Start Preparing for the New School Year Early

To help reduce anxiety, preview what the new school year will look like with your child ahead of time. You may want to practice the drive or walk to school, visit the school building if possible, and show your child a picture of their new teacher. Familiarizing them with these details can make the first day feel less intimidating and more predictable.

You can also talk to your child about what a typical school day will look like, including arrival, classes, lunch, activities, and dismissal. You may want to review the school calendar together and help your child enter important dates, events, and days off school into a planner or assignment book. This gives them a clearer picture of what lies ahead and will help them feel calmer and more prepared.

For children who struggle with anxiety, including those with special needs, uncertainty can be very stressful. The more you can preview the routines, people, places, and events they will encounter during the new school year, the more familiar and manageable the transition is likely to feel.

Discuss What Is Worrying Them

Your child may begin showing increased signs of worry as the new school year approaches. Rather than simply waiting for these feelings to pass, encourage them to talk about what is making them nervous. Understanding the source of their anxiety can help you provide the right reassurance and support.

Try asking specific questions rather than general ones. For example, instead of simply asking, “Are you worried about school?” consider questions such as:

• “Are there certain parts of the first day you’re worried about?”
• “Are there any subjects you think might be difficult for you?”
• “Are you concerned about how much homework you’ll have?”
• “Are you worried about making friends or who will be in your class?”
• “Is there anything about your new teacher or classroom that makes you nervous?”
• “What could we do to make the first week feel easier and less stressful?”

Questions like these can help uncover what is really behind your child’s anxiety. They may not be worried about school in general, but rather about a specific challenge, such as keeping track of assignments, finding their classroom, making friends, reading aloud, completing difficult schoolwork, or remembering to bring home the materials they need. Some children may also feel self-conscious about receiving extra help or being pulled out of class for additional support.

Once you understand what is causing your child’s anxiety, you can work with them to address those concerns before the school year begins. Identifying specific worries and developing a plan for handling them can help your child feel more prepared and confident.

Restart Routines Gradually

When the school year begins, many children go from less structured summer days to highly structured school schedules. Rather than introducing a completely new routine on the first day of school, try to make these changes gradually in the days and weeks leading up to the new school year.

Start by talking to your child about what time they will need to go to bed and wake up once the school year begins. Then gradually shift their bedtime and wake-up time earlier until they reach their school-year schedule. This can make the transition easier and help prevent the first few school mornings from feeling rushed and overwhelming.

It can also be helpful to establish consistent morning and evening routines ahead of time. Children with special needs, including those with ADHD or executive functioning challenges, often respond best to routines that are simple, concrete, and easy to follow rather than long or overly complicated ones.

For younger children, consider creating a visual schedule on a poster or whiteboard that they can easily reference. For example:

Morning Routine

• Wake up
• Eat breakfast
• Brush teeth
• Get dressed
• Pack backpack
• Go to school

Evening Routine

• Come home from school
• Have a snack
• Complete homework
• Eat dinner
• Take a shower
• Pack backpack for the next day
• Get ready for bed

If your child has sports, tutoring, clubs, or other after-school activities on certain days, you can adjust the schedule accordingly. Each day might not look exactly the same, but the goal is to give your child a predictable framework for what their days and weeks will look like. The more familiar the routine feels before school begins, the easier it will be for your child to adjust to the structure and expectations of the new school year.

Create a Consistent Homework Routine

Before the school year begins, help your child establish a consistent homework routine. Start by choosing a designated study space where they will complete their homework each day. This might be a desk in their bedroom, or it can be a shared space, such as the kitchen or dining room table. Ideally, the area should be comfortable, organized, and free from unnecessary distractions.

Stock the study space with the supplies your child is likely to need, such as pencils, pens, paper, highlighters, and other school materials. Keeping these items readily available and replenishing them when they run low can prevent your child from wandering around searching for supplies when it is time to work.

Next, decide together when homework will typically be completed. Some children work best immediately after school, while others benefit from having a snack and a short break first. Another option is to complete homework after dinner. There is no single schedule that works best for every child. The key is to choose a routine that works for your child and follow it as consistently as possible. Over time, a predictable homework routine can make it easier for your child to get started, stay focused, and complete assignments more independently.

Set Up an Organizational System

Before your child starts school, help them set up an organizational system. You can try a color-coded approach, where your child chooses one color for each class, like green for science, blue for math, etc. Then when you purchase school supplies with them, select green notebooks and folders for science, blue for math, and so on. In their assignment book (which they should also use throughout the school year), they can even color-code their assignments by highlighting their homework tasks in the color corresponding to each subject. For example, they might highlight their science assignments in green, math assignments in blue, and other assignments in whatever color corresponds to that subject.

Make Sure Academic Supports Are in Place

Before the school year begins, it’s important that you ensure the academic supports your child needs are in place. If they have an IEP or 504 Plan, make sure your child’s school and teacher receive the document. Set up a team meeting, so their teacher and any other service providers understand the services and accommodations your child needs.

It is also helpful to establish a system for communicating with your child’s teachers and service providers throughout the school year. Regular communication can help you stay informed about your child’s progress, identify potential concerns early, and work together to address challenges before they become more significant.

Closing Thoughts

A new school year can bring excitement and the opportunity for a fresh start, but it can also come with uncertainty and anxiety. By putting these strategies into place before school begins, you can help your special needs child feel more prepared, confident, and ready for a successful year ahead.

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 to Ease Back-to-School Anxiety for Your Special Needs Child appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Students with ADHD often struggle with executive functioning skills such as organization, time management, planning, and task initiation. After the less-structured days of summer, adjusting to early mornings, full school days, homework, and new routines can feel especially overwhelming for them. However, there are practical steps you can take to ease the back-to-school transition for your child with ADHD. By putting the right routines and supports in place, you can help your child start the school year feeling more confident, organized, and prepared for success.

Why Is Back-to-School Challenging for Students With ADHD?

ADHD affects more than a child’s ability to focus. It can also impact the executive functioning skills they need to effectively manage their daily responsibilities and stay on top of their schoolwork.

A student with ADHD may be bright and understand the material being taught in class, yet still struggle to keep track of assignments, remember to bring home necessary materials, manage their time, or get started on their work.

These challenges can become especially noticeable at the beginning of the school year, when students are adjusting to new schedules, routines, teachers, and academic expectations.

Back-to-school challenges that students with ADHD often face include:

• Forgetting their assignments and important materials
• Losing papers or school supplies
• Struggling to get ready in the morning
• Procrastinating getting started on homework
• Becoming easily distracted when working on assignments
• Struggling to transition from one activity to the next
• Estimating how much time assignments will take to complete
• Forgetting upcoming quizzes, projects, or deadlines
• Feeling overwhelmed by a multitude of assignments
• Struggling to adjust to new classroom expectations

Learn more about how to find the right executive functioning coach in NYC for your child at Best Executive Functioning Coach in NYC: How to Choose – EBL Coaching.

11 Back-to-School Strategies for Students with ADHD

Instead of waiting for missing assignments and poor grades to pile up, use the start of the school year as an opportunity to put strategies in place that strengthen these skills and help your child stay on track. Try the ideas detailed below:

1. Reestablish a Daily Routine

Students with ADHD often benefit from predictable routines and consistent schedules. Knowing what to expect throughout the day can reduce the number of decisions they need to make and make it easier for them to manage transitions and responsibilities.

Before school begins, gradually start shifting your child back to a school-year schedule. Move bedtime and wake-up times earlier and begin establishing consistent times for meals, homework, and extracurricular activities.

Once the school year is underway, try to keep the general structure of each weekday as consistent as possible. A predictable routine can help your child stay organized, manage their time, and feel more prepared for each part of the day.

An after-school routine for your child might look like:

• Come home from school
• Have a snack
• Take a short break
• Complete homework
• Organize materials for next day
• Eat dinner
• Enjoy relaxation time
• Get ready for bed

The specific routine you create should be tailored to your child’s individual needs. Some children may benefit from physical activity or downtime right after school, while others may do best starting their homework while they are still in “school mode” before they become tired or distracted.

The idea is not to create an overly rigid schedule, but to establish enough consistency that important tasks and responsibilities gradually become part of your child’s daily routine.

2. Create a Morning Checklist

Mornings can be particularly challenging for students with ADHD. Your child may become distracted while getting dressed, forget to pack an important item in their backpack, or suddenly remember something they were supposed to complete the night before.

A visual morning checklist can help your child stay on track and complete each step of their routine more independently, while reducing the number of reminders you need to give them.

While it may vary based on your child’s age, a visual checklist might look like:

• Wake up
• Get dressed
• Eat breakfast
• Brush teeth
• Pack lunch
• Check backpack
• Pack sports or activity equipment
• Put on shoes
• Leave for school

You may want to hang up the checklist up in a visible place where your child will see it every morning.

As your child gets older, try to encourage them to take more responsibility with completing the items on their checklist independently, without you reminding them to do so.

Read our parent guide to executive functioning skills in children at What Are Executive Functioning Skills? A Simple Guide for Parents – EBL Coaching.

3. Create One Place for School Materials

Many students with ADHD struggle with organization and time management. They might spend fifteen minutes completing their homework and another thirty minutes looking for it the next morning.

To help with these struggles, create a designated “organization station” near the door.

Select one location where your child puts everything they need for the following day, including their backpack, completed homework, lunch, sports equipment, and other materials.

Encourage your child to place their belongings in this area the night before rather than in the morning, to avoid morning chaos.

By minimizing the number of details that your child needs to remember in the morning, you can make leaving for school much smoother.

4. Set Up an Organization System

Some parents start the school year by helping their child create a detailed organizational system, only to find that it is abandoned within the first few weeks.
For students with ADHD, simpler systems are often easier to maintain and more effective over time.

Try using:

• One folder for papers that need to come home from school
• One folder for assignments your child has completed
• Color-coded folders for each subject
• A backpack organization system, with a designated clean-out day
• One planner for all assignments and activities

Try to avoid creating a complex organizational system with too many steps. If maintaining the system requires too much effort, your child will be less likely to use it consistently.

You can also designate one day each week, such as Tuesday or Friday, for your child to clean out their backpack and folders. This weekly routine can help prevent papers and clutter from piling up and make their organizational system easier to maintain.

5. Encourage Your Child to Use a Planner

Writing down assignments in a planner may sound simple, but it actually involves multiple executive functioning skills.

A student must record their assignments accurately, remember to look at their planner, bring home the materials needed for completing their homework, finish their assignments, and remember to turn them in.

Students with ADHD often struggle with their executive functioning skills and may need explicit instruction and repeated practice with this process.

When using a planner, encourage your child to record:

• Homework assignments
• Tests and quizzes
• Project deadlines
• After-school activities
• Appointments
• Holidays
• Important school events

For long-term projects and assignments, your child shouldn’t just write down the final due date. Instead, they should work backward to create smaller deadlines for individual steps.

For example, if they have a social studies project to complete, they might write the following steps in their planner:

• October 12: Choose research topic
• October 14: Find relevant sources
• October 17: Finish outline
• October 20: Create first draft
• October 22: Edit draft
• October 24: Turn in project

By breaking down large assignments into smaller steps, the assignment will feel much more manageable for your child.

Read more about ADHD homework strategies for better focus and organization at Homework Help for ADHD: Strategies That Actually Work – EBL Coaching.

6. Create an ADHD-Friendly Homework Environment

Students with ADHD are often easily distracted by their surroundings. A phone notification, television playing in another room, nearby conversation, or even clutter in their workspace can pull their attention away from schoolwork.

To help your child stay focused, create a designated homework area with as few distractions as possible. Keep commonly used supplies, such as pens, pencils, paper, highlighters, and a calculator, fully stocked and within easy reach. This can prevent your child from repeatedly leaving their workspace to search for something they need.

Keep phones and other distracting devices out of reach unless they are necessary for a particular assignment.

The ideal homework environment will vary from child to child. Some students work best in complete silence, while others concentrate better with quiet background noise. You may need to experiment with different setups to determine which environment helps your child stay focused and productive.

7. Break Homework into Manageable Pieces

Students with ADHD can easily feel overwhelmed by large amounts of homework. Avoid telling them to just “do your homework,” since they may not even know where to begin and might avoid starting their work all together.

Instead, help your child break larger assignments and homework tasks into smaller, manageable steps. For example, rather than saying, “do your book report,” break the assignment down into specific actions, like review the assignment, choose a book, read the directions, create an outline, and begin working on the first section.

Breaking assignments into smaller steps can reduce the demands on your child’s working memory and make tasks feel less overwhelming and easier to start.

It can also be helpful to divide homework time into shorter work periods followed by brief breaks. For example, your child might work for 20 minutes, take a five-minute break, and then begin the next task. This approach can make longer homework sessions feel more manageable and help your child maintain their focus.

8. Focus on Task Initiation

Many students with ADHD spend more time avoiding or putting off assignments than actually completing them. This tendency is often related to difficulties with task initiation, an executive functioning skill that involves being able to begin a task efficiently without excessive procrastination.

One way to make getting started easier is to keep the first step as small and manageable as possible. For example, instead of saying, “Start your math homework,” try saying, “Open the assignment and review the instructions.”

Once your child takes that first step, it may be easier for them to build momentum and continue working.

Timers can also be helpful for overcoming the initial resistance to starting a task. Try challenging your child to work for just seven minutes. Knowing they only need to focus for a short period can make an overwhelming assignment feel more manageable, and once they get started, they may find it easier to keep going.

9. Build in Movement

For many students with ADHD, movement helps them improve their focus.

Rather than asking your child to sit at their desk for several hours straight, build in short movement breaks between homework assignments.

During these breaks, your child might:

• Go for a short walk
• Stretch
• Jump in place
• Take the dog out
• Have a quick snack
• Kick a ball for a few minutes

Try to keep these breaks brief and structured. The goal is to give your child a chance to reset and refocus without becoming absorbed in another activity that makes it difficult to return to their work.

10. Communicate With Your Child’s Teachers Early

For students with ADHD, regular communication between home and school can make a significant difference. If you notice that your child is struggling, don’t wait until the first parent-teacher conference to reach out to their teacher.

At the beginning of the school year, connect with your child’s teacher and share any relevant information, including strategies or supports that have helped your child succeed in the past.

As the year progresses, look out for patterns that may indicate a specific area of difficulty. Is your child completing homework but forgetting to turn it in? Is writing taking them much longer than expected? Do long-term projects make them feel overwhelmed? Are assignments frequently missing or incomplete?

Identifying these specific patterns can help you and your child’s teacher better understand where they are struggling and determine which strategies and supports may be most helpful.

11. Encourage Independence Gradually

You may feel that you are helping your child by reminding them about every assignment or stepping in to prevent a poor grade. However, doing too much can result in you managing their schoolwork rather than helping them learn to manage it independently.

While guidance and support are important, the ultimate goal is to help your child develop strategies and systems they can gradually take ownership of and eventually manage on their own.

Instead of telling your child what to do from the start, ask them questions like:

• “Do you have a plan for getting your assignments done?”
• “Which materials do you need to bring home from school today?”
• “When should you start studying if your quiz is on Thursday?”
• “What’s the first step you need to do for your science project?”

These types of questions will help your child learn how to plan and problem-solve rather than rely on your reminders.

When Does a Student with ADHD Need Extra Support?

Some students gradually adjust to the school year after a few weeks of consistent routines and structure. Others, however, may continue to struggle despite receiving support at home.

You may want to consider additional academic tutoring or executive functioning coaching if your child consistently:

• Loses or forgets their homework
• Has trouble starting tasks
• Takes significantly longer than expected to complete schoolwork
• Struggles to organize their materials
• Waits until the last minute to start studying or working on projects
• Has difficulty managing multiple classes and assignments
• Becomes easily overwhelmed by schoolwork
• Understands core concepts but receives grades that don’t reflect their abilities
• Depends on you to manage their schoolwork and academic tasks

If these challenges continue despite consistent routines and support at home, your child may benefit from ADHD tutoring or executive functioning coaching. Individualized support can help students learn specific strategies for organization, time management, planning, task initiation, study skills, and completing assignments more independently.

ADHD Tutoring and Executive Functioning Coaching in NYC and New Jersey

EBL Coaching provides individualized ADHD tutoring and executive functioning coaching to students in New York City and New Jersey. Our one-on-one programs help students strengthen the academic and executive functioning skills that can make school challenging for children with ADHD.

Our instruction is highly individualized to each student’s specific needs and can target skills such as:

• Organization
• Planning
• Time management
• Prioritizing
• Task initiation
• Task completion
• Note taking
• Test preparation
• Academic skills development

We help students with more than just completing their homework. We teach them concrete, research-based strategies for managing their assignments, preparing for tests, organizing their materials, planning long-term projects, and becoming more confident learners.

Some students with ADHD also struggle with specific academic skills in reading, writing, or mathematics. EBL Coaching provides individualized academic tutoring based on each student’s specific strengths and needs. We begin by evaluating the student to identify areas that need support and then develop an individualized instructional plan.

If your child is struggling with organization, time management, homework, study skills, or other ADHD-related academic challenges, EBL Coaching can help! Families seeking ADHD tutoring or executive functioning coaching in NYC or New Jersey can contact EBL Coaching to discuss their child’s needs and learn more about our individualized one-on-one programs.

Learn what to look for when choosing an ADHD tutor in NYC at Best ADHD Tutors in NYC for Executive Functioning & Academic Support.

Helping Your Child Start the School Year with Confidence

Students with ADHD do not need to be perfectly organized to have a successful school year. The goal is to establish practical routines, teach effective strategies, and gradually help your child take greater ownership of their academic responsibilities.

With consistent routines, individualized support, and direct instruction in executive functioning skills, students with ADHD can develop the tools they need to manage their schoolwork more independently and approach the new school year with greater confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD and Back-to-School Strategies

Why is the beginning of the school year difficult for children with ADHD?
The transition from summer to school presents many changes in structure, schedules, and responsibilities. Students with ADHD may have difficulty adapting to these changes, since those with ADHD often struggle with executive functioning skills including organization, working memory, planning, time management, and task initiation.

How can I help my child with ADHD get organized for school?
To help your child with ADHD become more organized, start with a simple organizational system. Set up designated locations for homework and school materials, encourage them to use a consistent planner, help them create morning and evening checklists, and schedule a weekly backpack and folder cleanout. Try to avoid complicated systems with multiple steps.

How can I make mornings easier for my child with ADHD?
To make mornings easier for your child, prepare as much as you can the night before. Have your child pack their backpack, organize their homework, choose the clothing they plan to wear the next day, and place necessary items in a specified location. A visual morning checklist can also reduce the need for repeated reminders.

Why does my child with ADHD take so long to do homework?
ADHD can affect sustained focus, working memory, task initiation, and the ability to process multi-step directions. Students may become easily distracted and overwhelmed by a large volume of assignments. Help your child break their homework assignments into smaller tasks and use structured work periods to help them complete their homework efficiently.

Should students with ADHD use a planner?
Yes, but just giving your child a planner is probably not enough. Students with ADHD often need direct instruction and practice on how to record assignments, when to check their planner, and how to prioritize tasks, estimate time, and plan ahead for exams and projects.

What executive functioning skills are important for students with ADHD?
Executive functioning skills include organization, planning, prioritization, time management, working memory, task initiation, and self-monitoring. These skills become increasingly important as students progress through school, so the sooner your child can develop these skills, the better.

When should I consider executive functioning coaching for my child?
If your child consistently struggles with organization and time management and these challenges begin to interfere with their academic performance, it may be helpful to consider additional support. Signs that your child may need extra help include frequently missing assignments, procrastinating on schoolwork, taking significantly longer than expected to complete homework, struggling to prepare for tests, or having difficulty keeping their materials organized.

Can ADHD affect reading and writing?
Yes. ADHD can make reading and writing more challenging, particularly when tasks require sustained attention, working memory, organization, planning, and self-monitoring. While ADHD itself is not a reading or writing disability, some students with ADHD also have dyslexia or another learning disability. These students may benefit from targeted academic instruction in addition to executive functioning support.

Where can I find ADHD tutoring and executive functioning coaching in NYC?
EBL Coaching provides one-on-one ADHD tutoring and executive functioning coaching to students in New York City and surrounding areas, as well as in New Jersey. Instruction can target organization, planning, time management, task initiation, study skills, test preparation, and academic skills, based on each student’s individual needs.

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, has helped thousands of students with ADHD improve their academic and executive functioning 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. She has also been featured in publications including Newsweek, Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine, Epoch Times, and Macaroni Kids.

The post Back-to-School With ADHD: 11 Strategies for a Successful School Year appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Students with learning disabilities are bright, capable learners who benefit from specialized instruction and support tailored to their individual strengths and needs.

If your child has dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism, processing challenges, or executive functioning difficulties, the start of a new school year is an ideal time to seek the tools, strategies, and support they need to feel confident and succeed.

What Are Learning Disabilities?

Learning disabilities are neurological differences that affect how an individual learns, processes, stores, or retrieves information. Learning disabilities can affect skills such as reading, spelling, writing, math, organization, and memory.

Common learning disabilities include:

Dyslexia

Dyslexia typically affects reading and language processing. Students with dyslexia often have difficulty with decoding words, reading fluency, spelling, and reading comprehension.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia affects a student’s writing skills. Students with dysgraphia often struggle with organizing their thoughts, forming letters properly, handwriting, spelling, or expressing their ideas in writing.

Students with dysgraphia may benefit from specialized writing instruction and strategies that help them organize their thoughts and express their ideas more effectively. Learn more at Why Smart Kids Struggle with Writing and How Writing Tutoring Helps.

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia affects a student’s ability to understand math concepts. Students with dyscalculia may have difficulty with number sense, math facts, or word problem solving.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of dyscalculia in children at What Is Dyscalculia? Signs, Symptoms & Treatment for Children – EBL Coaching.

Students may also struggle with:

Executive Functioning Challenges

Executive functioning skills help students plan, organize, manage time, initiate tasks, retain information, and finish homework assignments.

Many students with learning disabilities also struggle with executive functioning skills, including organization, time management, task initiation, and completing assignments. Learn more about the executive functioning skills students need for the school year at Executive Functioning Skills Every Student Needs This School Year – EBL Coaching.

10 Back-to-School Strategies for Students with Learning Disabilities

What are some strategies that can help your child with a learning disability start the school year strong?

1. Review Last Year’s Challenges

You can help your child start the school year on a positive note by reflecting on strategies that worked and did not work for them in the past.

Ask yourself questions such as:

• Which subjects were easiest for your child?
• Which homework assignments created frustration for them?
• Did homework take them longer to complete than expected?
• Did they struggle with organization?
• Did they need frequent reminders to stay on task?

Understanding what did or did not work in the past can help you create a better plan for your child for the new year.

2. Create an Organized Homework System

Many students with learning disabilities struggle with managing their assignments and overall workload.

Before the school year starts, help your child develop systems for:

• Recording homework assignments
• Organizing their folders and binders
• Breaking large tasks into smaller steps
• Tracking assignment and project deadlines
• Packing the materials they’ll need for the next day

The goal is to help your child become more independent and gradually transfer responsibility from you to your child.

3. Create Consistent Routines

Summer often brings a more relaxed schedule with fewer routines and expectations. However, many children with learning disabilities benefit from the consistency and predictability of a regular routine.

Set up an after-school routine for your child before the school year starts, which may look like the following:

1. Take a short break after school
2. Review assignments that need to be completed
3. Prioritize tasks and create an order for completing them
4. Break down homework in manageable chunks
5. Prepare materials for the next day

A consistent schedule can help your child feel more prepared, reduce stress, and know what to expect each day.

4. Communicate With Your Child’s Teacher Early

Try to set up a line of communication with your child’s teacher early in the school year. Don’t wait until your child starts to struggle to reach out; it’s always better to be proactive early on than reactive once the challenges become more severe.

Setting a communication plan early with your child’s teacher can help them understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and learning needs.

Set up a meeting and share helpful information like:

• Strategies that have worked well in previous years
• Accommodations that have been effective
• Areas where your child needs continued support
• Ways your child learns best

Whether your child attends a public, private, or specialized school in New York City or New Jersey, establishing clear communication with their school team can help ensure everyone understands how to support their learning needs.

5. Teach Self-Advocacy Skills

As students move through school, it’s important that they become active participants in their education and learn to advocate for themselves, especially if they have a learning disability.

To help them advocate for themselves, teach your child how to:

• Ask questions when they are unclear
• Request clarification on concepts or directions
• Use accommodations effectively
• Communicate their learning preferences

Self-advocacy is an important skill for students to develop before they finish high school and move on to college and adulthood.

6. Focus on Strengths, Not Just Challenges

Children with learning disabilities often notice that a lot of attention is focused on the areas where they struggle. Yet it’s just as important to recognize and celebrate their strengths, talents, and unique abilities.

Students with learning disabilities may excel in areas such as:

• Creativity
• Innovative problem solving
• Big-picture thinking
• Storytelling
• Visual reasoning
• Coming up with unique solutions

Helping your child become confident and motivated can play a significant role in their long-term success.

7. Build Strong Study Skills

Students with learning disabilities often need explicit instruction on how to develop effective study skills.

Helpful study skills strategies may include:

• Using graphic organizers before writing
• Creating visual study guides
• Learning strategies for retaining information
• Breaking studying into shorter blocks
• Developing organizational strategies

Effective study skills can be learned and strengthened, and they become increasingly important as students advance through school.

8. Monitor Homework Without Taking Over

When a child has a learning disability, their parent often becomes their “homework manager” to help ensure they complete their assignments effectively. However, the goal is to gradually build your child’s confidence and independence so they can take increasing responsibility for managing their homework as they get older and progress through school.

Instead of asking questions like:

“Did you finish your homework?”

Try asking:

“Do you have plan for completing your homework assignments tonight?”

Aim to help them become more independent rather than being dependent on you.

9. Look Out for Signs Your Child Needs Additional Support

If your child continues to struggle despite receiving support at home, it may be time to consider specialized tutoring. For families in NYC and New Jersey, working with a local tutoring provider who understands learning disabilities can provide your child with individualized academic and executive functioning support.

Some signs that suggest they may need additional support include:

• Homework takes them much longer than expected to complete
• Grades do not reflect their effort
• Your child avoids certain skills and subjects
• Your child becomes easily frustrated or overwhelmed with academic work
• Your child frequently forgets to turn in their assignments
• Your child needs constant reminders to start their homework or stay on task to complete it
• Your child lacks confidence in their abilities

Seeking the right support early can prevent small challenges from turning into larger struggles. Learn more about the signs your child may benefit from tutoring at 7 Signs Your Child Needs a Tutor: How to Know When to Get Help – EBL Coaching.

10. Help Your Child Start the Year with Confidence

The first few weeks of school can set the tone for the year ahead, so help your child start the school year feeling confident, supported, and ready to learn.

Encourage your child to focus on:

• Progress and effort, not perfection
• Building effective habits
• Asking for help when needed
• Celebrating small successes

Positive, encouraging language can make a big difference in your child’s performance.

Learning Disability Tutoring in NYC and New Jersey

EBL Coaching provides individualized tutoring and academic support to students with learning disabilities throughout New York City and New Jersey. Our individualized tutoring programs help students develop the skills they need to become more confident, independent learners.

We help students with:

• Dyslexia
• Dysgraphia
• Dyscalculia
• ADHD
• Autism
• Executive functioning challenges
• Reading difficulties
• Writing challenges
• Math struggles
• Study skills difficulties

We don’t just focus on homework help; we teach students the skills they need for success across all subjects.

Through one-on-one instruction, students in New York City and New Jersey receive individualized strategies tailored to each student’s learning profile, academic needs, and goals.

EBL Coaching works with families throughout New York City and New Jersey to provide individualized tutoring and executive functioning support for students with learning disabilities and other specialized learning needs.

Where does EBL Coaching provide tutoring?

EBL Coaching provides one-on-one academic tutoring and executive functioning coaching to students in New York City, New Jersey, and surrounding areas. Programs are tailored to each student’s learning profile, academic needs, and goals.

Academic Support for Students with Learning Disabilities in NYC and NJ

Finding the right academic support can make a significant difference for students with learning disabilities. EBL Coaching works with families throughout New York City and New Jersey to provide individualized tutoring and executive functioning coaching to students who learn differently.

Our programs can support students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, reading difficulties, writing challenges, math struggles, and study skills difficulties.

Whether your child needs support with specific academic skills, homework management, or executive functioning, our one-on-one approach is designed to build both skills and confidence.

Closing Thoughts

A new school year is a great opportunity for students with learning disabilities to strengthen their academic skills, develop confidence, and apply strategies that work for them.

At EBL Coaching, we help students in NYC and NJ build the academic and executive functioning skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions About Learning Disabilities and Back-to-School Success

What are signs my child may have a learning disability?
There are several signs that may indicate your child has a learning disability. These signs can include challenges with reading, spelling, writing, math, organization, memory, completing homework assignments, or struggling in school despite putting in consistent effort.

Does having a learning disability mean my child is not smart?
Absolutely not! Learning disabilities are not related to intelligence. In fact, many students with learning disabilities have average or above average intelligence, but need specialized approaches to learning.

Should my child receive tutoring if they have a learning disability?
Many students with learning disabilities benefit from specialized one-on-one tutoring that focuses on academic remediation and skills development, not just homework help. The right support can help students with learning disabilities improve their academic skills while becoming more confident and independent learners.

What is the difference between tutoring and executive functioning coaching?
Tutoring typically focuses on academic subjects, such as reading, spelling, writing, or math. Executive functioning coaching focuses on skills such as organization, planning, time management, task initiation, and finishing assignments.

Many students benefit from a combination of both academic skills tutoring and executive functioning coaching.

When should parents seek help?
Don’t wait until your child is struggling significantly before reaching out for support. If your child is consistently struggling, frustrated, overwhelmed, or losing confidence and motivation, early support can help them build their skills and develop effective strategies before these challenges increase.

How can I help my child with a learning disability become more independent?
You can help your child become more independent by gradually transferring responsibility from you to them. Teach your child systems for organization, planning, problem solving, and homework completion and give them the opportunity to practice managing their own responsibilities.
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. She has also been featured in publications including Newsweek, Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine, Epoch Times, and Macaroni Kids.

The post Back-to-School Tips for Students with Learning Disabilities appeared first on EBL Coaching.

At EBL Coaching, we specialize in providing individualized executive functioning coaching to students throughout New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We work with elementary school, middle school, high school, and college students to help them strengthen their organization, planning, time management, and other executive functioning skills.

What Is Executive Functioning?

Executive functioning refers to a set of mental skills that help students plan, organize, manage their time, stay focused, remember instructions, and complete tasks. These skills are essential for success in school and life.

Students with weak executive functioning skills may:

• Consistently forget to turn in their homework
• Miss project and assignment deadlines
• Struggle to plan long-term projects
• Lose papers and personal belongings
• Have difficulty managing their time effectively
• Feel overwhelmed by large assignments
• Struggle to get started on homework
• Lose focus easily
• Have challenges following multi-step directions

Executive functioning weaknesses are common in students with ADHD or autism, but they can also occur in students without a formal diagnosis.

Learn more about executive functioning skills, including how they affect organization, planning, working memory, and self-control at What Are Executive Functioning Skills? A Simple Guide for Parents – EBL Coaching.

Why Executive Functioning Coaching Matters

Many students know what they need to accomplish but struggle to plan, organize, and complete tasks efficiently and consistently.

Executive functioning coaches can teach students concrete strategies that they can apply to their schoolwork and everyday tasks. With this coaching, students can learn research-based tools to help them improve their performance across all subjects.

With the right coaching, students can learn to:

• Organize their school materials
• Use planners and digital calendars effectively
• Break down large assignments into smaller steps
• Prioritize tasks
• Improve their time management skills
• Develop better homework routines
• Prepare for tests efficiently
• Reduce stress, frustration, and anxiety surrounding school

Stronger executive functioning skills can help students improve their grades, strengthen their confidence, and increase their motivation.

How to Choose the Best Executive Functioning Coach in NYC

Not all executive functioning coaches in NYC have the same background, training, or experience. When choosing an executive functioning coach in New York City, it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure your child receives the right support.

Learn more about how to choose the right ADHD tutor in our guide, How to Find an ADHD Tutor Near You, at How to Find an ADHD Tutor Near You – EBL Coaching.

Experience Working with Students of Various Ages

Executive functioning strategies vary based on the age, grade, and skill level of students. Look for executive functioning coaches who have experience working with students in NYC schools and who understand the academic expectations of different grade levels, school environments, and educational settings.

Knowledge of Learning Differences

Many students throughout NYC who struggle with executive functioning also have a diagnosis such as ADHD, autism, or a specific learning disability. An experienced coach who understands the needs of students in New York City schools can individualize strategies to support each child’s academic success.

Learn more about our ADHD tutoring and executive functioning coaching services at Best ADHD Tutors in NYC for Executive Functioning & Academic Support.

Individualized Instruction

Every student has unique strengths, challenges, and learning needs. Effective executive functioning coaching should be personalized to each student’s individual goals and skill level, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Concrete, Research-Based Strategies

The best executive functioning coaches teach students strategies that they can apply in school, including:

• Planning systems
• Organizational tools
• Time management strategies
• Note taking techniques
• Study skills
• Test preparation strategies
• Self-monitoring tools

Collaboration with Families

Parents can play a helpful role in reinforcing executive functioning techniques at home. Strong coaches should communicate regularly with parents, providing updates and recommendations to support continued progress.

Who Benefits from Executive Functioning Coaching?

Executive functioning coaching can help different types of students, including those who attend NYC public schools, private schools, independent schools, and colleges who need additional support managing increasing academic demands. Students who can benefit from executive functioning coaching includes those who:

• Have ADHD
• Have a learning disability
• Have autism
• Are disorganized
• Forget to turn in assignments
• Procrastinate tasks
• Struggle to complete homework independently
• Become easily overwhelmed by school demands
• Have difficulty preparing for tests
• Have poor study habits

Students don’t need an official diagnosis to benefit from executive functioning coaching.

Executive Functioning Skills We Help Students Develop

At EBL Coaching, we specialize in helping students strengthen their executive functioning skills such as:

Organization

With executive functioning coaching, students throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island can learn strategies for organizing their binders, folders, notebooks, backpacks, digital files, homework assignments, and school materials.

Time Management

Students learn how to predict how long tasks will take, create realistic schedules, and avoid last-minute cramming.

Planning

Students learn how to break down large assignments into smaller, more manageable steps with clear goals.

Prioritization

Executive functioning coaches can help students decide which assignments they should complete first and how to balance their other tasks and responsibilities.

Study Skills

During executive functioning coaching sessions, students can learn effective note taking tools, memory techniques, and test preparation strategies.

Self-Monitoring

Students learn to evaluate their own work, identify mistakes, and adjust accordingly.

Why Families Choose EBL Coaching

For over twenty years, EBL Coaching has helped students throughout New York City, including families in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, build the academic and executive functioning skills needed for long-term success.

Families often choose EBL Coaching because we offer:

• Highly experienced tutors
• Individualized executive functioning coaching
• Evidence-based instructional methods
• Specialized support for students with ADHD and learning disabilities
• In-person and online sessions with flexible scheduling
• Collaboration with parents, teachers, and schools
• Individualized strategies catered to the needs of each student

We do more than just homework support; we help students develop lifelong habits to become more confident and independent learners.

Helping Students Build Skills for Lifelong Success

Executive functioning skills can affect essentially every subject at school. When students learn how to organize their work, manage their time, plan ahead, and study effectively, they often become more independent and successful students.

If you’re looking for specialized, research-based executive functioning coaching in NYC, EBL Coaching provides individualized support for students throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and surrounding New York City communities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Executive Functioning Coaching in NYC

What is the difference between executive functioning coaching and tutoring?
Tutoring typically focuses primarily on academic skills such as reading, writing, and math. Executive functioning coaching teaches students concrete strategies for skills such as organization, planning, time management, and study skills that can help them excel across all subjects.

Does executive functioning coaching help students with ADHD?
Yes! Many students with ADHD struggle with their executive functioning skills and benefit from executive functioning coaching. They often need to develop their planning, organization, working memory, and time management skills.

At what age should executive functioning coaching begin?
Executive functioning coaching can benefit students as early as elementary school, but many students begin receiving support during middle school and high school years, when the academic demands increase.

How often should students receive executive functioning coaching?
The frequency of executive functioning coaching varies based on the needs of each student. Some students benefit from one or two sessions per week, while others need more frequent weekly sessions, depending on the severity of their needs.

Does EBL Coaching offer executive functioning coaching throughout NYC?
Yes. EBL Coaching provides executive functioning coaching to students throughout NYC, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and surrounding areas. We work with students from a variety of educational settings and also offer online executive functioning coaching for students outside the NYC area.

Where can I find an executive functioning coach in NYC?
Families looking for an executive functioning coach in NYC for their child can choose EBL Coaching for individualized support. Our coaching help students throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and surrounding areas develop organization, planning, time management, and study skills.

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, has helped thousands of students improve their executive functioning 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. She has also been featured in publications including Newsweek, Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine, Epoch Times, and Macaroni Kids.

The post Best Executive Functioning Coach in NYC: How to Choose appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Missing two or three topics, in math especially, creates a chain of gaps that quietly builds into a significant lag. Kids rarely confess they need help. Fortunately, there are subtle “litmus tests” or signs that your kid needs tutoring that show up long before the report card does. Here are seven worth paying attention to.

Sign 1: Grades Are Slipping Despite Real Effort

Sometimes you can clearly see that your child is really trying to learn, but the test grades or the report card show the opposite — that’s a sign of hidden barriers to learning. The reason may be a temporary struggle or a real skill gap. How to recognize it?

Temporary Struggle

• Triggered by a specific event: illness, family stress, etc.

• Bounces back within 1-2 weeks.

• Child performs well once they’re fee-ling better.

• Errors are different each time.

• Mood improves after a break or extra support.

Real Skill Gap

• Persists for weeks regardless of how much effort the child puts in.

• The same type of mistake keeps re-peating.

• Child struggles even when genuinely trying.

• Homework takes longer than it should.

• Avoiding certain subjects.

If the second column feels closer to home, don’t ignore it. Here is what Dr. Emily Levy, expert Learning Specialist, Founder and Director of EBL Coaching, says about the lack of knowledge:

“The child struggles to learn new concepts because they have gaps in their foundational skills.”

There are signs that may indicate that the child has a real skills gap. The child struggles to learn new concepts because they have gaps in their foundational skills. For example, if a child never mastered addition facts, they will likely have difficulty solving double-digit, multi-step addition problems.

Sign 2: Homework Takes Much Longer Than It Should

According to homework researcher Harris Cooper from Duke University, the “10-minute rule” is the guideline for how much time kids should spend on their homework: 10 minutes of homework per grade level, per night. That is, if a child is in the 5th grade, this is 50 minutes per day, for the 2nd grader, it is only 20 minutes.

Becky Ward, Education Experience Specialist at Tutor Doctor, emphasizes that how your child works is as important as what they know:

“Effort without progress is the signal to look closer.”

A temporary struggle usually has an obvious cause and a quick recovery. A real skill gap looks different. It persists across weeks, it shows up even when your child is trying. The biggest tell is in subjects like math that build on themselves, where today’s lesson depends on last month’s foundation. If ‘I just don’t get it’ is replacing specific confusion, or your child is spending far longer on homework with little to show, that’s usually a gap, not a bad week.

More often than not, these are the first signs a child needs a reading tutor or math tutor.

Sign 3: The Same Gaps Keep Showing Up

The other marker is the fact that the same mistakes come up again and again. On the one hand, the kid is studying; on the other hand, they keep getting the same things wrong on tests and exams.

These repeated “holes” usually point to a gap in the foundation. The child simply has nothing to build a new topic on. If addition didn’t stick, subtraction and multiplication will fall apart. If sounding out syllables is hard, reading difficulties can snowball, and then understanding a textbook paragraph becomes a whole other difficulty. That’s why it’s worth figuring out which topics are weak and fixing them.

Sign 4: Your Child Suddenly Doesn’t Like School

Have you ever heard something like “I don’t want to go to school, it’s boring”, “I’m not doing my homework”, “I don’t care about lessons”? That “boredom” often implies gaps in knowledge. The child sees that things aren’t working out and makes the most logical move: avoids whatever makes them uncomfortable.

When a child is consistently lost in class, every single day becomes a bit stressful. It’s easier to say that school is bad than to admit that they haven’t understood the last few topics, and asking feels embarrassing. So treat a sudden dislike of school as a signal to ask yourself: does my child need extra help with school?

Note: If your child doesn’t want to go to school, first make sure it’s not because of conflicts with classmates or teachers!

Sign 5: Frustration or Tears During Homework

Frequent homework tears or anger are a clear signal that the material exceeds your child’s current skill level. Surely, it’s completely normal when something doesn’t click the first time, but if you stepped in (e.g., caught up on the topics together, took a break, gave them a little push) and it has worked out, it’s a perfect sign.

But if homework sessions regularly end in tears or anger, that’s a red flag. For many children, especially neurodivergent learners (those with ADHD, autism, or dyslexia), emotions are not just a reaction. This is a signal that the load is too high, and the material hasn’t caught up with their skills yet.

In that case, broader academic support is needed. It’s worth learning more about ADHD and reading challenges, as well as the ADHD and math relation, and looking into the best reading programs for dyslexia support. On our end, Brighterly’s dyslexia tutors work with kids who struggle with focus, making sure lessons are genuinely engaging, informative, and above all, at the kids’ own pace.

Sign 6: Low Confidence in One Subject Specifically

Pay attention to whether your child says something like “I’m bad at math”, “I hate reading”, etc. Listen for that shift as Claire Smizer, Brighterly Educational Advisor, says:

“A child who’s started narrating themselves as someone who can’t is in a different kind of trouble than one who’s behind a unit or two.”

Confidence and competence move together — when one slips, the other follows. And the worst thing a well-meaning adult can do here is agree: ‘I wasn’t good at math either.’ That hands the kid permission to quit.

What’s even more important is that the feeling that something is beyond their abilities can actually shape low self-esteem, both within school walls and throughout life. And that will affect how a pupil performs in other subjects as well. So if your child is struggling with one subject, stay careful, maybe that’s exactly why your child needs extra help in school.

Sign 7: You Keep Thinking “They’ll Catch Up on Their Own”

No, most likely your child won’t catch up on their own. Especially if the learning gaps happened in foundational knowledge, particularly in math and reading. These subjects get harder practically every week and are built on what kids have already learned. To avoid a snowball effect, the wiser move, and honestly, the cheaper one is extra support.

Spotted the first warning signs? That’s exactly when to get a tutor for your child.

What to Do When You Spot These Signs

Talk to the Teacher First

Your child’s teacher is your ally. It’s worth sitting down with them and asking what they’ve noticed that’s working, where the struggles are, which subject has taken a hit, and how your child feels during lessons. Are they engaged or checked out? Teachers notice patterns parents don’t always see at home. This conversation alone can help you figure out what to do next.

Don’t Wait for the Next Report Card

It’s tempting to hope that the next semester will just go better on its own. But it’s still smarter to act now and actually see the results in the next report card. Otherwise, there’s a real risk that school performance will only keep sliding.

What to Look for in a Tutor

One solid solution is to find a professional tutor who knows each pitfall of the school curriculum. If you already have someone in mind, great. If not, our reading tutoring and math tutoring are here.

A few things that make Brighterly work:

• Our one-on-one tutoring puts all the attention exactly where it should be — on your child.
• Math and reading require a sharper eye than most subjects, and that’s exactly where we focus.
• We know the methods, and we’ll find the right fit for your child from K-12 grades.

Conclusion: How Do I Know if My Child Needs a Tutor?

The warning signs from this article don’t appear for no reason. If you’ve noticed something from this list, then keep your finger on the pulse. And when it’s no longer just one or two bells ringing, the best thing you can do is accept the situation and fix it as quickly as possible for your child’s peace of mind and confidence.

If “does my child need a tutor” keeps coming back to you, Brighterly is at your service. You’re welcome to book a free lesson and get to know us.

Frequently Asked Questions  

Does Tutoring Help Kids with Dyslexia or Reading Difficulties?
Absolutely! Individual tutoring is one of the major ways to help kids with dyslexia specifically. It works because a dyslexia reading tutor works with the child at their own pace, ensuring the child gradually masters phonics, decoding, and fluency without pressure or comparisons to others. However, it’s important for the teacher to be qualified and understand the specifics of dyslexia and reading challenges.

What Are the Signs My Middle Schooler Needs a Tutor?
In the case of middle school, the most revealing signal is low grades, especially when they drop suddenly in one specific subject. Add to that a child who refuses to do homework, avoids a particular class, or starts comparing themselves to classmates (“everyone gets it but me”), and that’s a clear sign it’s time to look closer.

Does My Elementary Child Need a Math Tutor?
Here it’s necessary to check whether your explanations help and your child isn’t falling behind at school curriculum. If you notice that new topics are weighing on them, it’s better not to wait for better and react quickly. Elementary school is exactly where the foundation is built, the one that every new arithmetic rule gets layered onto later.

At What Grade Level Should You Start Thinking About a Tutor?
There’s no particular rule about what grade you can start hiring a tutor for; teachers work with kids from K through 12. What matters more is tuning into how your child is feeling: are they managing school tasks on their own, or is it already getting hard without extra help?

Can Online Tutoring Work as Well as In-Person for Kids Who Are Struggling?
Whatever the format, the key thing is to check whether teaching is of high quality and the teacher is seasoned. The in-person format has many advantages. However, online lessons can keep a child engaged through animated exercises and a more dynamic pace. On top of that, it’s more convenient, especially for families who don’t have the time or ability to drop off and pick up their child. Bonus is the schedule, which is flexible too.

The post 7 Signs Your Child Needs a Tutor: How to Know When to Get Help appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Summer learning loss is a decline in kids’ academic skills and knowledge that happens during summer break due to children going without regular learning practice. You can help your kid avoid this decline by using expert-backed strategies, ranging from simple daily reading and use of worksheets to taking trips and joining summer camps.

How Much Time per Day Does It Take to Prevent Summer Learning Loss?

The average minimum time that is enough to prevent summer slide or learning loss is 20 minutes of structured learning practice per day, at least 5 days a week. However, this doesn’t apply to kids in grades K-2, when learning should be based on conversations and explanations rather than on independent practice.

Backing up the minimum study time data, Dr. Emily Levy, a Founder and Director of EBL Coaching at EBL Coaching says:

“During the summer, students should do academic work for at least 20 minutes per day, ideally every day, but at a minimum, 5 days per week.”

This work should include a combination of reading, writing, and math skills.

And while agreeing with the 20 minutes minimum per day learning duration, Claire Smizer, Brighterly Educational Advisor, adds about how it’s different for younger kids, using reading practice as an example:

“The ’20 minutes of independent reading’ advice applies to older kids who already decode.”

For the youngest learners, the work is conversation and exposure. Read everything. Read it out loud. Talk about what it means.

Essentially, devoting roughly 20 minutes a day to learning can be enough to help your kid avoid forgetting roughly 17-34% of school material in summer, which is the estimated learning loss percentage for kids in grades 1-8, according to the most recent NWEA MAP Growth report covering this issue for July 2020.

How to Prevent Summer Learning Loss: 10 Strategies at a Glance

1. Work With a Tutor Over the Summer

Best for: Students who struggled during the school year or did great and want to retain their knowledge and learn more.

One of the solutions for preventing summer learning loss is hiring an online or offline tutor — a skilled professional in a particular subject. A tutor provides the structure and accountability that the kids usually lack in summer due to not attending scheduled classes and having no homework.

Speaking on the importance of structure for a child’s brain, Claire Smizer, Brighterly Educational Advisor, also advises adding something predictable to a child’s summer routine:

“A summer that’s pure unstructured time can feel like a vacation in June and a regression by August.”

The fix isn’t a rigid 9-to-5 academic schedule. It’s a loose rhythm: a predictable morning, some quiet time for reading or a project, time outside, time for play, maybe one ‘thinking’ activity a day.

Apart from someone who provides structure, a professional tutor is also someone who is inherently interested in your child’s progress. To ensure this progress, private educators usually create highly personalized and focused study programs. If needed, they may also incorporate games, quests, and challenges to make learning more fun. That’s the answer to all those who fear turning their kids’ holidays into a constant academic marathon.

For example, our summer learning loss tutors at Brighterly build a learning process in a game-like way to make it fun for the students. We have an online math program and an online reading program for kids in grades K-12, where our professionals teach your kid in a one-on-one format.

Both math and reading programs align with the U.S standards, but our tutors tailor the curriculum according to your kid’s learning style, level of knowledge, and summer learning goals.

2. Use Worksheets and Practice Tests

Best for: Learners who like quick, structured tasks.

By regularly completing worksheets that take around 20 minutes on average, children reinforce what they already know and stay mentally engaged, which helps them effectively avoid summer learning loss.

Spending the same 20 minutes on practice tests can help a child perform a quick knowledge check and assess their current performance easily. When they see incorrect answers, they know what topic or concept they need to pay extra attention to.

If you think just 20 minutes may not be enough, Kaitlynn Blyth, Founder & CEO of Happy Day Play, Inc., says “Twenty minutes a day is plenty”, clarifying that consistency is what really matters in learning:

“The mistake a lot of parents make is assuming more equals better, when consistency is what actually holds learning in place across the summer.”

A child who reads ten minutes every single day retains more than one who crams a workbook in August.

Free Brighterly Worksheets to Try This Summer

We have both tests and worksheets on our website that you can access for free. The theoretical section has a lot of materials and can be great for summer knowledge revisions, while knowledge-checking tests help assess how well a child remembers specific materials. And our math worksheets have plenty of math tasks that you can do online or print for extra practice and convenience.

3. Join a Summer Camp

Best for: Kids who like a social element in learning.

Summer camps introduce a strong social element to learning. They promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, while letting kids have fun through gamified experiences. In summer camps, your child can not only learn and grow academically, but also find new friends.

Apart from socialization and fun experiences, summer camps with special summer programs can provide another important thing — a daily learning routine. And consistency in learning is one of the most reliable factors against summer brain drain.

With camps, you don’t have to worry about inconsistency — the camps have programs and schedules that kids follow. For example, our summer math camp and summer reading camp run online, which means a child can have scheduled lessons and consistent study time even without disrupting your family’s summer plans.

In addition, AERA July 2022 research data proves that summer camps effectively help students maintain their past knowledge and make academic progress. In some regards, camps are even better than traditional classrooms, as they blend learning with fun activities, keeping kids mentally active without the pressure of scores.

4. Get Creative with Learning Activities

Best for: Kids who don’t like traditional, formal learning experiences but enjoy learning with a creative element.

Effective learning can happen even when kids are having fun and are not aware they are learning at all. To help your child enjoy learning, you can take creative, fun activities your kid already loves and build learning around the academic skills hiding inside these activities.

Creative Activities That Keep Kids Learning

Examples of activities you can offer your kid to make their learning engaging and fun include storytelling (for working on writing and reading skills), arts and crafts (for working on motor skills), science experiments (for refreshing science-related knowledge), and educational games (for refreshing knowledge across different subjects).

• Storytelling is what helps kids fall in love with writing and reading, while also enhancing vocabulary memorization and creative thinking.
• Arts and crafts activities help kids develop fine motor skills, while also letting children express themselves and relieve stress.
• Science experiments can help kids refresh science-related past knowledge and build new ones on it.
• Educational games for refreshing knowledge can be built around different subjects and are always conducted in groups, which makes them ideal options for quality family activities or friend time.

Just like camps, creative activities help kids perceive learning as an enjoyable process, while also helping them build confidence, develop curiosity and independence.

5. Take Educational Trips

Best for: Curious, hands-on learners who prefer real-life-based learning to traditional classrooms.

Museums, science centers, historical landmarks, or nature parks are all great knowledge reserves where you can take your kid for an educational trip to help them grasp new facts, ideas, and perspectives. Additionally, visiting such places is practical for improving memory retention — when kids actually see and feel what they have to learn, they understand and remember it much more easily.

This method of summer learning loss prevention is also a great way of spending quality family time. For example, Helen Neale, Therapeutic Counsellor and Parenting and Neurodivergence Expert at KiddyCharts, shares how such educational trips can help with both studying and family bonding:

“Educational trips are definitely the way to go – and they can be totally free.”

Just get the kids out enjoying the sunshine. My Dad taught me about wildlife on our photography walks – I now know a shed load of names for all the common butterflies out there in the UK.

To see how important educational trips are, you can look at the COVID-19 times. It was a period of limited trips and interactions, and also the time when school education struggled significantly. That’s when a new condition, known as pandemic learning loss, emerged. Limited social contact, no new impressions, and a lack of real-world interactions — all these factors combined to cause children to forget their past academic gains.

6. Set Clear Learning Goals for the Summer

Best for: Kids who do better at learning when they have clear goals they’re trying to reach.

Set clear study plans and goals for your child to follow so that the summer months don’t just pass by with the best intentions but no real progress. Make sure that these plans and goals are very specific, not something vague like “get better at math” or “improve reading”. For example, if you want your child to stop summer learning loss through reading, make sure to discuss and agree with them on an exact number of books they’ll need to read during the school break. You can break the task even further and turn it into a fun competition. For example, you can establish prizes for each book or chapter read to keep your child more motivated to move on.

If your kid doesn’t like reading, try to make this habit more attractive and even inevitable to follow. Create an encouraging environment to make reading a cool and consistent habit. Also, think of the perfect moment in your summer schedule to open a book together.

That’s the key recommendation on this point from Neeru Khosla, the Creator of CK-12 educational platform:

“Make reading enjoyable and accessible.”

Let children self-select text, create cozy reading spaces, and make books available. Have them set a reading goal or get involved in a local reading “competition” from libraries. Also, there are lots of summer camps focused on practicing reading along with writing, math, and creativity skills.

After setting the goal and planning everything, remember to support your kid even if they struggle while trying to reach this goal. The process matters even more than the end result. That’s what Daniela McElhaney, Head of Ivybrook Academy, also believes in:

“It also helps to pay attention to the process rather than the outcome.”

Instead of commenting on whether an answer is right or wrong, notice the thinking, effort, and persistence behind it.

7. Use Educational Technology

Best for: Kids who love technology.

To prevent a tech-loving kid from summer loss of learning, you can ask them to practice with interactive apps, online platforms, coding games, or virtual field trips. The best thing about all these tools is that they easily adjust to the kid’s current level and offer personalized practice.

You can also implement all those tech tools from an early age, when your kid starts using gadgets. Plus, all these tools can foster digital literacy, creativity, independent learning habits, and allow your child to learn anytime, anywhere, whether on vacation or in a car.

However, don’t forget to manage screen time carefully so that the technology supplements the outdoor play, reading, and other summer activities rather than replaces them. Also, make sure technology is used for learning, not just to fill the time.

To make sure your kid has a structured experience with tech-based learning, you can try looking for a special educational online platform that offers a scheduled program with short 15-30 minute sessions, so you can control how much your child spends there.

8. Turn Hobbies into Learning Opportunities

Best for: Kids who are motivated by what they’re passionate about.

According to the article published in the Reading and Writing journal in March 2020, writing is one of the subjects suffering the most during the summer holiday period. The authors also highlight that seeking activities that are creative and appealing to a child, such as journaling, storytelling, or blogging, is most effective in overcoming the struggle.

The same approach applies to any other subject. For example, cooking, specific board games, and LEGO challenges can all be used to learn something.

• Cooking teaches measurement skills, fractions, and the following multi-step instructions in a specific sequence.
• Building with LEGO teaches spatial reasoning and basic engineering thinking.
• Playing chess develops strategic planning and pattern recognition.

The key is noticing what your child loves to do and using this activity to teach them something new or reinforce knowledge they already have. Plus, including favorite activities in learning shows the child how book knowledge applies to real life.

9. Volunteer as a Family

Best for: Low-income students and kids from socially active families who value their social impact.

Volunteering may seem like an unusual strategy for stopping summer learning loss, partly since the learning feels invisible. However, when kids help at a food bank, animal shelter, community garden, or a local library, they practise authentic reading and math skills when reading safety instructions, measuring ingredients or quantities, writing notes, tracking numbers, etc. So, even though volunteering is not a formal or traditional form of learning, it can still help reinforce the academic skills built during the school year.

Additionally, volunteering can help kids develop a sense of community. Just like summer camp, it implies communication and cooperation, offering a chance to make new friends. But two things are different between the two activity types — volunteering is completely free of charge and offers a feeling of being a valuable member of society.

You can start from your local library — many run volunteer programmes for children and teens over the summer, often linked to their free summer programs. As for food banks, animal shelters, and community gardens, they usually welcome family teams for shorter, single-day shifts, which can involve your whole family, rather than being a solo activity for the child.

10. Read Every Day

Best for: Kids who love reading.

If your goal is to target summer reading loss specifically, reading every day is the best strategy. However, reading not only improves reading skills and reading comprehension, but also helps build vocabulary and develop critical thinking — skills paramount for steady progress in practically any knowledge field, from math to the arts. Once kids develop a strong reading habit, they can explore specific topics they like, at their own pace and without external motivation.

Even if your kid can’t read on their own, you can incorporate this activity into your daily routine. Dr. Emily Levy, Founder and Director of EBL Coaching at EBL Coaching shares how:

“For reading, they should either read independently or, if they are unable to read, have a parent or another adult read to them and ask them questions about the story, plot, and characters.”

For writing, kids can write in a journal about their daily activities or do everyday writing tasks, like writing out a grocery list or a list of activities they want to do on vacation.

Also remember that all reading counts. Graphic novels, digital texts, magazines, audiobooks, well-written game narratives, and even life-related things like simple manuals or recipes all add to the child’s reading volume.

For example, Kaitlynn Blyth, Founder & CEO of Happy Day Play, Inc., advises reading whatever your child is curious about in their surrounding:

“I tell families to start with and protect a few small habits.”

>Read together every day, talk through one real-world problem (like splitting a recipe during dinner time or reading the map at an amusement park), and let your child lead something they’re curious about.

Another option to encourage consistent reading is to get your kid into one of the summer reading programs, most of which offer rewards.

Conclusion

Preventing summer learning loss doesn’t have to mean turning the school break into a continuation of the school year. The right strategy depends entirely on your child — with a hands-on learner, you can try educational trips and science experiments, while with a social kid, summer camps and family volunteering can be good options.

For tech-savvy kids, you can offer educational apps and interactive platforms, while if your child is a passionate reader, encourage this practice and join them. And for kids who need more guided learning support, struggled during the school year, or want to stay ahead, working with a tutor can be an option.

Whatever strategy you choose, remember that consistency beats intensity. Just around 20 minutes a day the whole summer is enough to avoid losing the knowledge received during the school year and even learn something new.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Different Types of Summer Learning Loss?

Summer learning loss can be divided into three main types: math skill loss (forgetting math facts, multiplication tables, etc), reading skill loss (reduced reading speed, comprehension, and vocabulary), and motivational loss (losing the learning habits built during the school year).

According to NWEA April 2026 data, math and reading skills are the ones kids lose the most in the summer.

Can Summer Learning Loss Be Fully Recovered Once School Starts?

Yes, most students can recover learning skills they’ve lost during the summer within the first few months of the new school year. However, it all depends on how much knowledge the child has lost and how much the child is invested in regaining this knowledge. Essentially, the earlier families notice and address summer learning loss, the bigger chance of recovery the child has.

Does Summer Learning Loss Get Worse as Kids Get Older?

There is no clear data proving that summer learning loss gets worse as the kids get older. For example, NWEA April 2026 data show that summer slide usually happens in grades 3–8 on average, but point out there are other factors (like income and race) that influence learning loss in different students.

Do Summer Homework Packets Actually Help?

Summer homework packets can help with summer learning loss, but it all depends on whether a child actually completes the packets throughout the course of summer, whether the packet’s content matches the child’s current knowledge level, and whether the parent is involved to guide a kid if necessary.

The post Prevent Summer Learning Loss: Simple Strategies to Keep Kids Learning appeared first on EBL Coaching.

As temperatures rise and the days get longer, it’s starting to feel like summer. With this season of fun just around the corner, many children may lose academic motivation and the discipline to focus on schoolwork. Don’t let your child’s grades and performance slip at the end of the school year; instead, help them finish the year on a strong, confident note. Try some of the ideas below.

Set short-term goals

Even though the school year is winding down, there’s still time for your child to set short-term goals to maximize their performance. Talk to them about goals they feel are realistic for this time of the school year, like reading for 20 minutes per night, raising one grade in each subject, or turning in missing assignments. When goals are smaller, they often feel more achievable and less overwhelming to children. For added motivation, you might want to even consider a small reward for meeting each goal, like a trip to the ice cream store or a special movie rental.

Create end-of-year routines 

It may feel like school is just about done, but it’s not too late to set routines! By taking the time now to establish routines that work, your child can use them in the fall to start the new school year strongly.  One routine that can help is setting a consistent homework time. At this point in the school year, your child may be doing their homework at erratic times – sometimes right after school, other times before dinner, and often late at night, when they should be getting ready for bed. Discuss with them a consistent homework time that is viable and encourage them to stick with it daily. You can also pick a “clean out my backpack day” – maybe every Wednesday or Friday (or any day that works best) – and on that day, have them clean out all papers or materials they don’t need to be carrying with them on a regular basis. They should also check their school portal (if their school has one) every day during their homework time so they don’t miss any upcoming projects, tests, or assignments. These routines can help build stronger executive functioning skills, which will continue to be important when the new school year begins.

Prioritize missing assignments 

At this point in the school year, many students have assignments piled up that they haven’t turned in and that are well overdue. These missing assignments can negatively affect their grades, so it’s important that they prioritize identifying which assignments need to be turned in and come up with a plan for completing them. You may want to help them with this plan. For example, have them estimate how much time they think it will take to complete each assignment and then come up with an allocated amount of time they need to spend each day to finish their work. Help them set a goal for which date they will turn in each assignment, prioritizing the ones that need to be turned in first.

Teacher communication 

To help advocate for your child, it’s a good idea to maintain regular communication with your child’s teacher. Don’t let this communication slide at the end of the school year! A lot can change – including your child’s grades and motivation – at this time of the year, and if those changes happen, you’ll want to know about them. You may want to reach out to your child’s teacher to check in and make sure your child is staying on top of their work. If your child’s teacher mentions challenges, ask them specific questions, like which assignments are missing, which ones should be turned in first, what to focus on for final exams (if there are any), and if there are any extra credit assignments your child can do to help improve their grades. This type of communication can have a big impact on your child’s overall performance at school.

Prepare for finals

Older students will likely have final exams to study for at this time of year. If this applies to your child, help them come up with a plan for preparing for these exams without procrastinating. Encourage them to ask their teacher if there are study guides for each test that they can use when preparing. Then help them come up with a plan for how to study for each test, ideally breaking studying down into shorter sessions with built-in breaks to avoid burnout.

This may also be a good time to introduce the Pomodoro Method to your child, which is a great study skills tool that helps with time management. To use this strategy, your child should set a timer for 25 minutes and study straight for that window. When the timer goes off, they should take a 5-minute break to relax and unwind. After the five minutes are up, they should study again for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break, and so on. Once four of these “Pomodoro cycles” are complete, they should take a longer break, around 20-30 minutes. If 25 minutes of studying (or the 5-minute break) is too much or too little time, your child should adjust the time windows to ones that work best for them.

The end of the school year can be a challenging time for children to stay focused and motivated but slacking now can bring down your child’s grades and confidence. Encourage your child to use these strategies to help them end the year feeling encouraged, successful, and ready for a great summer.

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 to Help Your Child Finish the School Year Strong appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Students with ADHD often struggle academically because of poor executive functioning skills. Specialized ADHD tutoring in NYC can help students learn concrete strategies to build these executive functioning skills and thrive both in and out of school.

New York City has a variety tutoring options, but not all tutors use research-based, multi-sensory techniques designed for students with ADHD. The best private tutors in NYC help with more than just homework; they teach tools and strategies to help students learn more efficiently and effectively.

What Makes a Great ADHD Tutor?

Strong ADHD tutors in NYC typically have specific qualities. They should:

• Specialize in executive functioning challenges
• Use structured, multi-sensory techniques
• Provide one-on-one instruction
• Individualize lessons to meet the needs of each student
• Teach organization and study skills
• Help students break multi-step tasks into smaller, more manageable steps
• Help students build confidence and independence

Many students with ADHD struggle with:

• Losing their belongings
• Forgetting to turn in homework assignments
• Procrastination and time management
• Staying focused for long stretches of time
• Starting assignments
• Consistent performance at school

ADHD tutoring in NYC that utilizes evidence-based techniques can help students build these core executive functioning challenges.

Learn more about choosing the right ADHD tutor for your child at How to Find an ADHD Tutor Near You – EBL Coaching.

Why Families in NYC Seek ADHD Tutoring

Families in New York City often look for an ADHD tutor when they notice their child:

• Is struggling to stay organized
• Has poor grades at school
• Is becoming frustrated with school
• Has weak time management
• Avoids starting homework assignments
• Shows declining self-esteem

As the academic demands of school increase, executive functioning weaknesses often become more pronounced. Students may have trouble with skills such as managing multiple classes, completing long-term projects, taking effective notes, preparing for different types of tests, and studying independently.
Specialized ADHD tutoring in NYC can help students learn systems and strategies to improve their academic performance, motivation, and independence.

Executive Functioning Support for Students With ADHD

Executive functioning skills are often a key component of ADHD-related challenges in school.  These skills include:

• Planning
• Organization
• Time management
• Working memory
• Self-monitoring
• Task initiation
• Task completion
• Sustained focus

Effective ADHD tutors in NYC should focus on executive functioning coaching during their tutoring sessions, not just homework help. This type of instruction may include helping students:

• Organize their backpacks, binders, and desks
• Manage their workload
• Come up with a plan for completing multiple assignments
• Prioritize tasks
• Develop study schedules
• Manage deadlines

Many of these skills are not innate, especially for students with ADHD, and must be taught explicitly.

Learn more about executive functioning skills and how they impact academic performance at What Are Executive Functioning Skills? A Simple Guide for Parents – EBL Coaching.

How to Choose a Private ADHD Tutor in NYC

Expertise With ADHD and Learning Challenges

When looking for a tutor for your child, try to find someone who has expertise and extensive experience working with students with ADHD and executive functioning challenges.

Specialized tutors should know that students with ADHD often need:

• Multi-sensory instruction
• Individualized, evidence-based techniques
• Movement breaks
• Repetition of new concepts
• Structured routines

Individualized, One-on-One Instruction

An ideal ADHD tutoring program in NYC should begin with an initial evaluation to gauge your child’s needs. They should then create a customized tutoring plan to remediate your child’s executive functioning and academic weaknesses effectively.  Research-based, one-on-one instruction is particularly effective for students with ADHD, since each child has a unique profile with individual strengths and weaknesses.

Some students with ADHD struggle mainly with attention and impulsivity, while others have executive functioning weaknesses that need to be addressed as well.

Evidence-Based Teaching Methods

It’s important to find a tutor for your child who uses the right evidence-based techniques to develop their areas of weakness. Effective ADHD tutoring programs in Manhattan often use:

• Multi-sensory techniques
• Tools to build organizational skills
• Explicit strategies
• Positive reinforcement and empowering language
• Structured routines

Tutoring programs that use research-based approaches for ADHD usually achieve better long-term academic improvement.

EBL Coaching: Specialized ADHD Tutoring in NYC

EBL Coaching specializes in providing one-on-one ADHD tutoring and executive functioning coaching to students in grades preK-12 in New York City and the surrounding areas. They provide individualized, research-based instruction for neurodiverse students, including those with ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, executive functioning challenges, and other special education needs. Their tutoring program begins with an initial assessment to gauge your child’s strengths and weaknesses. A customized instructional plan is then created using research-based, multi-sensory techniques to meet your child’s individual needs.

EBL Coaching’s one-on-one in person and online tutoring programs focus on:

• Executive functioning skills
• Decoding and spelling words
• Reading fluency
• Reading comprehension
• Writing organization and mechanics
• Math computation and word problem-solving skills
• Homework management
• Orton Gillingham tutoring
• Motivation and confidence development

The tutoring sessions are available:

• At their Upper East Side learning center
• At their New Jersey learning center
• At your home in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, and New Jersey
• At your child’s school or a local library
• Virtually

Why Individualized ADHD Tutoring is Important

Many students with ADHD are very bright and capable but struggle in traditional learning environments. Large classrooms often lack the structure and tools for students who have challenges with focus and executive functioning skills.

Private tutoring in NYC allows the tutoring sessions to be:

• Customized to the needs of each student
• Multi-sensory
• Paced appropriately
• Tailored to each student’s needs and overall profile

One-on-one tutoring can help students feel more comfortable asking questions if they are unsure of a concept and helps improve their self-confidence and overall academic skills.

In-Person vs. Online ADHD Tutoring

Many parents in NYC consider both in-person and virtual tutoring options for their child. Each modality has its own benefits.

In-Person Tutoring Benefits:

• Multi-sensory learning opportunities
• Strong rapport-building with tutor
• Fewer distractions
• Face-to-face interactions

Virtual Tutoring Benefits:

• More flexibility with scheduling
• Access to specialized tutors who may not be available in your local area
• No travel time

Many parents prefer a hybrid option, which combines both in-person and virtual tutoring.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an ADHD Tutor

Before choosing a tutor for your child, you should ask specific questions, including:

• What is your experience working with ADHD students?
• Do you focus on developing executive functioning skills?
• Do you begin with an initial assessment?
• Do you use a multi-sensory approach?
• Do you use research-based techniques?
• How do you communicate progress to parents?
• Do you collaborate with teachers at school?
• Can you provide sessions virtually or in person?

These questions can help you decide which tutoring program is the best fit for your child.

Closing Thoughts

The best private ADHD tutors in NYC should help students with more than just homework. They should teach students strategies for building their organization, time management, planning, and other executive functioning skills to help them achieve long-term success.

With the right customized tutoring, students with ADHD can improve their performance at school, build stronger executive functioning skills, and strengthen their overall self-confidence.

If you are looking for ADHD tutoring in New York City, try to find a tutoring program that:

• Uses research-based techniques
• Provides executive functioning support
• Offers initial assessments before tutoring starts
• Creates individualized tutoring plans
• Specializes in working with students with ADHD and learning disabilities

Learn more about effective homework strategies for students with ADHD at Homework Help for ADHD: Strategies That Actually Work – EBL Coaching.

Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Tutors in NYC

How can an ADHD tutor help my child?
An ADHD tutor can help your child in many ways, including improving their:

• Focus
• Organizational skills
• Time management
• Task initiation
• Study skills
• Homework management
• Self-confidence

Many ADHD tutors specialize in teaching executive functioning strategies that can help your child become more independent and achieve long-term academic success.

What is the difference between an ADHD tutor and a regular tutor?
A “regular” tutor may focus on homework help or basic academic skills review. An ADHD tutor, however, understands how attention, executive functioning, and organization difficulties can impact your child’s learning.

Specialized ADHD tutors can help your child:

• Break down longer tasks into smaller, more manageable steps
• Learn effective study strategies
• Manage their time efficiently
• Learn how to prioritize tasks
• Create systems for organization
• Manage their workload effectively

At what age should my child start ADHD tutoring?
Students of various ages can benefit from ADHD tutoring. Some children begin receiving tutoring in early elementary school, when the focus and organization challenges first become noticeable. Other students, however, begin receiving tutoring in middle school or high school, when the academic and executive functioning demands increase rapidly. If you notice your child struggling, don’t wait. Early intervention can help prevent future academic challenges:

Does ADHD tutoring help with executive functioning skills?
Yes! Effective ADHD tutoring programs should focus on developing executive functioning skills, including:

• Planning
• Organization
• Time management
• Task initiation
• Working memory
• Prioritization
• Task completion

Executive functioning coaching is an important component of ADHD tutoring and can help your child achieve long-term academic success

Can ADHD tutoring improve my child’s grades?
Yes! ADHD tutoring often improves students’ grades by helping them:

• Become more organized
• Prepare for different types of tests
• Avoid procrastination
• Complete and turn in homework on time
• Improve their focus
• Build stronger study skills

When students learn effective tools and strategies for building these skills, their grades in school often improve.

Is virtual ADHD tutoring effective?
Yes! Virtual ADHD tutoring can be highly effective for students, especially when the sessions are interactive and integrate evidence-based techniques.

How often should a student with ADHD receive tutoring?
The frequency at which a student should receive ADHD tutoring depends on their unique needs. Some students only need 1-2 sessions per week, while others benefit from much more frequent sessions. An initial assessment can help determine the appropriate frequency of tutoring sessions for your child.

What qualifications should parents look for in an ADHD tutor?
When looking for an ADHD tutor in NYC for your child, look for a tutor who has:

• Expertise in working with ADHD students
• Extensive executive functioning coaching experience
• Effective communication skills
• Research-based teaching methods
• Expertise using a multi-sensory teaching approach

Specialization in working with neurodiverse students is particularly important.

Which subjects does ADHD tutoring help with?
ADHD tutors can help your child with a variety of skills, including:

• Study skills
• Organizational skills
• Homework management
• Reading comprehension
• Writing organization and mechanics
• Math computation and word problem skills
• Executive functioning

How do I know if my child needs an ADHD tutor?
There are many signs that may indicate your child needs an ADHD tutor. You may want to consider ADHD tutoring if your child:

• Often forgets assignments
• Struggles with organizational skills
• Has poor time management skills
• Avoids starting homework
• Struggles with multi-step tasks
• Has difficulty prioritizing tasks

The right ADHD tutoring can provide your child with individualized instruction that they may not receive in traditional classrooms.

Are ADHD tutors available in person in NYC?
Yes! Many tutoring centers, like EBL Coaching, offer in-person ADHD tutoring in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and other areas surrounding New York City. Some tutoring programs also provide virtual or hybrid options for additional flexibility.

Learn more about strategies for ADHD at CHADD – Improving the lives of people affected by ADHD.

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, has helped thousands of students with specialized learning needs build their academic skills with ADHD tutoring 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. She has also been featured in publications including Newsweek, Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine, Epoch Times, and Macaroni Kids.

The post Best ADHD Tutors in NYC for Executive Functioning & Academic Support appeared first on EBL Coaching.

If you’re searching for the best summer tutoring programs in NYC for kids with learning disabilities, you’re on the right track. Many students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning challenges experience significant learning loss over the summer. The right tutoring program can help your child maintain their academic skills, close learning gaps, and build confidence before the new school year.

Why summer tutoring is important for students with learning disabilities

As students move through school, the academic demands increase rapidly, and for children with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD, or executive functioning challenges, the difficulties can be even greater.

During the summer, students with learning disabilities:

• Often lose important reading, writing, and math skills
• Experience widening learning gaps
• Show decreased confidence

That is why many families in Manhattan, the Upper East Side, and across NYC turn to specialized summer tutoring programs that offer intensive, individualized instruction using research-based techniques designed for students with learning disabilities.

What are the best summer tutoring programs in NYC for learning disabilities?

The best summer tutoring programs in NYC for students with learning disabilities offer one-on-one instruction, use multi-sensory teaching methods, and provide individualized tutoring plans. These programs help prevent summer learning loss while improving reading, writing, math, and executive functioning skills.

What makes the best summer tutoring programs in NYC effective?

Not all tutoring programs are effective for students with learning disabilities or ADHD. In a place like NYC, where there are many summer tutoring options, it’s important to find the right option for your child.

Learn how to prevent summer learning loss in children with dyslexia at Summer Tutoring for Students with Dyslexia: How to Prevent Learning Loss.

Individualized one-on-one tutoring

The most effective summer tutoring programs individualize the instruction to meet your child’s specific needs. Each student should receive an initial assessment, and then a custom tutoring plan should be developed based on their unique profile.

Multi-sensory teaching methods

Students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities benefit from structured, multi-sensory tutoring. Effective programs should use research-based techniques that engage the visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic modalities.

Consistent, intensive sessions

Most students with learning disabilities benefit from intensive, consistent tutoring sessions. Summer is a great time to focus on more rigorous skills building, when the academic demands of school lighten. Students with learning challenges typically benefit from:

• One-on-one instruction
• Multiple sessions per week
• Structured, multi-sensory tutoring lessons
• Communication with parents regarding progress

Specialized expertise

When seeking the right summer tutoring program for your child, look for a program that specializes in:

• Learning disabilities, including dyslexia
• ADHD
• Autism
• Reading intervention
• Writing remediation
• Multi-sensory math instruction
• Executive functioning coaching

Learn how to find the best tutor for your child in NYC at How to Find the Best Tutor for Your Child in NYC – EBL Coaching.

Types of summer tutoring programs in Manhattan for learning disabilities

1. One-on-One tutoring
One-on-one tutoring offers the greatest level of individualized instruction and is the most effective option for students with learning disabilities.

2. Specialized learning centers
Manhattan has many different learning centers and NYC private tutoring centers, but not all of them specialize in helping students with learning disabilities and ADHD.
An effective summer tutoring program for learning disabilities should specialize in:

• Dyslexia
• Dysgraphia
• Dyscalculia
• ADHD
• Autism
• Executive functioning skills
• Reading, writing, and math challenges

When searching for a summer tutoring program, focus on providers that specialize in dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning challenges and offer structured, individualized tutoring.

3. Virtual summer tutoring
For many NYC families, virtual tutoring offers flexibility while still maintaining high quality instruction.
Virtual summer tutoring sessions allow students to receive expert specialized instruction from home.

How to choose the best summer tutoring program in NYC for your child

When looking for the best summer tutoring program in NYC, make sure you ask the right questions. Some questions you may want to ask include:

• Do you offer one-on-one tutoring?
• Do tutors specialize in working with students with learning disabilities using research-based methods?
• Do you use a multi-sensory approach?
• Can tutoring sessions take place at my home?
• Do you offer Upper East Side tutoring?
• Do you offer virtual tutoring sessions?
• Do you help with reading, writing, math, and executive functioning skills using specialized techniques?

Learn about finding a dyslexia tutor in NYC at What to Look for in a Dyslexia Tutor | NYC East Macaroni Kid.

Are you looking for a summer tutor for your child with a learning disability?

EBL Coaching can help! We specialize in providing one-on-one tutoring using research-based, multi-sensory techniques to students with specialized learning needs at your home, at our learning center, or virtually. Contact us now to see how we can help your child with our individualized summer tutoring programs.
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.

We provide in-home summer tutoring throughout NYC and its surrounding areas, and we also provide in-home summer tutoring in Bergen County and surrounding areas in New Jersey.

Why summer is the best time to catch up

Summer is an ideal time to focus on building foundational skills and filling in any learning gaps.

• With the right summer tutoring program, students can:
• Strengthen their reading, writing, and math skills
• Improve their executive functioning skills
• Fill in learning gaps
• Build self-confidence before starting the new school year

Many NYC students who receive summer tutoring from programs start the new school year feeling confident and prepared.

Closing thoughts

The best summer tutoring programs for students with learning disabilities in NYC:

• Offer one-on-one instruction
• Use evidence-based, multi-sensory techniques
• Are individualized to the specific needs of each student
• Provide a consistent tutoring schedule
• Specialize in helping students with learning disabilities and ADHD

For many students, EBL Coaching offers an ideal summer tutoring plan, with one-on-one instruction that is evidence-based and customized to the unique needs of each student.

FAQs about summer tutoring for students with learning disabilities

Does my child need summer tutoring?
If your child is struggling with reading, writing, math, or executive functioning skills, summer is an ideal time for one-on-one tutoring. Summer tutoring can help build foundational skills, fill in learning gaps, and prevent academic regression.

How often should my child attend tutoring?
The frequency of summer tutoring varies based on the needs of each student. Some students only need 1-2 sessions per week, while others, especially those with more profound learning needs, benefit from more intensive sessions.

Is online tutoring effective for students with learning disabilities?
Yes!  High-quality online tutoring programs can be very effective for students with learning disabilities. They generally offer more flexible scheduling and access to tutors who may not be available in your local area.

What makes EBL Coaching’s summer tutoring different?
EBL Coaching specializes in individualized, multi-sensory instruction for students with learning disabilities, helping children build their reading, writing, math, and executive functioning skills and thrive academically.

Can summer tutoring help my child catch up?
Absolutely. With consistent, targeted instruction, many students make significant academic gains over the summer.

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 learning disabilities for over twenty years. She is also the author of the Strategies for Study Success student workbook series, the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook program, and the Flags and Stars Multi-Sensory Math program, used by students and schools nationwide.

The post Best Summer Tutoring Programs in NYC for Kids with Learning Disabilities 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.