Setting Meaningful Resolutions
The difference between a “resolution” and a “goal” can be murky. The obvious difference, which isn’t a difference in definition as much as use, is that resolutions are usually made at the New Year, whereas goals are made all year long. A resolution is what happens when someone makes up their mind to either do […]
Making the Most of IEPs
We think it’s fair to say that the word “IEP” creates a bit of anxiety for most parents and teachers alike. That’s because these three letters are central to the educational experience of any child who learns differently. An IEP is a student’s Individualized Education Program, and it outlines the plan for specialized instruction, supports, […]
Helping Students Bring Closure to the Year
This past year was one for the books. Some of us will remember 2020 as a year of loss and hardship. Others will look back with gratitude on the unity this time brought to their family. If you were lucky enough to keep not only your job, but also your sanity, you may have sacrificed […]
A Message for the New Year
Despite the challenges that 2020 brought, we are optimistic about the future. We are so grateful to the families we’ve connected with, the teachers who have offered their incredible expertise, and most importantly, the amazing students who have come through our Braintrust “doors.” At the end of the day, they are who we are all […]
SEL Strategies and Activities
We know that this year, social-emotional learning is as important as ever. For classrooms that don’t have a formal SEL curriculum, and for parents who want to supplement their students’ development of these skills at home, here are some no-prep to low-prep strategies for building students’ social-emotional skills. For teachers: Name what students are doing […]
What are Phonemes and Graphemes?
Are you a passionate educator who loves helping kids understand phonemes and graphemes? Join our team and become a Braintrust tutor today! Understanding Phonemes and Graphemes Any lower Elementary school teacher knows that teaching reading is a complicated science. It is filled with terminology (for the teachers to know, not necessarily the students) and procedures […]
Social-Emotional Learning and the Struggling Student
Nothing is quite as devastating to a teacher as failing to reach a student. We’ve all had that student who struggles so much, either academically, behaviorally, or otherwise, that it seems like every innovative strategy we bring in just keeps them exactly where they are. And while some academic and emotional needs require intensive interventions […]
Understanding ADHD and Executive Function Skills
Challenges with executive function skills go hand-in-hand with ADHD. These difficulties can impact a chid’s ability to organize resources and information, manage time and tasks, and maintain focus and attention. As a result, many kids with these issues are labeled as “lazy,” “scattered,” or a “space cadet,” when in fact they are doing the best […]
The Many Jobs of Silent ‘e’
One of the first phonics rules students learn in Kindergarten is the job of “silent e” or “magic e.” Most of us know or remember this rule as applying to words that end in a “vowel-consonant-e” pattern. The ‘e’ at the end of the word makes the vowel before it long (so ‘cap’ becomes ‘cape’ […]
How Sleep Impacts Learning
We all know that sleep plays a critical role in our bodies’ ability to function properly. This is especially true for children and adolescents, whose brains and bodies have not yet fully developed. Getting enough high-quality sleep is a key factor in healthy growth and development. This means that sleep is uninterrupted by external stimuli […]
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