Contact us today to learn how we can help your child this summer with highly effective one-on-one tutoring.

Frequently Asked Questions About One-On-One Summer Tutoring

How many hours of summer tutoring does my child need?
The frequency and duration of summer tutoring varies based on your child’s needs and availability. Students with more profound academic challenges should receive a more intensive summer tutoring schedule, while those with less severe difficulties may not need as much tutoring. The key is providing consistent tutoring throughout the summer.

Which skills should my child focus on over the summer?
The skills covered during your child’s summer tutoring sessions should vary based on their specific needs. The tutoring program you select should begin with an initial assessment to gauge your child’s needs and then come up with an individualized tutoring plan using research-based, multi-sensory techniques. Some common focus areas are:

• Reading (including decoding, fluency, and comprehension)
• Writing (sentence structure, organization, grammar, and other aspects of writing)
• Math (computation and word problem solving)
• Executive functioning skills, including planning, time management, and organization

If your child struggles with reading, writing, math, or executive functioning skills, targeted intervention can help them excel.

Should my child receive tutoring in-person or online?
Both in-person and online tutoring can be effective options for your child. With in-person tutoring, students can receive face-to-face instruction and hands-on, multi-sensory techniques. However, online tutoring usually offers more flexibility with scheduling and access to specialized tutors who may not be available in your local area. Some families also choose a hybrid option, consisting of a mix of in-person and online tutoring,

When should I start looking for summer tutoring?
The sooner you can start looking for a summer tutor for your child, the better. Many tutors fill up their summer schedules quickly, especially those who specialize in working with students who have attentional and learning challenges.

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, holds her Doctorate Degree in Education and her Master’s Degree in Special Education. She has been helping students, including those with specialized learning needs, through summer tutoring for over twenty years. Dr. Levy is also the author of the Strategies for Study Success student workbook program, the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook series, and the Flags and Stars Multi-Sensory Math student workbook program.

The post One-on-One Summer Tutoring Near Me: What to Look For appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Why it’s important to find the right ADHD tutor

Some tutors excel at teaching writing or math to students. Others may be early childhood reading specialists and some are pros at teaching chemistry or physics. Not every tutor has the skill set and toolbox of strategies to help students with ADHD.

When parents hire the wrong type of tutor for their ADHD child, they may notice that:

• Organizational skills don’t improve.
• Homework continues to be laborious and a constant challenge.
• Progress is slow.
• Time management is a challenge.
• Their child continues to struggle with staying on task.

Students with ADHD typically need more than just homework help or assistance with a single skill or subject, like reading or math. They usually need help developing their executive functioning skills, including:

• Staying on task for longer stretches of time
• Prioritizing tasks
• Managing their homework
• Organizing their belongings
• Initiating tasks
• Following through on tasks
• Managing their time
• Taking effective notes
• Studying for different types of tests

Tutors who specialize in working with students with ADHD should be able to identify each student’s specific executive functioning challenges and come up with a tutoring plan to develop these skills using the appropriate tools and strategies.

What to look for in an ADHD tutor

You may know that your child needs an ADHD tutor but you’re unclear about which qualities to look for in an effective ADHD tutor. Below are traits you should try to find:

1. A tutor who specializes in working with students with ADHD and executive functioning challenges
   When seeking a tutor, inquire as to whether they work frequently with students with ADHD and if they regularly work on building focusing, organization, time management, and other executive functioning skills.
2. A tutor who uses evidence-based, multi-sensory teaching strategies
   When working with ADHD students, tutors should provide interactive instruction, engaging their students with concrete, practical tools. They should teach their students strategies and show them how to apply the strategies to their relevant school work. The tutoring sessions should be hands-on and multi-sensory, and ideally the student should see the value in how the tools can help them.
3. A tutor your child connects well with
   It’s important that your child connects well to their tutor and forms a solid bond so they are open to the strategies the tutor will teach them. Some students respond well to a bubbly, energetic personality, while others prefer a calmer, quieter approach. An ideal ADHD tutor for your child should be able to redirect them without leading to frustration, keep the sessions interactive and dynamic, and introduce new strategies if certain ones aren’t clicking for your child.
4. A tutor who focuses on concrete strategy development
   When looking for the right ADHD tutor for your child, try to find a tutor who has a set of tools and strategies they can teach your child to help them become more independent and self-sufficient. The tutor should teach your child concrete executive functioning strategies to build their organization, planning, time management, task initiation, self-monitoring and other related skills.

Where to find an ADHD tutor near you

When looking for an ADHD tutor near you, you may want to consider a specialized tutoring center. Look for a tutoring center that focuses on helping students with ADHD. They should specifically specialize in working with students on executive functioning development, study skills strategies, organizational skills tips, time management tools, and planning skills, all using evidence-based strategies – and should have extensive experience doing so.

Online tutoring

Many students with ADHD respond well to online tutoring. It allows them to access specialized executive functioning coaches that might not be available in their local area, and it typically offers more flexible scheduling options. If students prefer working with a tutor late at night or on weekends, online tutoring can usually accommodate those schedules more easily.

Signs you’ve found the right ADHD tutor

You’ll know you’ve found an ideal tutor for your child with ADHD if you notice the following:

• Your child is becoming more independent with completing their work.
• Homework is less of a struggle.
• They are less resistant to tutoring sessions.
• Their organizational skills have improved.
• They are more self-confident with their schoolwork.

How long does it take to see results from ADHD tutoring?

The rate of progress from ADHD tutoring varies based on your child’s specific profile and degree of need. Some students show progress right away while others need more time. However, with the right ADHD tutor, you will likely notice:

• Improved organization and focus within the first month
• Academic skills improvement within the first 1-3 months
• Long-term academic independence with consistent tutoring sessions

The rate of progress can also vary based on the frequency of sessions. However, consistency with attending tutoring sessions is key; without this consistency, progress will likely be much slower.

Finding the right ADHD tutor for your child can help them immensely. Specialized tutoring and executive functioning coaching can help your child become more confident, independent, and successful in school.

If your child has ADHD and is struggling with planning, time management, organization, and other executive functioning skills, contact EBL Coaching to see how we can help them with individualized one-on-one ADHD coaching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of tutoring is best for ADHD?
The best tutoring for students with ADHD is tutoring that uses evidence-based methods to help them improve their executive functioning skills. The tutor should teach specific strategies and then show the student how to apply those strategies to their relevant school work.

Is virtual tutoring good for ADHD?
Yes! Many students with ADHD prefer virtual tutoring. They enjoy the flexibility of tutoring schedules and access to ADHD specialists who might not be available in their local geographic areas.

How often should my child meet with an ADHD tutor?
The frequency with which your child meets with a tutor can vary based on their needs. Many meet 2-3 times per week but others need less or more, depending on their overall profile and levels of need.

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, holds her Doctorate Degree in Education and her Master’s Degree in Special Education. She has been helping students with ADHD and executive functioning challenges for over twenty years.

The post How to Find an ADHD Tutor Near You appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Practical Homework Tips for Kids With ADHD

Children with ADHD often struggle with completing their homework. They may forget to bring home the proper materials, start their homework at erratic times, lose focus when doing their work, or turn in their assignments late. As a parent, there are many tools you can use to help your child with ADHD build stronger homework habits. Try some of the ideas below:

Time Management Strategies For Kids With ADHD

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Many students with ADHD struggle with time management, which can affect their ability to complete their homework efficiently.

Help your child build stronger time management and homework skills by creating an organized homework schedule.

If they have four assignments to complete, for example, have them decide on the order in which they plan to complete them and label the assignments 1, 2, 3, 4 (either in their assignment or on a separate sheet of paper or digital document). Then teach them the Estimated Time vs. Actual Time, or ET vs. AT, strategy. Starting with their first assignment, have them predict how long they think it will take to complete it and write down the ET, or estimated time. Then have them note how long it actually takes to complete that assignment and write the AT, or actual time. They should use this strategy for all of their assignments every time they work on their homework.

For students who struggle with time management, there is usually a large discrepancy between the ET and AT when they start using this strategy, but the more they practice it, the more realistic they tend to become with their time, and the more their time management skills improve.

Crafting the Perfect ADHD Study Space

Setting up an organized study space can help your child with ADHD build stronger homework skills. To do so, select a space where your child will complete their homework on a regular basis. This spot should ideally be a desk in their room, but an area on your kitchen or dining room table can work too. The key is consistency: anytime your child sits down to do their homework, they should work at their designated study spot.
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Make sure this space contains all of the supplies they need to complete their homework, including pens, pencils, paper, scissors, highlighters, and any other related supplies. If the supplies run low, refill them right away to make sure your child doesn’t wander around mid-session looking for more supplies. If your child works at a communal spot like a kitchen or dining room table, create a supplies bucket filled with the materials they need to complete their work, and have them take the bin to and from their room for their homework sessions.

Create a Consistent Homework Time

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Some children with ADHD complete their homework right when they get home from school; others start later; and many are completely inconsistent with when they do their homework. They might begin their assignments immediately after school, then take several breaks, become distracted by items around your home, and finally complete their work late in the night (if at all).

Help your child build better homework habits by setting a consistent homework time. Talk to them about when they feel they work best. If they prefer to work on their homework right after school to “get it over with,” that’s great. Some children may want a snack or physical activity break after school before starting their homework, while others may work best after dinner.

Any of these options can work; the key is consistency. If your child has after-school activities on some days, plan accordingly and help them find different times for completing their schoolwork on those days.

Pomodoro Technique For ADHD Kids – Give it a Try!

The Pomodoro Technique is a great strategy to help students with ADHD improve their homework and focusing skills. To use this strategy, your child should set a timer for 25 minutes and work consistently for that period until the timer goes off. Then they should take a five-minute break, followed by another 25-minute segment of dedicated work.

After they have completed four of these cycles, they should take a longer break of roughly 15–30 minutes. Your child can also tweak the time windows if need be; if 25 minutes is too long for them, they can start with 15 minutes of work followed by a five-minute break and gradually increase their work time to build stamina.

This strategy can help your child create a structured homework routine and complete their work more efficiently and effectively.

You Can Do This!

As students progress through school, homework demands increase quickly. Teach your child these strategies for building stronger homework and executive functioning skills, and you will set them on a path towards academic success.

For more information on ADHD, coaching, and tutoring, checkout www.eblcoaching.com

The post Homework Help for ADHD: Strategies That Actually Work appeared first on EBL Coaching.

This winter has been filled with lots of snow and time off school for many parts of the country. Some kids may sit in front of a device or lounge in bed on these chilly days. Take advantage of snow days by helping your child strengthen their reading, writing, and math skills with the ideas detailed below.

Reading

To help your child develop their reading skills, try finding a snow-themed article from a newspaper or online source. This article could be a weather report on the anticipated snowfall, an article about snowfall affecting businesses, or a passage about post-snow hazards – really anything related to snow can work. Teach your child that there are three elements they should look for when reading: the topic, main idea, and important details. Have them take out blue, green, and yellow highlighters and explain to them that they will highlight each of these elements in a different color. A topic is typically one, two, or three words describing the passage, like snow, winter, or hot cocoa. They should highlight the topic in blue. The main idea is what the author is saying about the topic. For example, if the topic is snow, the main idea might be: one of the greatest snowfalls in recent history. They should highlight the main idea in green. Finally, they should look for important details describing the main idea, and highlight them in yellow.

Have your child read the passage first, then go back and highlight the topic, main idea, and important details. Next, ask them inference questions about the passage, like, “What do you think will happen after the snowstorm?” or “How do you think most people will prepare for the storm?” They can either tell you their response orally and you can have a discussion about it, or they can write their response in the form of a paragraph on a separate sheet of paper or on a computer.

Writing

Help your child build stronger writing skills during a snow day! Teach them the structure of a simple paragraph, which is comprised of a topic sentence, three detail sentences, and a conclusion sentence. Explain that when they write, they should start by brainstorming, then write, and finally self-check their work. Give them a topic, like: should schools be canceled tomorrow? Have them start by brainstorming their ideas and include three details on why school should be canceled (if that is their stance). For example, they might use web bubbles to write: safety, time with family, outdoor exercise. Then they should work on writing their paragraph using the information from their brainstorm webs. Their topic sentence should introduce their stance, like: School should be canceled tomorrow due to the snowstorm. Then they should write their detail sentences, ideally using transition words. For example, they might write: First, it likely won’t be safe to drive on the roads. Next, a snow day would allow me to spend quality time with my family, baking or reading together. Finally, I can get some exercise if I play outside in the snow. For the last sentence, they can wrap up their ideas with a sentence like: Since we will be getting a lot of snow, I feel strongly that schools should be closed. As a last step, have your child self-check their writing using the COPS checklist, which stands for capitalization, organization, punctuation, spelling.

Math

To build your child’s math skills during a snow day, try making snow-day word problems! Create problems like:

Hot chocolate costs $1 per packet. If there are four members in a family, how much will it cost for everyone to have a cup of hot chocolate?

or

Two inches of snow will likely fall each hour for four hours. At this pace, how much snow will we get?

When solving these math problems, teach your child to circle the key words, highlight the relevant numbers, then break down the problem into four steps. First, they should write down the relevant numbers. Next, they should choose which operation to use. Then they should write the number sentence and solve the problem. Finally, they should write their answer as a full sentence, using proper capitalization and punctuation.

Don’t let snow days stop your child from learning! Have fun with these activities, while still building your child’s reading, writing, and math skills.

EBL Coaching specializes in one-on-one in person and virtual tutoring for students in grades pre-K-12 with specialized learning needs. They use research-based, multi-sensory techniques, including the Orton Gillingham method, to develop students’ reading, writing, math, note taking, test taking, and executive functioning skills. Each student is evaluated and then receives an individualized learning plan to address their specific academic needs. Learn more at http://www.eblcoaching.com/.

Dr. Emily Levy, Founder & Director, is happy to hear from anyone who is in need for their child. You may reach her through her website, and mention you heard of her through MotherhoodLater.

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Does the tutor have expertise in your child’s academic needs?

When seeking a tutor for your child, make sure the tutor in NYC has extensive experience working on the skills your child needs help with. For example, if your child is in early elementary school and needs reading help, ask the potential tutor or tutoring company about their experience tutoring reading to students your child’s age. If your child is older and needs help with high level math, ask about their experience tutoring algebra or geometry if that’s what your child needs help with. Tutors tend to have expertise in specific skill areas, so make sure your child works with someone who can help them with the skills they are struggling with, and has ample expertise doing so.

Does the tutor have experience working with neurodivergent students?

If your child is neurodivergent and has specific learning needs, it’s important that they work with a tutor in NYC who specializes in working with students who have similar diagnoses to your child. For example, if your child has ADHD and struggles with executive functioning skills, including planning, organization, time management, and task initiation, ask the tutor about their experience working with ADHD students and the approach they typically take. If your child has dyslexia, ask if they have experience using specific methods, like the Orton Gillingham approach, to help your child build their reading skills. Students with dysgraphia may need to work with a tutor in NYC who uses a multi-sensory approach to teaching students how to express their thoughts on paper in an organized manner. Likewise, if your child has autism, dyscalculia, language challenges, or other related difficulties, ask the tutor about their experience tutoring students in NYC who have similar neurodiverse needs.

Does the tutor give an assessment and use a structured learning plan?

When your child works with a tutor in NYC, it’s important that a structured plan is in place. Ask the tutor if they typically start with an evaluation to gauge the student’s needs. If your child has an IEP or another evaluation, see if the tutor would be willing to read it before the tutoring begins and incorporate the relevant information into the tutoring. Ideally, your child’s tutor should begin with an assessment to determine their specific needs, including what aspects of a skill they struggle with, before beginning the tutoring. If your child has difficulty with reading, the assessment should gauge whether the challenge is with decoding words, reading fluency, comprehension, or a combination of these skills. If the challenge is with decoding, the assessment should determine the type of word patterns they struggle with. At a basic level, your child may struggle with blending consonant-vowel-consonant sounds together to form words. If that’s the case, the NYC tutor may use a multi-sensory approach like Orton Gillingham to teach your child how to read these types of words, then move onto words containing blends, consonant digraphs, vowel digraphs, silent e patterns, multi-syllabic words, and so on. The tutor should also keep you posted about any progress noted as the tutoring progresses.

Hiring a tutor for your child in NYC can be a great step towards helping them succeed in school. Asking the right questions and choosing the ideal tutor or tutoring company can impact your child’s academic performance immensely.

If your child is struggling in school, contact us today at www.eblcoaching.com to see how we can help them with one-on-one in person and virtual tutoring.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my child needs a tutor?

If you notice your child struggling academically with reading, writing, math, executive functioning, or a combination of these skills, they will likely benefit from a tutor. A tutor in NYC can help your child develop stronger academic skills and build their self-confidence.

Should I hire a tutor with special education experience?

If your child has ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, autism, or another learning challenge, you should hire a tutor or use a tutoring company that has expertise in working with students who have special education needs.

Is online tutoring effective for helping students build their academic skills?

Online tutoring can be incredibly effective for many students in building their academic skills. It offers flexibility and access to more tutors who may specialize in the areas your child needs help with.

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