ESA Connection Blog
Traumatic Brain Injury and Brain Training
After experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2017, John was having a hard time with focus, his memory and being able to multi-task. John understood how he used to be and where he was now. Several years went by and after being told by doctors to “give it time”,
Shattering Homeschool Myths
Education choices can be so daunting for parents, and homeschooling is one of those options that many of us have some preconceived ideas (and maybe even doubts) about.On this episode of TheBrainyMoms podcast, Dr. Amy, Sandy, and Teri speak with homeschooling expert and advocate Christy-Faith to shed light on things
Student-Centered Learning: Joy, Authenticity, and Trust
If you’re a parent concerned about your child’s mental health and well-being in their current school environment, you’re not alone. Many parents face similar challenges, but there are alternatives that can make a significant difference. Discover how Kate’s journey through multiple schools led her family to explore new options, ultimately
Navigating Travel with Autism: How My Travel Services Can Make Your Family Getaway Seamless and Enjoyable
Traveling with children can be a rewarding adventure, but when it comes to families with autistic children, the journey requires a bit more planning and understanding. As a travel advisor dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences, I recognize that families with autistic children face unique challenges and have specific needs. My
How I Can Help Make Your Family Vacation Stress-Free: Tailoring Travel for Children with Autism
Traveling with children can be an adventure full of excitement and discovery. However, when a child has autism, there are additional considerations that can make the journey more challenging. As your travel advisor, my goal is to ensure that your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here’s how
Tutoring as Mentorship
Mentoring throughout my career (both formal and informal) helped me expand my network and take on roles that I would not have applied for due to a lack of confidence or formal experience. It was so impactful that as I built my team of tutors with Tutor Doctor, our staff
Teachers Can Learn Too!
If a student isn’t learning what we are trying to teach them, we need to look at how we are teaching them instead of simply blaming them for not learning it. I have known many children who have begun to think they are “dumb” or that they are “bad at
Homeschooling Made Easy (as possible)
If you are new to homeschooling or still considering it, this article aims to introduce or guide you along the homeschooling path. Homeschooling is not a new concept. Many of the great philosophers we revere today were homeschooled until Plato founded “The Academy,” which was considered one of the first
Making Math Fun with Tower Garden Aeroponic Systems
Math can sometimes be a challenging subject for kids, but with the right tools and approach, it can also be incredibly engaging and fun. One such tool that can transform the way children interact with math is the Tower Garden aeroponic system. Here’s how you can use this innovative growing
How Does Homeschooling Work?
What is Homeschooling? Homeschooling today is versatile. Parents have options such as; online homeschooling classes and programs, homeschool charter schools, co-ops and more [1]! According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Homeschooling means “to teach school subjects to one’s children at home” [5]. Butson on Outschool refers to homeschooling as an alternative
Growing STEM: Using Tower Gardens Indoors for Summer Homeschooling in Phoenix
As summer temperatures in Phoenix rise, keeping plants thriving outdoors can be a challenge. However, with Tower Gardens—an innovative aeroponic growing system—you can bring the garden indoors and create an exciting, educational experience for your children. Not only does this system make it possible to grow fresh produce year-round, but
Generation Growth: Teaching Kids Sustainable Farming with Tower Gardens
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s crucial to teach our children about sustainable farming and where our food comes from. One innovative way to do this is through Tower Gardens, an aeroponic growing system that allows kids to get hands-on experience with gardening while learning valuable lessons about science, math, and
The Unintended Fallout of Camp Registration Cancellations: Examining the Toll on Small Enterprises
In our modern hustle and bustle, we often find ourselves juggling various obligations, striving to optimize every facet of our lives. This inclination sometimes extends to our recreational pursuits, including signing up for camps or events with the notion of canceling if a better option presents itself. While this might
Step out of Your Burnout and Into Your Brilliance
A Simple and Revolutionary Solution For Your Daily Pandemic “Why are we more exhausted than ever?” asks Emily Ballestros in her masterful TIME article (March 11, 2024): “People are tired. Really Tired. As evidenced by trends such as “Quiet Quitting” , “Coffee Badging”, “Bare Minimum Mondays”, and most of all
Focus: The real superpower our children need to succeed!
The real enemy our children face today is that of constant nagging and never ending distractions. Life is full of distractions, but to the focused it is full of rewards. How do we teach our children to become distraction proof? I have used 1 simple method over the past 20
The Vital Role of Youth Sports Skills Classes in Shaping Tomorrow’s Champions
In the dynamic landscape of childhood development, the significance of youth sports skills classes cannot be overstated. For children aged five to ten, these classes serve as more than just recreational activities—they are essential pillars in the foundation of physical, cognitive, and social growth. From honing athletic abilities to fostering
WHAT DO STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA, ADHD, AND AUTISM NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL? – NORRINE RUSSELL, PH. D.
“That student is impossible—they won’t do anything you ask.” In a perfect world, all students with multiple exceptionalities would be well understood and effectively supported by all members of their education and treatment team. In reality, that’s rarely the case, despite the best intentions on the part of school personnel
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When to Consider a Speech-Language Screening
In parenting and education, the common belief is that a child must exhibit serious concerns before considering a speech-language screening. However, taking a proactive approach to screenings provides valuable insights into your child’s growth and ways to support their development. Screenings serve as a guide to assess if a more
Home Grown Learning
My own son loves growing food on our aeroponic tower garden, and the results were nothing short of amazing again. After planting Swiss chard seeds and eagerly monitoring their progress, he was excited to watch the towering plant flourish before his eyes. With each new leaf that emerged, he gained
Really, What is Education?
I own a tutoring agency but I got to thinking this weekend “Really, how do we define education?”. So, I first consulted the all-knowing Chat GPT “what is education” and here was the response: “Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and
Preparation Before Air Travel: Tips for a Smooth Journey with Your Autistic Child
Traveling by air with an autistic child can be both exciting and challenging. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for the whole family, careful preparation is key. Here are some tips to help you prepare before your air travel adventure: 1. Book with a CATP: Certified Autism Travel Professionals
Illiteracy Crisis in America
Not many people are aware, but currently two-thirds or 66% of American 12 year olds are FAILING in reading. You read that right. In the richest country in the world, we are failing to teach most of our kids to read. Why? So many factors lead to this outcome. Too
What Grading Trends Reveal About Failing State of Modern Education
For over a century, the A-F grading scale has reigned supreme in educational assessment, touted as a beacon of objectivity and scientific rigor. Yet, Stuart Rojstaczer, a luminary academic from Duke University, unveiled a disquieting narrative in his 2003 exposé for the Washington Post. Startling revelations emerged: erstwhile, the collegiate
With KaiPod, Parents Decide What Their Children Learn
At KaiPod, we aspire to create a new type of educational model that puts families first, allows students to work at their own pace, and educates the whole child. We knew early on that it would be important to define exactly what that looked like and how we would measure
Traumatic Brain Injury and Brain Training
After experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2017, John was having a hard time with focus, his memory and being able to multi-task. John understood how he used to be and where he was now. Several years went by and after being told by doctors to “give it time”,
Shattering Homeschool Myths
Education choices can be so daunting for parents, and homeschooling is one of those options that many of us have some preconceived ideas (and maybe even doubts) about.On this episode of TheBrainyMoms podcast, Dr. Amy, Sandy, and Teri speak with homeschooling expert and advocate Christy-Faith to shed light on things
Student-Centered Learning: Joy, Authenticity, and Trust
If you’re a parent concerned about your child’s mental health and well-being in their current school environment, you’re not alone. Many parents face similar challenges, but there are alternatives that can make a significant difference. Discover how Kate’s journey through multiple schools led her family to explore new options, ultimately
Navigating Travel with Autism: How My Travel Services Can Make Your Family Getaway Seamless and Enjoyable
Traveling with children can be a rewarding adventure, but when it comes to families with autistic children, the journey requires a bit more planning and understanding. As a travel advisor dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences, I recognize that families with autistic children face unique challenges and have specific needs. My
How I Can Help Make Your Family Vacation Stress-Free: Tailoring Travel for Children with Autism
Traveling with children can be an adventure full of excitement and discovery. However, when a child has autism, there are additional considerations that can make the journey more challenging. As your travel advisor, my goal is to ensure that your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here’s how
Tutoring as Mentorship
Mentoring throughout my career (both formal and informal) helped me expand my network and take on roles that I would not have applied for due to a lack of confidence or formal experience. It was so impactful that as I built my team of tutors with Tutor Doctor, our staff
Teachers Can Learn Too!
If a student isn’t learning what we are trying to teach them, we need to look at how we are teaching them instead of simply blaming them for not learning it. I have known many children who have begun to think they are “dumb” or that they are “bad at
Homeschooling Made Easy (as possible)
If you are new to homeschooling or still considering it, this article aims to introduce or guide you along the homeschooling path. Homeschooling is not a new concept. Many of the great philosophers we revere today were homeschooled until Plato founded “The Academy,” which was considered one of the first
Making Math Fun with Tower Garden Aeroponic Systems
Math can sometimes be a challenging subject for kids, but with the right tools and approach, it can also be incredibly engaging and fun. One such tool that can transform the way children interact with math is the Tower Garden aeroponic system. Here’s how you can use this innovative growing
How Does Homeschooling Work?
What is Homeschooling? Homeschooling today is versatile. Parents have options such as; online homeschooling classes and programs, homeschool charter schools, co-ops and more [1]! According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Homeschooling means “to teach school subjects to one’s children at home” [5]. Butson on Outschool refers to homeschooling as an alternative
Growing STEM: Using Tower Gardens Indoors for Summer Homeschooling in Phoenix
As summer temperatures in Phoenix rise, keeping plants thriving outdoors can be a challenge. However, with Tower Gardens—an innovative aeroponic growing system—you can bring the garden indoors and create an exciting, educational experience for your children. Not only does this system make it possible to grow fresh produce year-round, but
Generation Growth: Teaching Kids Sustainable Farming with Tower Gardens
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s crucial to teach our children about sustainable farming and where our food comes from. One innovative way to do this is through Tower Gardens, an aeroponic growing system that allows kids to get hands-on experience with gardening while learning valuable lessons about science, math, and
The Unintended Fallout of Camp Registration Cancellations: Examining the Toll on Small Enterprises
In our modern hustle and bustle, we often find ourselves juggling various obligations, striving to optimize every facet of our lives. This inclination sometimes extends to our recreational pursuits, including signing up for camps or events with the notion of canceling if a better option presents itself. While this might
Step out of Your Burnout and Into Your Brilliance
A Simple and Revolutionary Solution For Your Daily Pandemic “Why are we more exhausted than ever?” asks Emily Ballestros in her masterful TIME article (March 11, 2024): “People are tired. Really Tired. As evidenced by trends such as “Quiet Quitting” , “Coffee Badging”, “Bare Minimum Mondays”, and most of all
Focus: The real superpower our children need to succeed!
The real enemy our children face today is that of constant nagging and never ending distractions. Life is full of distractions, but to the focused it is full of rewards. How do we teach our children to become distraction proof? I have used 1 simple method over the past 20
The Vital Role of Youth Sports Skills Classes in Shaping Tomorrow’s Champions
In the dynamic landscape of childhood development, the significance of youth sports skills classes cannot be overstated. For children aged five to ten, these classes serve as more than just recreational activities—they are essential pillars in the foundation of physical, cognitive, and social growth. From honing athletic abilities to fostering
WHAT DO STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA, ADHD, AND AUTISM NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL? – NORRINE RUSSELL, PH. D.
“That student is impossible—they won’t do anything you ask.” In a perfect world, all students with multiple exceptionalities would be well understood and effectively supported by all members of their education and treatment team. In reality, that’s rarely the case, despite the best intentions on the part of school personnel
When to Consider a Speech-Language Screening
In parenting and education, the common belief is that a child must exhibit serious concerns before considering a speech-language screening. However, taking a proactive approach to screenings provides valuable insights into your child’s growth and ways to support their development. Screenings serve as a guide to assess if a more
Home Grown Learning
My own son loves growing food on our aeroponic tower garden, and the results were nothing short of amazing again. After planting Swiss chard seeds and eagerly monitoring their progress, he was excited to watch the towering plant flourish before his eyes. With each new leaf that emerged, he gained
Really, What is Education?
I own a tutoring agency but I got to thinking this weekend “Really, how do we define education?”. So, I first consulted the all-knowing Chat GPT “what is education” and here was the response: “Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and
Preparation Before Air Travel: Tips for a Smooth Journey with Your Autistic Child
Traveling by air with an autistic child can be both exciting and challenging. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for the whole family, careful preparation is key. Here are some tips to help you prepare before your air travel adventure: 1. Book with a CATP: Certified Autism Travel Professionals
Illiteracy Crisis in America
Not many people are aware, but currently two-thirds or 66% of American 12 year olds are FAILING in reading. You read that right. In the richest country in the world, we are failing to teach most of our kids to read. Why? So many factors lead to this outcome. Too
What Grading Trends Reveal About Failing State of Modern Education
For over a century, the A-F grading scale has reigned supreme in educational assessment, touted as a beacon of objectivity and scientific rigor. Yet, Stuart Rojstaczer, a luminary academic from Duke University, unveiled a disquieting narrative in his 2003 exposé for the Washington Post. Startling revelations emerged: erstwhile, the collegiate
With KaiPod, Parents Decide What Their Children Learn
At KaiPod, we aspire to create a new type of educational model that puts families first, allows students to work at their own pace, and educates the whole child. We knew early on that it would be important to define exactly what that looked like and how we would measure