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.

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

What is Orton Gillingham?

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

Unlike traditional reading tutoring, Orton Gillingham is

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

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

Who benefits from Orton Gillingham tutoring in NJ?

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

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

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

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

Why Orton Gillingham works

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

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

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

What to look for in an Orton Gillingham tutor in NJ

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

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

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

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

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

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

Orton Gillingham versus traditional reading tutoring

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

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

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

In-person versus virtual tutoring 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why NJ Parents choose Orton Gillingham tutoring 

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

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

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

Concluding Thoughts

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Orton Gillingham tutoring 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which academic delays can occur in kindergarten?

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

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

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

Early signs your child may need kindergarten tutoring

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

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

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

Why kindergarten tutoring helps

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

Early tutoring can help them:

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

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

What does effective kindergarten tutoring in NYC look like?

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

1. Multi-Sensory

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

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

2. Structured and systematic

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

A sample structured reading tutoring lesson might include:

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

3. Individualized tutoring

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

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

4. Engaging, fun, and positive

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

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

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

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

Benefits of one-on-one tutoring:

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

Challenges with group programs:

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

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

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

Which subjects can kindergarten tutoring in NYC help with?

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

Pre-Reading & Reading 

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

Writing

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

Math

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

Executive Functioning

• Staying focused on tasks
• Following directions
• Initiating tasks

How often should kindergarten tutoring occur?

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

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

Supporting your child at home

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

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

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

Concluding thoughts

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Kindergarten Tutoring 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If your child has dyslexia, you may see them struggling immensely with reading. Sounding out words may be a long, arduous task for them. They might also have trouble spelling words accurately or expressing their thoughts on paper when writing. If your dyslexic child struggles with any of these skills, specialized dyslexia tutoring using the Orton Gillingham approach can help them tremendously. What kind of tutoring is best for your child with dyslexia?

Best types of tutoring for children with dyslexia

The best tutoring for students who have dyslexia is structured, research-based, multi-sensory instruction, including tutoring using the Orton Gillingham approach. Dyslexia tutoring typically includes decoding lessons, reading comprehension strategies, structured spelling support, and writing lessons. These methods can help students improve their phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, reading fluency, reading comprehension, and writing skills.

Orton Gillingham tutoring for dyslexia

Orton Gillingham tutoring is considered to be the most ideal approach for helping students with dyslexia build their reading and spelling skills. This method is research-based, systematic, and multi-sensory, and students often enjoy receiving this type of tutoring. Your dyslexic child should typically receive an initial evaluation before the Orton Gillingham tutoring begins to gauge their specific skill levels. They may have trouble reading basic consonant-vowel-consonant words, or perhaps they have difficulty reading words containing vowel digraphs or multi-syllabic words. The Orton Gillingham method typically follows a structured approach, as follows:

• Orton Gillingham lessons begin by teaching students the names of the letters and their corresponding sounds.
• Lessons then advance to words containing blends, consonant digraphs, vowel digraphs, silent e patterns, r-controlled patterns, multi-syllabic word patterns, and so on.
• Sessions include a review of previously taught concepts followed by the introduction of a new Orton Gillingham concept or sound.
• Orton Gillingham lessons typically end with oral reading of words, sentences, and decodable stories.

These phonics tutoring lessons should be tailored to your child’s needs, integrating multi-sensory tools, such as colored sand, magnetic tiles, audio-visual flash cards, and whiteboards, to engage your child and help them retain these key concepts. The Orton Gillingham approach is recommended by the International Dyslexia Association as being one of the most effective reading methods for students with dyslexia.

Learn more about Orton Gillingham tutoring in NYC at What is Orton Gillingham Tutoring? – EBL Coaching

Reading comprehension tutoring for dyslexic students

Some students with dyslexia struggle with reading comprehension and benefit from a multi-sensory approach to tutoring. They may, for example, respond well to a tri-colored highlighting approach for building active reading and reading comprehension skills. With this method, the student is taught to look for three key elements when reading: the topic, main idea, and important details. The topic is typically one, two, or three words describing the passage and should be highlighted in blue. The main idea is what the author is saying about the topic and should be highlighted in green. Finally, the important details are salient pieces of information depicting the main idea, which should be highlighted in yellow. For this type of dyslexia tutoring, your child should learn to read the passage first, then go back and highlight the topic, main idea, and important details using the appropriate highlighters. This multi-sensory strategy can help your child build much stronger reading comprehension and active reading skills.

Read more about reading tutoring for dyslexia in NYC at Supporting Students With Reading Comprehension Issues | EBL Coaching

Writing tutoring for students with dyslexia

Many students with dyslexia struggle with writing. They may have great ideas but have difficulty expressing their thoughts on paper in an effective manner. Dyslexia tutoring can help your child improve their ability to brainstorm, write, and self-check their ideas, a key skill for success in school. They may start by learning how to construct a well-written sentence and can later learn how to expand their sentences with adjectives and adverbs. Next, in writing tutoring sessions, they should learn how to write a well-organized simple paragraph, comprised of a topic sentence, three detail sentences, and a conclusion sentence. From there, the dyslexia tutor should teach them how to expand their paragraph into an extended paragraph, with three additional supporting detail sentences added after each detail. Later, with this dyslexia tutoring, your child can learn how to brainstorm, write, and self-check five paragraph essays and longer research papers.

Learn more about effective writing tutoring for students with dyslexia in NYC at How to Help Your Child with Dyslexia Develop Stronger Writing Skills | EBL Coaching

Specialized tutoring that is individualized to your dyslexic child’s needs can help them improve their academic abilities and self-confidence. Contact us at www.eblcoaching.com to learn how we can help your dyslexic child excel with specialized dyslexia tutoring in NYC, writing tutoring in NYC, and Orton Gillingham instruction in NYC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which tutoring method works best for dyslexia?
The most ideal method for helping students with dyslexia build their reading and spelling skills is the Orton Gillingham approach. This approach uses multi-sensory tools and structured lessons to help students with dyslexia build their core literacy skills.

What are the benefits of dyslexia tutoring?
There are many benefits of dyslexia tutoring! Some of these benefits include:

• Improved decoding skills
• Stronger phonemic awareness skills
• Increased reading fluency and comprehension skills
• Stronger spelling and writing skills
• Improved self-confidence and school performance

Can tutoring improve dyslexia?
While tutoring can’t cure dyslexia, systematic one-on-one Orton Gillingham tutoring can help students with dyslexia build much stronger decoding, spelling, reading fluency, and writing skills.

Learn more about dyslexia challenges at
 Dyslexia Strengths and Struggles – EBL Coaching
Read more about dyslexia at
 https://dyslexiaida.org/

Dr, Levy holds her Doctorate Degree in Education and has been helping students with dyslexia through specialized reading tutoring, writing tutoring, and Orton Gillingham instruction for over twenty years.

The post Best Tutoring for Dyslexia: Orton Gillingham, Reading, and Writing Support for Children appeared first on EBL Coaching.

The core of EBL Coaching’s methodology is a profound respect for the learner. This isn’t just about delivering information; it’s about fostering understanding, building confidence, and equipping students with the tools they need to become independent, lifelong learners. We often hear about students who feel “left behind” or “not smart enough.” These are typically indicators that their learning style isn’t being met by the prevailing teaching methods. EBL Coaching seeks to bridge this gap by offering a learning environment that is responsive, adaptive, and, most importantly, empowering. Every student has the potential to succeed, and EBL Coaching is dedicated to unlocking that potential through a meticulously individualized approach.

The Philosophy Behind EBL Coaching
At its heart, the philosophy of EBL Coaching is rooted in the understanding that learning is not a linear, uniform process. It’s a complex tapestry woven from individual cognitive styles, prior experiences, emotional well-being, and environmental factors. Dr. Emily Levy, the visionary behind EBL Coaching, recognized early on that generic educational approaches often fail to account for this inherent individuality. The philosophy therefore centers on:

• Individualization: Every student is unique, and their educational support should reflect this. This means no two students will receive the exact same program, even if they have similar academic goals.
• Strengths-Based Approach: While addressing areas of difficulty is crucial, EBL Coaching also emphasizes identifying and leveraging a student’s existing strengths. This builds confidence and creates positive learning associations.
• Empowerment: The ultimate goal is not just to improve grades, but to empower students with the skills and self-belief to navigate their academic journey independently and confidently.
• Research-Based Practice: EBL Coaching is deeply committed to utilizing strategies and methodologies that are scientifically proven to be effective.
• Multi-Sensory Engagement: Recognizing that people learn through different modalities, EBL Coaching integrates visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile methods to create a richer and more effective learning experience.

This holistic philosophy extends beyond mere academic remediation. It seeks to build resilience, foster a growth mindset, and nurture a positive relationship with learning. By understanding the “why” behind a student’s struggles, EBL Coaching can create a supportive environment where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth, not insurmountable barriers.

Dr. Emily Levy’s Expertise and Journey
The exceptional quality of EBL Coaching is inextricably linked to the profound expertise and personal journey of its founder, Dr. Emily Levy. Her academic and professional path is a testament to a lifelong dedication to understanding and improving the learning process. Dr. Levy’s impressive academic credentials, including a Master’s and Doctorate from Nova University and her undergraduate studies at Brown University, provided her with a strong theoretical foundation. However, it was her early recognition of the nuances of reading comprehension, highlighted by her Westinghouse Science and Talent Award for a five-year study on the subject, that set her apart.

This early research likely ignited a deep curiosity about how individuals process information and the diverse factors that influence comprehension and academic success. Her experience presenting at national and international conferences further signifies her commitment to advancing the field of education and sharing best practices. It’s this blend of rigorous academic inquiry and practical application that forms the bedrock of EBL Coaching. Dr. Levy’s personal journey is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about translating that knowledge into tangible, life-changing support for students. Her authorship of the “Strategies for Study Success” workbook series, addressing crucial skills like test-taking, reading comprehension, and executive functioning, and the development of programs like “Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham and Multi-Sensory Math,” are concrete examples of her dedication to creating accessible, effective learning tools that are now used in schools nationwide.

This deep well of knowledge and experience directly informs the individualized approach at EBL Coaching, ensuring that every student benefits from strategies that are not only evidence-based but also developed by an expert who truly understands the intricacies of learning.

How EBL Coaching Delivers Tailored Support
The “EBL” in EBL Coaching stands for Exceptional, Best, and Learned, a powerful acronym that encapsulates their commitment to excellence in educational support. The delivery of this tailored support is a multi-faceted process that begins with a comprehensive understanding of each student.

Initial Assessment and Goal Setting
The journey with EBL Coaching begins with a thorough assessment. This isn’t a superficial quiz; it’s an in-depth evaluation designed to pinpoint a student’s specific learning profile, including their strengths, weaknesses, learning style preferences, and any underlying challenges that might be hindering their academic progress. This assessment might involve diagnostic testing, detailed interviews with the student and their parents, and an analysis of past academic performance. Based on this comprehensive understanding, personalized learning goals are collaboratively set, ensuring that both the student and the coaching team are aligned on what success looks like.

Individualized Learning Plans
Once the assessment is complete and goals are established, EBL Coaching develops a highly individualized learning plan. This plan is a roadmap that outlines the specific strategies, techniques, and resources that will be used to help the student achieve their goals. It’s a dynamic document, meaning it’s regularly reviewed and updated as the student progresses and their needs evolve. The plan might incorporate:

• Targeted skill development in areas such as reading, writing, math, or executive functioning.
• Strategies for improving study habits, organization, and time management.
• Techniques for enhancing test-taking skills and reducing test anxiety.
• Support for specific learning differences or challenges.

Highly Trained and Dedicated Tutors
The effectiveness of any coaching program hinges on the quality of its coaches. EBL Coaching employs a team of highly trained and dedicated tutors who are not only experts in their subject areas but are also skilled in implementing research-based, multi-sensory teaching methods. These tutors undergo continuous professional development to stay abreast of the latest educational research and best practices. They are passionate about fostering a positive and supportive learning environment, building strong rapport with their students, and celebrating every milestone achieved.

Flexible Delivery Options
Understanding that students have diverse needs and schedules, EBL Coaching offers flexible delivery options. Tutoring can be provided in-person, allowing for direct interaction and immediate feedback, or online, offering convenience and accessibility. This flexibility ensures that students can receive the support they need, where and when they need it, without compromising the quality or personalization of the instruction.

Multi-Sensory Methods and Research-Based Strategies
The cornerstone of EBL Coaching’s success lies in its unwavering commitment to employing multi-sensory methods and research-based strategies. This approach is not arbitrary; it’s grounded in a deep understanding of how the brain learns most effectively.

Traditional educational methods often rely heavily on auditory and visual input. While these are important, they can leave out students who learn more effectively through physical engagement or tactile experiences. Multi-sensory learning, as implemented by EBL Coaching, engages multiple senses simultaneously, creating stronger neural pathways and enhancing memory retention. For example:

• Visual: Using diagrams, graphic organizers, color-coding, and visual aids to explain concepts.
• Auditory: Explaining concepts verbally, using mnemonics, rhymes, and encouraging students to explain concepts in their own words.
• Kinesthetic: Incorporating movement, role-playing, building models, and using manipulatives.
• Tactile: Using hands-on materials, tracing letters or numbers, using textured objects, and writing on different surfaces.

These methods are not just engaging; they are proven effective. Dr. Levy’s work, including the “Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham” program, is a prime example of applying these principles in a structured and highly effective manner. Orton-Gillingham, in particular, is a renowned approach for literacy instruction that is systematic, explicit, and multi-sensory, making it highly beneficial for students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. Similarly, the “Strategies for Study Success” workbooks are designed with these principles in mind, offering practical tools and techniques that students can immediately apply.

The research-based aspect means that every strategy and technique is backed by scientific evidence. EBL Coaching doesn’t guess; they implement what works. This commitment to evidence-based practice ensures that students are receiving the most effective interventions available, maximizing their potential for growth and achievement. It’s about providing learners with the tools and techniques that have been rigorously tested and proven to enhance understanding, improve retention, and build lasting academic skills.

The Impact of Personalized Learning on Student Success
The impact of EBL Coaching’s personalized approach extends far beyond improved test scores. While academic gains are certainly a significant outcome, the true value lies in the profound and lasting transformation of the student themselves. When learning is tailored to an individual’s needs and strengths, several key areas experience significant positive shifts:

• Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem: Students who have struggled often internalize their difficulties, leading to feelings of inadequacy. Personalized support helps them experience success, fostering a belief in their own abilities. As they master new skills and overcome challenges, their confidence soars, spilling over into other areas of their lives.
• Enhanced Motivation and Engagement: When learning is made relevant, engaging, and achievable, students are more likely to become intrinsically motivated. They move from viewing learning as a chore to seeing it as an exciting opportunity for growth. This renewed engagement leads to greater participation and a more proactive approach to their education.
• Development of Independent Learning Skills: EBL Coaching doesn’t aim to create perpetual dependence. Instead, it focuses on equipping students with the strategies and metacognitive skills they need to become independent learners. This includes teaching them how to problem-solve, self-monitor their progress, and adapt their learning strategies as needed.
• Reduced Academic Anxiety: The pressure and frustration associated with struggling academically can lead to significant anxiety. By providing targeted support and breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps, EBL Coaching helps alleviate this anxiety, creating a more relaxed and productive learning environment.
• Long-Term Academic Achievement: The skills and confidence built through personalized coaching create a strong foundation for continued academic success. Students who have experienced the benefits of EBL Coaching are often better equipped to handle future academic challenges and pursue their educational goals with greater assurance.
• Improved Executive Functioning: Many students struggle with executive functions such as organization, time management, planning, and impulse control. EBL Coaching often incorporates explicit instruction and practice in these areas, which are critical for overall academic and life success.

The anecdotal evidence and testimonials from students and parents alike consistently point to these profound changes. It’s about more than just getting better grades; it’s about fostering a love of learning, building resilience, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential, both academically and personally.

Resources and How to Connect with EBL Coaching
The journey towards enhanced learning and academic success is accessible, and EBL Coaching is dedicated to making their expertise readily available. If you’ve been inspired by the philosophy and methods discussed in this post, or if you know a student who could benefit from this tailored support, here’s how you can learn more and connect:

The primary hub for all things EBL Coaching is their official website. Here, you can find detailed information about their services, the methodologies they employ, and the team of dedicated professionals who make it all happen. It’s an excellent resource for understanding the full scope of what EBL Coaching offers and how they tailor their programs to meet the unique needs of each learner.

In addition to the website, Dr. Emily Levy and EBL Coaching maintain a strong presence on social media. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram can provide valuable insights, tips, and updates. These platforms are often used to share success stories, educational resources, and announcements about upcoming workshops or events.

For those who would like to reach out directly to inquire about services, schedule a consultation, or simply ask questions, the contact information provided on their website will be your best resource. They are committed to responding to inquiries and guiding potential clients through the process of understanding how EBL Coaching can support their specific academic goals.

Remember, the conversation about personalized learning is ongoing, and the insights shared by Dr. Emily Levy on The Coaching Corner with Dori DeCarlo are a powerful starting point. This blog post has aimed to expand on those foundational ideas, offering a deeper look into the “EBL Coaching Difference.” Whether you’re a parent seeking support for your child, an educator looking for effective strategies, or a student aiming to unlock your full potential, EBL Coaching offers a path forward built on expertise, personalization, and a genuine commitment to learning.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration. I encourage you to listen to the full episode and explore the resources provided by EBL Coaching. Until next time, happy learning!

The post How EBL Coaching Provides Personalized Tutoring for Student Success appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Best strategies to improve organization for children with ADHD

When students with ADHD have multiple assignments to complete and activities to partake in after school, they may feel overwhelmed. They might not know where to start or how to fit everything into a limited time window. Creating a visual schedule can help! Together with your child, create a schedule of all activities and assignments they have on a given day on a large poster board or even a smaller sheet of paper if that works better for them. Write out an organized schedule for completing these daily tasks. For example, a visual after-school schedule might look like the following:

• 3:15-3:30pm snack
• 3:30-4:30pm work on homework
• 4:30-6pm soccer practice
• 6-6:45pm dinner
• 6:45-7:30pm complete any remaining assignments
• 7:30-8pm shower and get ready for bed

You can even draw or cut out pictures depicting each item and paste them on the visual schedule – like a picture of an apple for snack, an image of a homework sheet for homework time, and a picture of a shower in the getting ready for bed section. By creating a visual schedule, your child will feel less overwhelmed, more focused, and more in control of completing their tasks in a structured, organized manner.

Learn more about executive functioning strategies for your child at Executive Functioning Strategies for Your Child | EBL Coaching

Create an organized homework workspace

Creating a designated homework space for your child with ADHD can help them avoid distractions and stay focused when completing their schoolwork. This space should ideally be a desk in their room, but a spot on a communal table in the kitchen or dining room can work too. The key is consistency; your child should always complete their homework in this designated space. You should also make sure this space is fully stocked with all the supplies they may need for completing their assignments, including pens, pencils, scissors, paper, etc. If the supplies run low, refill them right away. This will help prevent your child from wandering around your home mid-homework session, searching for missing supplies and finding distractions as they look for these materials. Additionally, if your child works on a communal table, create a portable homework bin containing all the supplies they may need for completing their work, which they should bring with them to and from their room when they complete their schoolwork. This approach will help your child build their organization and executive functioning skills.

Use the Pomodoro Method for homework sessions

The Pomodoro Method is a great technique for helping students with ADHD stay focused for longer stretches of time. To use this strategy, your child should sit down at their designated workspace to begin working on their homework. They should set a timer for 25 minutes, work for that period of time, and then when the timer rings, take a 5-minute break. After that break, they should set their timer again for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break when it rings and do this same cycle four times. After four Pomodoro cycles, they should take a longer 15–30 minute break before starting the next four cycles. This system will help build structure into their study time and should increase their executive functioning skills and their ability to stay focused for longer periods of time.

Learn more about study skills strategies for your child with ADHD at Study Skills Strategies for Your Child with ADHD | EBL Coaching.

Active reading strategies for helping children with ADHD focus

Many students with ADHD lose focus when reading, which can negatively affect their ability to comprehend the material. To combat this challenge, teach them a tri-colored highlighting strategy to help them become a more active, rather than a passive, reader. To use this strategy, do the following:

• Explain to your child that when we read, there are three elements we should look for: the topic, which is one, two, or three words describing the passage (like snacks or rain). They should highlight the topic in blue.
• The second element they should look for is the main idea, which is what the author is saying about the topic (like types of afternoon snacks). They should highlight the main idea in green.
• Finally, they should look for the important details, or salient information describing the main idea, and highlight these details in yellow.

When sitting down to read a passage, your child should read it through once, then go back through the passage and highlight the topic in blue, main idea in green, and important details in yellow – making them an active reader and improving their ability to stay focused when reading.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ADHD affects roughly 11.4% of children in the United Stats ages 3-17, and those with ADHD benefit from structured routines when completing homework. As students move through school, the academic and focusing demands increase rapidly. Help your child with ADHD stay focused and on-task with these strategies and they will be well on their way to success in school. If you notice your ADHD child struggling with focus, time management, organization, or other executive functioning skills, EBL Coaching can help with one-on-one in person and virtual executive functioning coaching and academic tutoring programs. Learn more at www.eblcoaching.com.

Frequently Asked Questions about ADHD and Focusing Skills

How does ADHD affect school performance?
Students with ADHD often have difficulty with their executive functioning skills, including planning, time management, organization, and task initiation. These executive functioning skills play a large role in school performance, so learning strategies to build these skills through executive functioning coaching can be very beneficial for students with ADHD.

What is the Pomodoro Method and how does it help students with ADHD?
The Pomodoro Method is a great strategy for improving time management skills. It involves setting a timer and working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break, and repeating this cycle four times before taking a longer break. This technique helps students with ADHD learn to focus for increasing increments of time and feel less overwhelmed with their workload.

How can I help my child with ADHD stay focused while doing homework?
You can help your child with ADHD stay focused when doing their homework by setting up a study space that contains all of the supplies they need to complete their schoolwork and that is free of distractions. Have them turn off sounds and notifications on all devices when working on their homework and even try a method like the Pomodoro Technique to help them stay focused for set periods of time before taking a break.

Dr. Emily Levy is the founder and director of EBL Coaching and has been helping students with ADHD build stronger academic and executive functioning skills for over twenty years.

The post How to Help Your ADHD Child Improve Focus: Four Proven Strategies appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Winter Reading Challenge

Being homebound during winter can serve as a great time to do lots of reading. Instead of simply telling your child to go into their room and read, create a fun experience. Set up a reading challenge for your child and the rest of your family (that includes parents too!). Make a chart that details reading times for each family member and devote time each day to reading – ideally together as a family, perhaps before or after dinner, but individual reading time counts too. At the end of the day, log each person’s daily reading time on the chart and keep track of the minutes. At the end of the week, have your child add up the reading time totals for each family member (yes, you can integrate some math skills too!). Choose a prize for the winning family member – perhaps a toy for young children, a movie rental for older kids, or even an hour of alone time for a parent.

Winter Book Writing

Staying indoors during winter can be a great time for your child to further develop their writing skills. Just like with the reading challenge, try to make the writing activity fun. Help your child pick a winter topic to write about – perhaps polar bears, a day playing outside in the snow, or warm winter drinks. Give your child a blank journal and ask them to write a story about their topic of choice. Tell them not to focus on spelling (and to avoid asking you how to spell words) and to just write freely. Then have your child read their story aloud to you and discuss details, including the characters, plot, and setting. For younger children who aren’t able to write on their own, tell them to dictate their story to you while you write it.

Graphing

By tracking the chilly temperatures outside while hunkered down indoors, you can work on math skills with your child. Select a given week to focus on; each day when your child wakes up, have them check the temperature and write it down on a sheet of paper with two columns: a column on the left for the date and a column on the right for the temperature that day. At the end of the week, ask your child to gather markers, stickers, and glitter, and create a fun, colorful bar graph depicting the temperatures, one bar per date. Teach them that the dates can go on the bottom and temperatures can go on the left side, and show them how to create colorful bars in the form of a graph that shows the changes in temperature. It’s a great way to make math fun!

Snowflakes

Use a snowflake-making craft to help your child build their vocabulary skills when stuck indoors. Each day, pick a new vocabulary word for them to learn. You can find these words online by grade level, or even above or below grade levels if they are advanced for their grade or struggle a bit. Look up the definition of the word together, then have your child summarize it in their own words to make sure they understand it. Next, have your child cut out a large snowflake from a blank sheet of paper. They should write the word on the front of the snowflake and the definition on the back. They can also write a sentence on the back using the word and even draw a picture depicting the definition for an added visual touch. For example, the word on the front of the card might be “frigid.” On the back, they would write the definition: extremely cold. They would also write a sentence, like “I love sledding, but not when the temperature is frigid!” and then draw a picture depicting someone who looks very cold.

Don’t let being homebound during winter stop your child from learning. Enhance their academic skills with these fun, engaging, and productive ideas.

The post Academic Activities to Do with Your Child When Homebound During Winter appeared first on EBL Coaching.

The holidays are filled with festivities, treats, and loads of family time. However, the break from school is also a time when kids tend to do little if any academic work. As a result, the shift back to school in January can be a tough one for many students. Help your child have a successful transition back to school with the ideas detailed below.

Re-set routines

Before the holidays, your child may have finally settled on their school routine: each morning they woke up, got dressed, packed their backpack, ate breakfast, then came home from school and completed their schoolwork on a regular basis. Yet during the holidays, routines and schedules often go awry and your child may need some routine re-setting before school starts again. To help them, reset routines gradually. If they went to bed very late during holiday time, start setting their bedtime 15-20 minutes earlier each day for four or five days before school starts. You may want to also create checklists to remind them of their morning and afternoon routines before school begins. For example, a morning chart might include waking up at a certain time, brushing their teeth, eating breakfast, and packing their backpack. An afternoon checklist might include unpacking their backpack, having a snack, completing their homework, putting their finished homework in their backpack or turning it in online, eating dinner, and getting ready for bed. You might want to also try limiting screen time before school starts to help set the stage for a focused, organized return to school.

Academic activities during break

Your child may become accustomed to lazy, school-free days during the holiday break. To help them transition back into school-mode, start to integrate academic activities before school starts. For example, read with your child for 20 minutes each night and discuss the plot, characters, and setting with them. Ask them to create predictions about what they think might happen next or make inferences about certain events in the story to help engage them in the book. Older children can read independently for 20 minutes each night but ask them similar questions about their book even if you aren’t reading it with them, to make sure they fully comprehend the material. You can also do math exercises when cooking or grocery shopping with them, or have them write in a journal about their favorite activities during the holiday break. The more academic activities you can integrate now, the better!

Discuss expectations

Your child may be nervous about returning to school and may face similar jitters that they felt before the new school year started. Talk through these feelings with them. Are they nervous about their workload? Anxious about waking up early again? Worried about friendship issues? Whatever the issue is, be there for them – listen to their worries and help them come up with solutions to help ease these anxieties. You can also discuss any assignments or projects they may have coming up and help them create a plan for competing them in an organized fashion.

Executive functioning strategies

Your child likely wasn’t focusing on executive functioning strategies during the holiday break. They probably didn’t have to worry about organizing their school assignments, planning their after school activity schedule, or organizing their academic work. Help them re-integrate executive functioning strategies before school starts again. Make sure they have a dedicated homework space where they will complete their assignments each day, filled with all necessary supplies. Discuss with them what time they will work on their homework daily after school and keep that time consistent. Help them set up an assignment book, especially if they started using one at the start of the school year but then used it less and less in the fall. If they have lengthy homework assignments to complete, help them break the assignments into steps and put each step into their assignment book. For time management, have them predict how long they think each assignment will take to complete, then compare it to the actual time it takes. The more systematic executive functioning strategies you can integrate, the better, and if your child continues to struggle with these skills, executive functioning coaching can help them tremendously.

The holiday break should be a fun-filled time that all kids enjoy. Yet the transition back to school can be a tough one. Try using these ideas at home with your child to help them start the new year on a positive, organized, and successful note.

The post Help Your Child Transition Back to School After the Holidays appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Reading

While it’s important for your child to continue reading books and being read to during the holidays, you can also help them develop their reading skills while you bake. Start by perusing recipes with them in cookbooks and online sources. Have them read the recipe titles and instructions (and of course look at pictures of the final product for inspiration) before selecting which items you’ll bake. Once you’ve selected the recipes, have your child read aloud to you the ingredients list for each recipe and make a list of all the items you’ll need to buy at the supermarket. They can also watch online videos of recipes for an added dimension.  Additionally, you can discuss important vocabulary words related to baking – a key component of reading comprehension – like blend, stir, whisk, puree, and other terms you come across that your child may not have previously known.

Math

There are many ways to integrate math concepts into baking. Take your child to the supermarket with you and give them a budget for all the items you’ll need to purchase for your recipes. Then have them look for these goods and compare the prices of different items to help stay within your budget. For example, if you need to buy a bag of chocolate chips, compare the price of a name brand bag to a generic store brand bag and see which one fits better into your budget. Your child may learn that store brands are often just as good but much cheaper! You can also look for items on sale for extra cost savings. If, for instance, a jar of vanilla is buy one get one free at a certain supermarket and you need a lot of vanilla for your recipes, you’ll save money by buying vanilla at that supermarket. Before you check out, have your child estimate the total cost of all the items in your cart before you pay, then compare it to the actual cost, to work on estimation skills.

When you get home and begin to bake, have your child use a measuring cup to measure out the ingredients you need for a recipe – like 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, etc. Ask them how much more of each ingredient you’d need if you double the recipe or cut it in half to further work on important math skills.

Writing

Tie in some creativity and fun by having your child use frosting tubes to practice writing! Young kids can practice writing letters and numbers on top of cupcakes or even on a baking tray covered with parchment paper. Older kids can write their spelling words using frosting. They can also write out math problems and solve them using frosting, rather than pen and paper. Your child can even use food coloring markers for added fun! It’s great to integrate hands-on activities while working on academic concepts to help make the learning process more enjoyable.

The holiday season is a fun, festive time of year. Help your child continue building key academic skills with these ideas and they will likely begin the new year on a much stronger note.

The post How to Build Academic Skills While Baking During the Holidays appeared first on EBL Coaching.