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FAQs
Check below for answers to common questions
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What is the difference between a tutor and an educational therapist?A subject-specific tutor teaches in 1 content area such as math, history, foreign language or science, usually. The work specifically focuses on building, teaching or re-teaching skills, needed to advance to the next level. An educational therapist teaches strategies and tools that can be applied across the curriculum, including building compensatory skills that helps support the student’s success, based on their individual learning profile.
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What is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)?Per CASEL, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is defined as the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
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What is Executive Function?Per LD Online, the formal definition of Executive Function is: The executive functions are a set of processes that all have to do with managing oneself and one's resources in order to achieve a goal. It is an umbrella term for the neurologically-based skills involving mental control and self-regulation. The executive functions all serve a "command and control" function; they can be viewed as the "conductor" of all cognitive skills. Executive functions help you manage life tasks of all types. For example, executive functions let you organize a trip, a research project or a paper for school.
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What is the Wilson Reading System and Wilson Fundations?The Wilson Reading System and Wilson Fundations (WRS) is an instructional program used to help struggling readers. It’s one of several programs that uses the highly structured Orton–Gillingham Approach as its foundation. Both WRS and Orton-Gillingham use an instructional approach intended primarily for use with individuals who have difficulty with reading, spelling and writing of the sort associated with dyslexia. They are language-based, multisensory, structured, sequential, cumulative, cognitive and flexible to the student's needs.
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What is Dyslexia?Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that is neurobiological in origin. Dyslexia, also known as a reading disorder, is a disorder characterized by reading below the expected level for one's age. Different people are affected to different degrees. Problems may include difficulties in spelling words, reading quickly, writing words, "sounding out" words in one's head, pronouncing words when reading aloud and understanding what one reads. Often these difficulties are first noticed at school.
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What is Brain Integration Therapy?For children with learning disabilities and stress-related disorders, Brain Integration Therapy creates neural pathways that allow the two hemispheres of the brain to strengthen and communicate, activates developmental reflexes, turns off developmental reflexes that are “stuck on” and improves motility and learning. This is delivered using the 26 different movements of the Brain Gym program. Your child’s program will be customized to their specific needs. The sequence of movements selected for your child will be carefully chosen to address their current challenges. They will learn the movements and then practice them at home. As they progress, your child’s needs may change as well as their ability to access movements that were too challenging before. Some of the benefits of this therapy include: improved executive functioning/organization skills increased confidence better academic performance, especially reading and math improved social skills and relationships increased emotional health reduced anxiety and stress decreased problematic behavior
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Do you collaborate with schools, teachers and outside professionals?"Yes. I believe that by collaborating with teachers as well as other professionals involved in the life of the student, the student can truly thrive.
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Do you attend meetings at school with parents?Yes, I am available to attend meetings with parents. I work closely with parents and with classroom teachers, as needed.
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Why do you do this work?There is nothing more exciting and gratifying than to be part of the process of empowering a student to develop an “I can do it” approach, and love of learning, not only within the educational setting but in his or her life. What could be better?
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Is there ever a time where you provide support services for gifted students?Answer...Absolutely. There are many gifted students who want to "fine tune" and "polish" their academic skills as they move through their educational careers. Anyone can benefit from learning how to apply specific skill building techniques.
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How long will my child need your services?This depends on many contributing factors; The severity of the learning challenge, the commitment of the family to make educational therapy a priority, the consistency of sessions, as well as the motivation of the student. Some students are able to apply the new learning techniques and strategies quickly, while others need support for an extended time.
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Do you keep parents in the loop regarding problems as well as progress?Definitely! I keep constant contact with parents to let them know how their child is progressing. I believe in a complete team approach.
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Will you teach my child to become better organized (executive functioning)?This is a top priority. Your child will learn how to plan, organize and prioritize what needs to be done. This is an essential life skill!
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Will you help my child to understand and grasp difficult classroom curriculum?Yes. I focus on reviewing and re-teaching concepts, vocabulary and classroom material.
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Do you see students over summer?Absolutely. The summer is an excellent time to fine tune reading, writing and mathematics skills, without the pressure that exists during the academic year.
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Where do sessions take place?Sessions can take place at the student’s home*, or virtually using Zoom, Google Meeting or FaceTime. * Please note: Due to the pandemic, cheerful personal protective equipment will be worn and appropriate social distancing will be maintained for in-home sessions.
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What are some of the educational programs you use with students?My approach integrates various programs such as and not limited to: Lindamood-Bell strategies for reading, writing, spelling, Wilson Reading Systems phonetic program for reading, spelling Orton-Gillingham strategies, Read Naturally for improved fluency and accuracy; Brain Gym, mindfulness & meditation to support stress management, teach relaxation techniques.
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Are your services helpful for those children who have not been diagnosed with a learning difference?Yes, I work with all students who are struggling with various aspects of academic achievement. These areas include all subjects with an emphasis on reading, writing, and organizational and study skills. Also, I help those who may have low self-confidence, and/or low motivation, as a result of unsuccessful efforts and frustrations, in their attempts to attain success.
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Are children who are diagnosed as having "learning disabilities" less intelligent than other children?"No, often these children are highly intelligent with processing deficits or disabilities, such as Dyslexia, ADD, or ADHD. They simply learn differently and often see the world through a different lens.
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How do I know if my child would benefit from your services?Check out these 21 Questions. If you answer 'yes' to any them then I'm confident my services could be beneficial to you and your child. Contact me to learn more and let me know how I can help today!
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What are your fees?All services are individually tailored to the needs of the student and family. Fees are based on the specificity of the services provided. Please contact me to discuss your specific needs.
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