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Background

Vision plays such a vital role in a child’s learning success. Many of the symptoms and behaviors often associated with learning disabilities are very similar to those caused by vision problems. In fact, in some cases, students with real vision problems are sometimes mistaken for having learning disabilities (AD/HD, autism, and other issues). For this reason, it is critical that a comprehensive vision examination be part of a complete evaluation of every child who is failing to succeed in school.

The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has provided an excellent checklist with some signs and symptoms to look for that may indicate a vision problem. This checklist is accessible by visiting http://www.covd.org/Home/ParentResourceCenter/SymptomsChecklist/tabid/279/Default.aspx

How to Properly Identify a Vision Problem

Children should be referred for a comprehensive eye exam whenever visual symptoms are noticed or if they are not achieving their potential. Important: Many of these vision problems will not be detected during a school vision screening or limited vision assessment as part of a school physical or routine pediatric health evaluation.

Locate a medical professional (i.e. developmental optometrist) in your area who is experienced and knowledgeable in diagnosing and treating learning-related vision problems. An online tool for locating such a medical professional is available at https://covdwp.memberpoint.com/WebPortal/BuyersGuide/ProfessionalSearch.aspx

Resources and Support

COVD Parent Resource Center:
http://covd.org/Parents/tabid/264/Default.aspx

Information about Insurance Coverage for Vision Therapy:
http://covd.org/InsuranceCoverageforVisionTherapy/tabid/85/Default.aspx

What is Vision Therapy?
http://covd.org/AboutVisionTherapy/tabid/71/Default.aspx

Jillian's Story: How Vision Therapy Changed My Daughter's Life by Robin Benoit and Jillian Benoit--- An inspiring story of determination---This book offers "a deeply personal account along with life-changing information on the importance of vision therapy." http://www.jilliansstory.com/

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For AD/HD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For AD/HD info and support
314-892-3897

Source of information: Credits to http://covd.org/ The official site of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development

Do you have a child or teen who prefers to work with numbers rather than read stories? Is your child self-motivated to learn math above her grade level? Would you like a ready list of FREE yet excellent math links at the ready for the next rainy day?

Well, here is just the list for you. You will find almost any grade/math level needed, too. Several will allow your child to work independently from his current grade level in math to any level he chooses (even through college calculus!)

If you need help encouraging your child to brush up on her math skills over the summer, you might suggest links #6 or #8 below here. You will see her
become excited about math in no time because these links will provide some great online math games to enjoy!

So, try a few of these links and please let us know which one(s) work best with your child(ren) and why. We would love to hear from you!

1. www.brightstorm.com/math 2,000+ FREE Math Videos – Every Topic in Algebra through Calculus! Excellent site.

2. www.mathforum.org/mathmagic/ A “bountiful” offering of math resources is listed here by grade level.

3. www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/ Please visit this site for explanations and examples covering decimals, percents, integers, probability, and much more. (Very good for 6th-8th grade math)

4. www.mathmammoth.com/worksheets/free.php Free sample math worksheet downloads (for Grades 1-9)

5. www.freemathhelp.com/ Here there are many math help resources available, including math lessons, math games, and a math help message board.

6. www.cut-the-knot.org/games.shtml Link to many MATH GAMES for ALL grade levels---Great site for practice AND fun!

7. www.algebrahelp.com/index.jsp This is another great website for those times when a student needs help with solving algebra problems.

8. www.learn-with-math-games.com/index.html Various math games for K through Middle School. Includes interactive as well as printable math games.

9. www.dadsworksheets.com/v1/Timer.html Use this free, web-based countdown timer to time math worksheets, quizzes, tests, projects, games, or other classroom activities. 100% JavaScript... Nothing to download, no software installation. This timer is perfect for math practice, writing assignments or any other school work activity that has a time limit. Enjoy!

10. step.nn.k12.va.us/math/middlemath/ppt/mid_math_ppt.htm Try these math PowerPoint presentations all ready to go for middle school students!

11. www.math.com Choose the appropriate level from the left sidebar. Then begin to answer the math problems presented at that level. You will receive immediate feedback about your answers. Investigate the "1-2-3-4 Step" feature where you can find explanations, examples, etc. for the math problems presented. How many problems will you answer correctly?

12. www.khanacademy.org/ Math tutorial videos and practice on any level---FREE! (YouTube videos)---Also, many other tutorials for various content areas (over 2,100 lessons online)

13. http://empowerkidz.wordpress.com/2012/07/12/math-made-fun/ An article by Anupma Sethi that includes a GREAT list of interesting, educational math activities and resources for kids to do themselves!

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/

It’s often called “summer brain drain” by many teachers. The term describes the loss of learning that occurs in children during the summer break from school, a very real and annual concern for teachers as well as parents. What can parents do to help their children avoid this?

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been talking about this topic with my young students in grades 2 through 5 as the end of the school year has been fast approaching. Some suggestions and resources were also provided for the children and their families.

One bright-eyed, third grader described how he keeps his skills sharp over the summer. Tyler told the class that at the beginning of every summer, his mother purchases a skill-building workbook for his next grade level. She also buys one for each of his brothers, and they work together in their respective books several times each week. It is no surprise that all three children are successful in school. This is just one way of keeping “summer brain drain” at bay.

Other strategies can also promote skill building and retention over the summer. Many of them are available at low or no cost. Just a little effort and forethought might be needed. Here are just a few:

1. Encourage your child to read often. Surround your child with books wherever and whenever possible. Regular visits to your local public library go a long way in establishing good habits of life-long reading and learning. These visits can also be great opportunities to spend quality, family time together---and the price is certainly right!

2. Set aside time each day to read to your child. This will show him that reading is very important to you and your family. It will also increase a child’s desire to read independently. Consider a “family reading time” for obvious, additional benefits.

3. Promote reading in the many things you already do with your children. Ask them to read street signs, menus, game directions, cereal boxes, and other items. This will demonstrate that our world provides much information and opportunities through the reading of words and text. It will also promote independence.

4. Consider providing a journal for your child, a place where she can write about the books she is reading during the summer. You might recommend that she write an alternative ending to a favorite book. Looking back through the journal at the end of the summer will remind her of all the reading she has accomplished in only a few weeks. She will also have improved her critical thinking and writing skills.

5. Do you have a reluctant or struggling reader? You might suggest books (at first) with a few more illustrations and a little less text per page. Another idea to consider: audio books (also available at your local library). If you discover that your child learns best by listening (an auditory learner), this approach will be a very good idea. Share this discovery with your child’s teacher when the fall semester begins. It will be helpful information for that teacher and invaluable for your child’s future classroom success.

So, you can do much to help your children “stay sharp” over the summer months. Just think ahead, plan, and be prepared to have a wonderful summer of reading together! Next fall, your children will thank you (and so will their teachers)!

For more information:

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897