Optimize Learning

10 Great Games for Boosting Executive FUNctioning!

Did you know that in addition to being fun to play, board games provide great exercise for your child’s brain? Board games can be an enjoyable way for all kids, including those with learning and attention challenges, to build their brain’s executive function skills.  Executive functions are the mental processes that are required to pay […]

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Teaching Students How to Take Responsibility for their Actions

Have you ever heard a child say, “He made me do it!” after getting in trouble? This common phrase highlights a challenge young students face: taking responsibility for their words and actions.  Shifting the blame to others might seem like an easy way out, but it prevents them from learning valuable life skills. In my

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Unfolding the Secrets of Learning: An Origami Lesson

Have you ever wondered how learning unfolds in our minds, much like the intricate folds of an origami project? Imagine the human brain as a complex origami masterpiece, with each fold representing a new learning experience. As we navigate the challenges and triumphs of learning, we forge neural pathways that shape our understanding of the

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The Distraction Dilemma: How to Outsmart the Squirrels

Dear Ordinary Extraordinary Humans –  Welcome to an exciting exploration of the fascinating world of distractions! In our children’s picture book, “Cranium Critters: Einstein Acts When Squirrels Distract,” we explore the mischievous realm of squirrels—the kind that cause all kinds of nutty nonsense and distract us from our goals. Join us on a journey to

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Pick Up Sticks: An Essential Skill Builder!

As an elementary school counselor, I am always on the lookout for innovative and effective ways to teach social-emotional skills to the students I work with. Amidst the myriad of resources available, I have found that classic table and floor games offer a delightful and engaging approach to developing essential life skills.  One classic game

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Help Kids See Into the Future: A Tool for ADHD

Does your child frequently show up unprepared for events or activities, resulting in negative consequences?  Do you find yourself feeling frustrated by their inability to plan ahead or make thoughtful decisions? Are your well-intentioned warnings ignored by your child, despite their feelings of regret later?  If these challenges resonate with you, you are not alone.

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Exploring the Great Outdoors: 5 Benefits for Children

Recently, I took a leisurely walk with some friends. One friend brought along her preschool-aged children, and watching them explore and interact with nature was a joyous sight. It was a breath of fresh air, both literally and metaphorically. The experience made me reflect on the incredible importance of outdoor adventures for young children, particularly

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