3 Ways To Help Your Child With Logical Thinking

Does your child have problems with logical thinking? Is it difficult for them to come up with logical solutions? Here are a few suggestions to help your child think a little more reasonably!

1. Give your child responsibilities that require logical thinking


Example - watering plants and providing a watering can and a glass..

2. Provide your cild with problem solving situations which require logical thinking

Example - "A stranger takes you by the arm in a department store. What do you do?"

3. Follow through on consequences of inappropriate behavior so that your experiences it

Example: Your child will understand that if they misbehave, they will be given a negative consequence; if they behave well, they will be given positive consequences

If you would like more information on how to help your child with logical thinking, please feel free to contact Learning Ridge at 404-964-8533 or you can send an email to info@learningridge.com.

Great Multi-cultural Book: All For the Better: The Story of El Barrio

In this time of economic change, it is important to highlight the accomplishments of young people and how at a very tender age - they are able to be the change that we need to have in this world.


Evelina Lopez Anonetty is an example of change. When presented with hardship in Puerto Rico, she had decided to move to the United States with her aunt so that her mother and sister could have a better life. She begins to immerse herself in the culture and has some challenges with the local girls. After learning that many of her neighbors are without food and are too proud to ask for help, she organizes them in an effort to support the local community.


This book is about the impact that a young individual can have due to their sheer willingness to help the community. I hope that you enjoy reading this book as much as I have!

Can Good Handwriting Have Positive Effects?

To my chagrin, students are only practicing penmanship for only an average of one hour each week, according to a study quoted by the Wall Street Journal. However, as students begin to practice their handwriting more and more - their brain functions are shown to improve over time.

For more information the article, please click on this link.

A Nursery Rhyme to Teach Rhyming!

Hi Parents!

Are you having a difficult time trying to find ways to teach your child how to rhyme? Here is a nursery rhyme to help you out...

A Hunting We Will Go

A-hunting we will go,

A-hunting we will go,

We'll catch a fox

And put him in a box

And then we'll let them go.

One Activity To Help Teach Similarities

An important skill that children will need to learn early on is how to sort and classify. Many times, the influence of technology and modern day activities may not be the environment conducive to learning these skills. Before your child starts kindergarten, consider playing this game when you have some free time.

Introduction: Tell your child that this activity is called the "Similarities Game".

FINDING THINGS THAT ARE SIMILAR

 1. Grab a few empty shoeboxes and tell your child that you will be collecting objects that are similar or alike in some way. 

2. Describe the kinds of things that you will be collecting. (socks, pencils, plastic silverware, toys).

LABELING THINGS THAT ARE SIMILAR

1. With your child, label the box with the attribute or characteristic that you have selected.  An example of this could be "things that go on your feet" or "things that you wear on your neck".

2. Start hunting for the items that you are describing. Model the behavior by saying, "Look, I've found a sock, that is something that goes on your feet. Which box does this go in? We can put it here in this box."

DISCUSSION TO PROMOTE COGNITIVE AWARENESS

1. Facilitate your child's understanding of the process. This can be done through constant feedback and discussion.

Example: Why did you choose to put this toothbrush in the box where it is labeled "hygiene"? If he/she says, "because a toothbrush helps you clean your teeth - and that shows that you have great personal hygiene", you can follow up with the statement by saying - "That is correct, when you brush your teeth that is showing that you have personal hygiene. What are some other things that can promote personal hygiene?"

2. Repeat this activity with other objects that have similar attributes. Once they understand this concept, it will be much easier to transfer the information to other more abstract concepts. 

If you would like more information on how to help your child with developing cognitive skills, feel free to contact Learning Ridge at 404-964-8533 or you can also email us at info@learningridge.com.

It's Important to Know Who To Ask for Help..

I've seen some parents ask advice from their friends, their family, and their various providers (personal trainers, therapists) on advice about their children. I often see that many people have an opinion on education but may not have the insight on what to do. Here is what I have observed in the last few months:

Case 1:

One parent called me several months ago describing problems that her child was having in school. There were multiple areas of concern and she had reached out to me to help with one of the mentioned concerns that was more skills based.  The advice of her therapist caused her to not receive the services that her son needs and now he is more than 2 years behind in a specific skill.

Summary: When parents are decisive, they are able to obtain the results that their student is needing in certain skills which will help your student become more confident in other areas as well.

Try to not delay receiving help for your child - this may result in months, if not years lost in their normal cognitive development.

Case 2:

One parent was eager to begin a targeted remediation program in reading. After compiling all of the paperwork, it was determined that her son would benefit from the reading program that would help him become more fluent and effective in reading comprehension and fluency. The advice of a family friend has prompted her to enroll him in a non-related cognitive skills class that has proven to have no significant educational benefit to her son. As a result, the school has decided to retain her child as he is shown to be almost 3 years behind his peers.

Summary: When presented with a problem, it is important that parents act upon the best interest of the child and correct the problem that is at hand. If one is trying to circumvent the issue and correct other unrelated problems, there may be delayed to no remediation that takes place. Similar to taking a prescription from your doctor - once they have made the prognosis, it is important to seek treatment immediately (or the problem may still linger).

If you, or anyone else you may know may benefit from highly effective educational solutions, please feel free to contact us at Learning Ridge. We guide students onto the path to success!

10 Tips To Help Your Child Stay In An Area

Is your child having a difficult time staying in their assigned area for a specified period? Here are some tricks to help your child out:

1. Have your child question any directions, explanations, and instructions that he/she does not understand.

2. Evaluate the appropriateness of requiring your child to stay in the area for the specified time period.

3. Separate your child from the peer(s) who stimulates inappropriate behaviors.

4. Be consistent in applying consequences for behavior.

5. Provide organized activities for the child to participate in before, during and after school.

6. Have your child take responsibility for a younger sibling or friend in the assigned area.

7. Make certain your child knows where he/she is expected to be at all times.

8. Provide the child with a timer or a watch to help him/her remain in the assigned area for the specified time.

9. Set up physical barriers or boundary markings in order to help the child remain in the area.

10. Provide adequate supervision in assigned areas.