Why bring your child to Engage the Brain for Orton-Gillingham? Because of the impressive coursework completed by the Specialists and the ongoing mentorship process that is the ethos of the organization.

What exactly is Orton-Gillingham? According to the Orton-Gillingham Academy, it is “a direct, explicit, multi-sensory, structured, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive way to teach literacy when reading, writing, and spelling do not come easily to individuals, such as those with dyslexia.” It goes on to state that is an “approach,” not a method or system.

The curricular content is derived from two primary sources: a body of knowledge and practice that has been validated over the past 80 years; and also from scientific evidence of how people learn to read and write.

A multi-sensory approach is one of the key elements. It is through visual, auditory and kinesthetic pathways simultaneously that helps imbed the language patterns in students.

Another key is that it is Individualized and diagnostic for each student. There is no universal approach or starting point, with each student truly having their own lesson plan.

Even students who can decode fairly well but who struggle with comprehension, – sometimes known as word callers – benefit from OG.  How? By reducing the cognitive load by making decoding automatic. Rather than guessing at and or omitting and skipping seemingly unimportant words in a text, OG will boost the confidence to decode and attack each word easily.

Engage the Brain OG Specialists’ coursework

Engage the Brain is fortunate to have 25 Specialists who completed Orton-Gillingham Academy coursework. Two members of the team are Associates of the Orton-Gillingham Academy and are currently working toward completion of the Certified level. Four Specialists have completed the Classroom Educator coursework, and 21 have completed Associate-level coursework. Finally, the coursework and practicums were completed through an accredited Training Fellow of the Orton-Gillingham Academy.

Sabrina Sullivan, A/OGA and Student Services Director, at Engage the Brain, said, “All OG Specialists receive ongoing mentorship and support from our Student Services Director and OG Field Expert, an Associate of the Academy. Through regular lesson planning meetings, case discussions, and structured mentoring, we maintain high standards of implementation and remain current with research and best practices  – ensuring instruction stays flexible, responsive, and individualized.” Like the students we work with, Specialists are strongly encouraged to continue to think, learn, and grow.

Who benefits from OG instruction?

OG is known as the gold-standard for teaching individuals with dyslexia to read. Clearly this population makes up a good percentage of the students EtB works with. However, Sullivan states, “It also supports students with ADHD, dysgraphia, language processing weaknesses, and foundational reading gaps.” She goes on to say that OG benefits early readers who need a strong phonics foundation as well as older students who are missing important decoding or spelling skills.

Sullivan said, “Students who need vocabulary development, improved fluency, or stronger reading comprehension also benefit from OG’s individualized approach.” This is due to the explicit, systematic, and multi-sensory approach that OG demands. Finally, she shares, “it provides the clarity and structure many learners thrive on, with intentional scaffolding and individualized pacing built into every lesson.” Clearly, just about any student could benefit from this type of approach.

Why should a student come to Engage the Brain for OG?

Many people head to Google and search for local business recommendations. Of course any savvy consumer recognizes that the first businesses to pop up are there because they paid to be! But refine your search a little more, and suddenly a different selection of companies populates your screen. Try it: Best Orton-Gillinham instruction in Orlando, FL. Guess what is the first business after all the paid ones? You guessed it! Engage the Brain.

Perhaps there is some algorithm magic going on, but EtB appears in the search results because families flock to it for their educational needs. Sullivan, the Student Services Director, shares the following: 

“At EtB, OG instruction is individualized and grounded in ongoing error analysis. We begin with baseline assessments, use our scope and sequence to design targeted lesson plans, and adjust instruction in real time based on each student’s responses and demonstrated needs. Our specialists integrate reading, spelling, and writing in a cumulative, connected way, building confidence alongside skill. We look at the whole learner and intentionally develop strong relationships because a strong literacy foundation begins with trust.”

She adds that families stay informed through periodic progress monitoring, session and progress logs, and brief check-ins as needed. And that EtB has relationships with several local schools, which allows students to receive OG from EtB Specialists while at their institution during the school day.

What do students say who had OG instruction at EtB?

All this educational jargon is fine and well, but what do actual students say who have attended EtB and received OG from trained Specialists? 

They flattered us with felicitations!

Lauren S., who attended EtB from 6th grade through 11th grade and is now a freshman at the University of Alabama, said:

“When I was diagnosed with dyslexia in sixth grade, I was scared and unsure – especially about tutoring. Sabrina met me with patience, understanding, and belief. Through Orton-Gillingham instruction, she helped me build confidence and skills I never thought I’d have. What I was once skeptical of became something I truly looked forward to. Because of Sabrina, I went from struggling in middle school to attending the University of Alabama and earning a spot on the President’s List my very first semester. She changed my life.”

Griffen G., an 8th grader who has attended EtB since 2nd grade, shared the following:

“OG’s curriculum has enhanced my learning. Especially Mrs. Sabrina, she has taught me most of the knowledge I know today and has helped me understand myself as a student. She is super easy to understand and can relate to my struggles and how I should navigate them.”

Valentina M., a 5th grader who has attended EtB since 1st grade, said:

“Mrs. Sabrina (OG) has taught me different ways to learn, which have helped me read, write, and spell better.”

We could go on and on but you hopefully get the idea. Students, the most important part of this equation, support EtB.

Final thoughts

The Orton-Gillingham approach has benefited so many students at Engage the Brain. Clearly students with dyslexia are the largest group receiving these services, but there are multiple other subsets of students who are thriving from their OG sessions, including those with ADHD, dysgraphia, and language process weaknesses. There may be other OG practitioners in the area, but none have “the expert instruction, individualized planning, and progress monitoring, which allows us to support lasting growth, not just short-term improvement,” as Sullivan reminds.

If your child struggles to read, for whatever reason, contact Jennifer Disch at Engage the Brain to discover how an Orton-Gillingham mentored professional could help unlock the mysteries of the English language and launch your child into the world of reading and all that it has to offer.

Read More about The Facts about Orton-Gillingham at Engage the Brain

Why is it so important for kids to have hobbies? Because the benefits pay dividends in so many ways. Read on to learn more about how to help your child find their passion.

During the month of February, Cupid is busy pairing up people with similar interests and compatibility. With a nudge from the little fellow, people can suddenly see each other in a new and more attractive light. This month, however, we are encouraging parents to play matchmaker with their child and a hobby. Help your child find their passion.

All kids benefit from having hobbies. But children who think and learn differently, REALLY benefit from successes gained from non-academic activities. Why? Because of the massive amounts of emotional scar tissue many of these children have built up from repeated failures in school. 

And please do not confuse this with high school students looking to impress future colleges.

Just because your child played the sousaphone for six weeks at the local senior center will not garner them extra attention from Stanford’s admissions squad. The goal is to find the authentically right activity for your child.

What this is about is finding an activity that your child is passionate about and brings them joy.

The benefits of passion projects for kids

There are so many reasons parents ought to encourage their child to find a hobby they enjoy, just for the sake of the activity.

One study found that young adults who participate in extracurricular activities had lower levels of anxiety and depression and higher levels of satisfaction for life.

Success in the activity can build self-esteem and agency, which can be transferrable to other skills. Hello academics! The thought process going, if I can put effort into (fill-in-the-blank hobby) and see positive results, then maybe, just maybe, if I put the same effort into school, I will see positive results.

Often times these activities can provide opportunities for social connections. Kids who think  and learn differently can struggle with this critical skill, and finding peers who share the same interest can break down some of the social walls. 

While they may not even know it, your child will also be practicing and developing their  Executive Functions skills, such as time management, goal setting, perseverance.

Critically, these hobbies can recharge their battery, providing more space and opportunity to tackle more frustrating parts of life. Everyone needs time to unwind and and recover from the day’s or week’s events. Brains can fill up and reach capacity. Hobbies refuel the brain!

Finally, passion projects can reduce those pesky negative behaviors. Like a beautiful garden that is free of weeds, two things cannot occupy the same space. Psychology Today shares that if your child is busy with a hobby, they will not be acting out or participating in harmful habits. 

How parents can help foster the process of discovery

Of course you, the parent, will need to offer guidance and perhaps motivation to push (lovingly shove?) your child into trying an activity. What could this look like?

Pay attention to your child’s interests. What content do they consume on tv? On social media? What do they read about? Topics of their video game selections? All of these answers are clues for possible areas to pursue.

Provide opportunities. Offer to pay for an instrument rental and lessons. Watch a sports team practice to see if it really does appeal to them. Look for free trial opportunities in the community such as an art class. 

Share your hobbies. Do not assume your child knows you love photography. Share the details and why you are drawn to a particular activity. 

Help build vocabulary. Young children – elementary age and perhaps even some middle school age – may not have the word bank yet to state their interests. If you see your child loves to build with Legos, you could say they may be interested in engineering. If your child loves dabbling in the kitchen, perhaps they have an interest in the culinary arts. Help your child make connections between their hobbies and the real world.

Stick-to-itiveness vs healthy boundaries. While you want your child to develop perseverance and work through blocks and obstacles, you also want them to establish healthy boundaries and to know when they simply have too much on their plate. Open and honest discussion is the best path forward.

Set realistic expectations. Quite simply, it is ok not to be the best. Encourage participation for participation’s sake, not external validation or rewards.

How to keep your child interested in the activity over time

Once your child has engaged with an activity over a period of time, naturally they may become less interested in it. This is just human nature. But children who think and learn differently,  especially those with ADHD, may become bored more quickly than their neuro-typical peers.

To help foster persistence try these strategies:

Reduce friction to the activity. In other words, make it easy for your child to participate. Have whatever necessary supplies on hand in the house, as appropriate. Provide time in the day’s schedule (more on this below). Eliminate your child’s excuses!

Keep it low pressure. As mentioned above, it is okay not to be the best at the activity. Focus on fun and improvement rather than external rewards. 

Celebrate wins. Whether big accomplishments or minor ones, acknowledge and celebrate the success. 

Locate and introduce mentors. Connecting your child with a local mentor in your community can be powerful. Whether the mentor provides advice and or inspiration, providing opportunities for your child to meet with experts in the given field pays dividends. And promotes social connections!

Provide reading materials about the topic. When this writer was school-age, and disliked everything about school and education, my mother kept a steady stream of Modern Drummer and Skateboarding Magazines flowing into the house. And, as most ADHD individuals are prone to do when presented with a topic of interest, I devoured every word in those magazines, which (no surprise to my sneaky Special Education teacher mother) improved my reading skills.

Create a routine. In a perfect world your child would come racing home from school, give you a big hug, tell you how great a parent you are, then happily skip off to practice their bassoon. Of course this simply does not happen in today’s modern world! So help your child develop an after school routine that includes homework time (of course) and time for the hobby. 

Final thoughts

With big red hearts and Valentines’ Day decorations pervasive during the month of February, channel your inner Cupid and point an arrow at your child, connecting them to a passionate hobby. With some guidance from you, your child can find an activity they enjoy that brings them pride and satisfaction. Your child may be less anxious, practice their executive functions skills and could even find some like-minded peers, allowing for social connections. Having success is the goal, especially for kids who have piled up the failures in school. Passion projects can truly be the antidote to struggling learners with troubling self-esteem, launching them into other successes, including in school.

Engage the Brain encourages all of our families to explore extracurricular activities and to find the one hobby that truly resonates with your child. 

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How can parents best support their child’s Executive Functions tutoring sessions? By following these 8 strategies that promote success.

At Engage the Brain (EtB), we offer a suite of services that includes Orton-Gillingham instruction (the gold-standard for teaching children with dyslexia to read), Speech-Language therapy, multi-sensory math instruction, and Executive Functions coaching. It is the last specialty area that is popular, but also often misunderstood. A child may struggle with multiple challenges all at the same time. For example, they may have ADHD and struggle in math. Or they are diagnosed with dyslexia and are completely disorganized, with a sprinkle of anxiety mixed in, too. 

Is it an Executive Functions (EF) weakness? An academic issue? Often it is a combination of factors.

This is where academic testing, which EtB also offers, could help determine a road map for help: a starting point, check-ins, and an ideal destination. If your child is fine academically – their teachers report that they get the concepts in class – yet still earns relatively low grades, perhaps there is an EF weakness. 

Executive functions are the cognitive skills, managed by the brain’s prefrontal cortex, that allow us to plan, focus, prioritize, and accomplish tasks. A few popular analogies are the air-traffic controller or conductor of an orchestra. While there is no universally agreed upon set of skills, they typically include: planning and prioritizing, organization, goal setting and completion, task initiation, flexibility, and self-regulation. 

An exploratory and information-sharing phone call with Engage the Brain is often the first step to determine the best course of action for your child.

How parents can support the EF coaching sessions

Once the decision has been made to begin EF coaching sessions, there are a number of suggestions Engage the Brain likes to offer to parents to help them – and especially their child – get the most out of the sessions.

Yes, you hired us to teach your child a set of skills. However, like any other class, you need to continue to offer support. How?

Question and compliment your child.  For example, Are you using the planner you agreed to use? Or I love that you are writing down events on your wall calendar.

Know the skill(s) being taught during the session. If the focus is currently on organization, ask a follow-up question on the way home. “What did you talk about in your session today?” This helps gauge what your child is truly taking away from the sessions. If your child does not relate something about organization (or whatever the focus skill of the session was), please share that with the Specialist so that they can follow up. (More on that below)

Use the same language as the Specialist at home. Engage the Brain is fortunate to have a team of EF coaches, and two of them emphasized the importance of speaking the same language at home that your child will hear in their sessions. For example, both Specialists shared the importance of reflexive questioning and using the questions such as, “Where is your attention right now? and “Where should it be?” 

Share information with the EF coach. Whether you send an email, text, or prefer face-to-face, let the Specialist know about big projects or tests that are coming up. Also inform us about the on-going challenges at home and or at school.

Can’t vs Won’t. Shout out to Seth Perler, well known EF Coach, for sharing this important nugget. You may think your child is being stubborn and has the ability to keep themselves organized, planned, focused, etc, if they just try harder. However, in reality many kids simply cannot organize and plan and focus due to lack of a skillset. It is during our sessions that we are teaching the EF skills that will allow your child to eventually perform these necessary skills.

Understand scaffolding. In a perfect world your child would come into our office, meet with a Specialist two or three times, and suddenly become an EF guru themselves and be able to teach these skills to all of their closest friends and relatives. But that is not reality! Each child is on their own timeline and journey. Those with learning differences and challenges – like ADHD and EF weaknesses – may take longer than their neurotypical peers. So, we start where your child is and begin the scaffolding process from that point, providing tools and strategies to launch them into the EF orbit and begin their journey towards independence.

Consistent attendance is key. Like any other skill someone is trying to learn, consistent practice is critical.  If your child is scheduled for once a week sessions, please do your best to get them to the appointment. Disruptions, frequent cancellations, and stop-start inconsistencies will undermine the effectiveness of the process. Bonus: you could be modeling planning and time management by placing the sessions on a family calendar, either a physical one you keep in a handy spot in the house or a shared digital one such as Google calendar.

Foster a Growth Mindset. How many children does it take to change a light bulb? Just one, but the bulb must really must want to change! (I hear the groans!) In all seriousness, a child must show up to our sessions with an open mind that they can and want to improve. Developing a growth mindset, which is the belief that we can improve a skill through hard work and targeted practice, is critical to the success of the sessions.

Final thoughts

Executive Functions coaching is tricky, in that like most other skills being taught, the journey to proficiency is not linear. Parents can nudge the process along and make the sessions more effective by actively questioning and complimenting their child on the EF skills being taught and using the same language. Remember to share pertinent information with the Specialist – ongoing challenges, big projects coming up, etc – so everyone is on the same page. And try to be as consistent as possible with attendance. 

Imagine a picture of your child smiling proudly because they are doing well in school and managing all of their extra curricular activities. Just out of frame of this photograph is the EF coach, who is your child’s most enthusiastic cheerleader, providing them with tools and strategies for success. That’s our goal as an EF Coach: to be just out of frame but close enough for your child to know we are there with anything they need.

If you child struggles with EF skills such as organization, time management, planning and or prioritizing, contact Jennifer Disch at Engage the Brain to discover how an Executive Functions coach could help your child better manage their academic and personal responsibilities.

Read More about 8 Ways Parents Can Get the Most Out of their Child’s Executive Functions Coaching Sessions

How do you reduce your child’s screen time usage? By setting clear expectations and employing this research backed plan.

As kids grow older it becomes increasingly difficult to find that perfect holiday gift. Gifts of time spent together on an excursion are popular as are simply providing gift cards to favorite businesses and allowing your kid to pick out something they have had their eye on but would not share with you.

However, if you are looking for a truly remarkable present, one that will transform your child for years to come, may we suggest you give them the gift of reduced screen time. Admittedly, your child will not know he wants this gift. He may even try to return it! But with a well-thought out plan, this gift will truly keep giving and will help position your child as a healthy digital citizen; its benefits are world- and life-changing.

Health risks of excessive screen time

Just how bad is the problem? Does it just seem like everyone is always staring at a screen? Research says kids certainly are.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the average child between 8 and 18 years old spends over 7 hours a day in front of screens. This includes for school, video games, television, and all electronics usage.

Excessive screen time creates a vicious cycle. Some of the potential issues feed off of each other and actually exacerbate the problem! Like walking into a fun house with distorted mirrors, your child may not see his or her reflection clearly, meaning the amount of time spent on devices or the issues it is creating. I am on it for school! may be a common response from your child, not recognizing that phone time, video games and Youtube videos all count towards the total screen time.

The Mayo Clinic reports excessive screen time can lead to:

Obesity – When electronics are in the bedroom the obesity rate risk increases.

Irregular sleep – The more time spent on screens the greater the likelihood of having trouble falling asleep and or developing an irregular sleep schedule, which can then lead to fatigue and increased snacking.

Behavior problems – Elementary age students who spent two or more hours per day watching television and or playing video games were more likely to have emotional, social, and or focus issues.

Negative impact on academics – There is a clear connection between amount time spent on electronics and poor performance on tests in school. 

Less time to play – Time is a zero sum game. If your child is on electronics they are not playing with friends and or interacting with others. 

Benefits of reduced screen time

Those are just of few of the multitude of problems that excessive screen time can create. What are the benefits of reducing electronics usage?

Better face to face social skills –The Mayo Clinic reported a study that found that kids who went five days without electronics were better at recognizing facial emotions and non-verbal cues than those who spent excessive time on screens.

Better physical health – Like the physics concept that two things cannot occupy the same space, your child cannot be on electronics and doing something more productive. Therefore, the logic goes, if you are not on a screen it frees up time for other activities, such as physical exercise and or to play actively with friends. Additionally, it removes opportunities for mindless snacking, common while on electronics, and can actually support maintaining a healthy weight. Finally, it improves sleep. People who spend significant time on screens have a more difficult time falling and staying asleep.

Improved school performance- A study in JAMA Pediatrics found, in part, that children whose parents limited screen time did better in school. An Iowa State professor who was part of the study said that results are typically not immediate, and that can be frustrating to parents. But he encourages parents, nonetheless, to place reasonable limits on screen time and the positive results will come.

Better focus – Limiting screen time provides opportunities for kids to engage with other non-electronic activities, many of which require sustained attention and focus. Board games, card games, and puzzles all are great alternatives for kids and their families to do in place of screen time. The more children participate in these kinds of games and activities the better their sustained attention will become. 

Reduced behavior issues and irritability – Excessive screen time has been linked to many negative things, for both kids and adults, including irritability. While some studies believe the content consumed does not matter, common sense must make an appearance; prolonged exposure to violent images and inappropriate material has to have some negative impact shaping kids’ behavior. If less screen time means less irritation and better impulsivity control, you owe it to your child to try!

How to reduce kids’ screen time

First of all, you need to set clear rules and reasonable expectations around screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its screen time policy to: “We recommend considering the quality of interactions with digital media and not just the quantity, or amount of time.” Rather than supporting a fixed number of, say, two hours per day, parents need to be more nuanced and involved in what their child is consuming online. 

Other strategies to help reduce the amount of time spent on devices include:

Screen-free areas in your home. Whether it is at the kitchen table or dining room table, wherever your family tends to eat meals together ought to be screen free. Bedrooms are another good spot to prohibit screens. 

Screen-free times. Adopting family rules about times of day when screens are prohibited is a great way to help reduce device time. A popular suggestion is one hour before bed, which will have a positive effect on sleep quality.

Encourage and brainstorm off-line activities. As mentioned previously, time is a zero sum game. If your child is outside playing with friends or is on a bike ride or plays a sport, then she will not be on electronics during those times. Of course it takes parents to actively encourage participation in these types of off-line activities.

Be a role model and put your phone down. Yes, kids watch and listen to what parents say and do. Even teenagers! Model how to spend time without electronics. Talk to your spouse and kids about your and their day. Pick up a book or magazine and read something, not on your phone. Work on 500 piece puzzle of a prairie on a peninsula. 

Consistency is key. Even the best intentioned parents will slip up when trying to establish a new routine or house rule. The most important part of this plan is the consistent application of the rules. No phones at dinner simply means just that. No exception. If one hour before bed is screen free, then hold that time sacred. Bending rules really means there are no rules!

Final thoughts

December may truly be the most wonderful time of the year- if your child is present for it and not always glued to a device! The research is clear: excessive screen time leads to many health concerns such as obesity, sleep disruptions and a negative impact on academics. Of course reducing screen time will yield many positive benefits, including better face to face social interactions, increased health, and fewer behavior issues. Setting clear and reasonable expectations for screen time is the best starting point to help wean your child off constant electronics usage along with holding screen-free times and locations in your home.

If your child struggles with excessive screen time, please contact Jennifer Disch at Engage the Brain to discover how an Executive Functions coach could help teach your child how to better manage their device time and make informed decisions around how they spend free time.

Read More about Give Your Child the Gift of Reduced Screen Time

This month EtB Specialists share why they are grateful to work at Engage the Brain and one thing they are grateful for in their personal life. Plus we share research on the power of a gratitude practice.

Psst. Yes, you. Parents and kids who have come into the Engage the Brain office. Have you ever wondered what goes on behind all those closed doors? You are in luck because we are giving you a sneak peek.

Of course Engage the Brain is a community of learners. Think about the North Park Learning Group (NPLG), a hybrid school that serves homeschool students in the Central Florida area.  Peer a little more closely, though, and you’ll see that Engage the Brain is a collection of micro-communities that co-exist within its learning spaces, often behind closed doors. What goes on behind those doors? Magic! Children engage with professionals with assorted degrees, certifications and oodles of experience who are grateful to bring their talents to such an extraordinary place. 

Which brings us to this month’s theme of gratitude.

The benefits of practicing gratitude

What exactly is gratitude? It should not be mistaken for toxic positivity, which often denies there is bad in the world or focuses on living in your own version of a La La Land. Rather, gratitude is choosing to focus your time and attention on what you appreciate.

Manhattan Mental Health Counseling states that people who practice gratitude show higher levels of happiness, are less depressed and less anxious, and report having less physical pain. They go on to say that just two consecutive weeks of a daily gratitude practice can have a lasting positive effect on one’s mood and optimism for up to six months!

Positive Psychology shares the neuroscience behind gratitude. Practicing gratitude activates regions of the brain associated with reward, which enhance feelings of contentment and emotional wellbeing. These long-term brain changes can lead to improved mental health and resilience.

The power of a gratitude practice for children

Children who practice gratitude have many benefits, too. According to a University of Kentucky study, children who are grateful have increased empathy, which can manifest in a positive way when dealing with aggression from peers, unkindness, or critical comments. Your child may come across a negative comment or two if they dabble on social media, and a gratitude practice could be the armor that protects them from the negativity.

Want your child to sleep better? Have them write down three to five things they are grateful for before bed; an Applied Psychology study reveals your child will better sleep after having done so.

Children’s Hospital Colorado chimes in to share that children who practice gratitude have increased dopamine and serotonin released in their brains, which makes them feel happier and more content.

Finally, a study found that children who practice gratitude found more satisfaction with their family life, school, communities, and social circles.

Engage the Brain Specialists’ gratitude

To practice what we preach (and prove we use research-backed strategies), Engage the Brain specialists share why they are grateful to work at Engage the Brain plus one thing they are grateful for in their personal lives.

Jennifer Disch, Ed.S./ET-P, Founder, Educational Director

Why am I grateful to work at EtB?

I’m deeply grateful to work at Engage the Brain because every day I get to see our mission in action—helping learners think, learn, and grow. Watching our specialists bring their hearts and expertise to each student is truly inspiring. What makes EtB special is the people—the dedication, collaboration, and care that flow through everything we do. It’s a joy to lead and learn alongside such an incredible team.

What are you grateful for in your own life?

I’m grateful for family, friends, happiness, and good health—the things that fill life with joy and balance. Every day, I’m reminded how lucky I am to be surrounded by love and purpose, both personally and professionally.

Jennifer Grussaute, Office Manager

Why am I grateful to work at EtB?

I am grateful to work at EtB because Jennifer has made it an amazing place. Her door is always open for questions about work, as well as for anything I might need outside of work. She fosters an environment where you can truly have a work-life balance. I love coming to work to see what each new day brings, and not many people can say that!

What are you grateful for in your own life?

I am grateful for my family and friends that have become family. I honestly would be lost without my krewe.

Jennifer Pelz, Clinical and Educational Evaluator and Speech-Language Pathologist

Why am I grateful to work at EtB?

I’m grateful to work at Engage the Brain, where every decision begins with the question: What is in the best interest of the learner? It’s a philosophy that shapes every evaluation, collaboration, and recommendation we make.

I’m surrounded by an incredible team of educators and specialists who bring diverse strengths, creativity, and genuine passion to their work with children. Together, we dig deep into each student’s learning profile to uncover how they think, process, and communicate because understanding the why behind a child’s struggles is the first step toward helping them succeed.

Through testing, I get to help families see their child in a new light. I love when parents realize that the challenges they’ve been watching unfold have an explanation, and that support and progress are possible. We share the load because it really does take a village. One of the most meaningful moments I’ve experienced was hearing that a child cried tears of joy after learning she has dyslexia, because she finally understood that she wasn’t the cause of her struggles. Moments like that remind me why this work is so important.

At Engage the Brain, we don’t just assess and teach skills; we help families build hope and clarity, and I’m grateful to be a part of that culture!

What are you grateful for in your own life?

I am grateful for my health, meaningful connections with family and friends, my dogs and cat, new experiences and travel, and a growing daily awareness of the simple things in life that bring joy. And coffee. I’m probably unnaturally grateful for coffee.

Beth Sharpe, Business Development Officer, Learning Specialist 

Why am I grateful to work at EtB?

I couldn’t be more grateful to work at Engage the Brain; it’s truly a special place.  I feel lucky to have a boss who is so open-minded, listening to my wild ideas and giving them careful consideration.  My appreciation also extends to the Engage the Brain team, whose collaborative spirit, enthusiastic encouragement, and steadfast support, make for an incredibly positive work environment.  As a huge fan of learning, I’m thrilled to be working in an environment where we’re always growing through professional development and shared resources.  I am truly grateful to be part of Engage the Brain.

What are you grateful for in your own life?

In my personal life, I am deeply grateful for my family.  Unfortunately, we have faced a difficult second half of 2025, but we’ve come together with listening ears, hugs, and unwavering support, making me realize how truly lucky I am to be part of such a special family.  I’ve heard the saying, “difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations” and that is what I am holding on to. Through the challenges, our family bond grows stronger and for that, I am truly grateful.

Catherine Griffin, Math Field Expert, Learning Specialist

Why am I grateful to work at EtB?

I’m thankful to work at Engage the Brain because I get to truly see the impact of my teaching every day. Working one-on-one with students allows me to tailor lessons to their needs and celebrate their growth in real time. After years in the traditional classroom, it’s refreshing to have the freedom to teach in ways that are meaningful and effective. As a mom of two elementary-aged boys, I also value the flexibility and work-life balance this role provides. I feel supported, appreciated, and proud to be part of a team that genuinely values both its students and its educators.

What are you grateful for in your own life?

In my personal life, I am thankful for my hard-working husband, silly boys, and mischievous dog. 

Hannah Hartman, Co-Director of North Park Learning Group

Why am I grateful to work at EtB?

I am grateful to work at Engage the Brain because of my wonderful students and coworkers.  I love that we can incorporate creativity and exploration in to our teaching.

What are you grateful for in your own life?

I am grateful for my family.  I am very thankful for my husband, parents, siblings, and a large extended family.

Kim Burt, CCC-SLP, Therapy Team Lead

Why am I grateful to work at EtB?

At EtB, I am grateful to work in a collaborative environment where we can fully support our students. I am also grateful for the trust that the parents of my students have in me. Knowing we are all a part of the same team makes all the difference.  It is a privilege to work with each of my students. Seeing them learn and grow reminds me why I love what I do.

What are you grateful for in your own life?

In my personal life, I am grateful that I have a supportive tribe of family and friends who are always there for me.

Sabrina Sullivan, A/OGA, Lead Orton-Gillingham Specialist

Why am I grateful to work at EtB?

I’m grateful to work at EtB because teamwork, creativity, and fun all coexist here – it’s kind of magical if your idea of magic involves lesson planning and Starbucks! 

What are you grateful for in your own life?

Outside of work, I’m grateful for my amazing friends, family, and pets since they remind me every day that love (and a good cuddle) can fix just about anything!

Jenny Wolcott, Field Expert Executive Functions, Learning Specialist

Why am I grateful to work at EtB?

I am grateful to work for Engage the Brain because I have the most wonderful students.  I learn as much from them as they do from me and they help become a better therapist every day.

What are you grateful for in your own life?

In my personal life, I’m grateful to have the support of a wonderful, tight-knit family and to provide them support in return. 

Final thoughts

The results are in. When children (and adults too!) walk into Engage the Brain, hopefully they feel the power of gratitude swirling around them. Specialists are highly-trained and thankful to apply their craft in such a collaborative and supportive environment. From Orton-Gillingham instruction, the gold standard for teaching dyslexic students to read, to multi-sensory math to Speech Language instruction to Executive Functions Coaching to Academic testing, Specialists with tons of trainings, diverse degrees, and extraordinary experience lead children to think, learn, and grow. 

If your child needs assistance with any school related concerns, please contact Jennifer Disch at Engage the Brain to discover how an experienced (and grateful) Learning Specialist may be able to help.

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Report cards are supposed to reveal how a child is doing in school. They do not. Here are some research-backed strategies parents can use to determine how your child truly is performing in school.

October is associated with many scary things like horror-movie-character Halloween costumes, frightening Jack-O-Lanterns that are eerily lit up, and the occasional front yard decorated like a graveyard replete with creepy sound effects. 

Another scary event in October? 

Kids’ receiving their first report card of the school year! And while some children may dread getting their first report card, many parents have absolutely no idea how their child is performing in school. That is frightening!

Don’t believe it? Research backs it up.

A Learning Heroes study found that 90% of parents believe their child is at or above grade level in reading and math. In reality, 26% of 8th grade students are proficient or above in math and only 31% are proficient or above in reading.

For parents, good grades equate to being on grade level. Clearly this is not the case. Grade inflation continues to be alive and well in many schools. According to the Fordham Institute, grade inflation is the increase in average grades awarded to students over time, absent higher academic achievement. For example, one study showed that over one-third of high school students earning a B in Algebra 1 failed the end-of-course exam. 

Sound familiar?

Of course many students are still catching up from pandemic learning loss. According to the Center For Education Policy Research at Harvard University, “The average American student is less than halfway to a full academic recovery from the effects of the pandemic.” The study combined test scores and academic research along with parent interviews to reveal the disturbing data. 

If parents knew exactly how well – or in this case how poorly – their child was performing, the majority of parents polled in the Learning Heroes study said that they would make it a priority to seek assistance for their child if they knew they were behind academically.

So the logical question is: how exactly do you know how well your child is performing in school?

How to determine how your child is doing in school

Certainly report cards are one data point that parents can refer to in order to learn how their child is doing in school. However, as outlined above, grades no longer carry the same value and indicative nature they used to. A student with a 3.0 grade point average could still very well flunk each of the End-of-Course exams. 

So parents need to integrate many data points, including district level testing, state level testing, and teacher comments during conferences. All of this information can create a picture of performance.

What else can parents do?

Review report cards But also frequently review the online grade books such as Skyward or Power School. There you can see daily grades and any missing work.

Attend Parent teacher conferences While meeting with the teacher, ask two questions: 1. How is my child performing compared to their peers in this class? 2. Is my child still behind from pandemic learning loss or is he/she caught up to where they ought to be?

Monitor homework habits  Do they complete it easily? Is there resistance and/or frustration? Do they need constant help to complete it? 

Talk to your child about their school day Ask open-ended questions to help elicit responses beyond yes or no. For example, What was your favorite part of today? What was something that made you laugh? Which is your favorite class, and why?

Monitor Absenteeism Get your child to school. They simply cannot learn while at home sick.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more school days, meaning 18 days of a typical 180 day school year.

What to do if your child is struggling in school

There are many courses of action a parent can take if their child is not performing well in school. These include:

Get independent testing If your child is receiving average to below average grades and you are concerned about their academic performance, independent testing can deliver a lot of useful information. Jennifer Pelz, Speech-Language Pathologist, Learning Specialist, Clinical & Educational Evaluator at Engage the Brain, often evaluates students. She says that testing gives a clear picture of a child’s strengths and challenges. 

Pelz goes on to say that there are three types of tests. 

Academic testing shows whether a student is on grade level in reading, writing, and math, helps identify learning gaps, and guides intervention goals. 

Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations go deeper, uncovering potential language-based learning disorders, providing official diagnoses, and outlining classroom accommodations or scholarship documentation when needed. 

Speech-language evaluations identify communication difficulties that may affect comprehension, expression, or even reading and writing development. 

Finally, Pelz states, “Most importantly, understanding how a child learns and recognizing their challenges is empowering for both children and families as it validates their experiences, reduces frustration, and provides a clear path forward for growth and success.”

Develop the Soft skills These skills – which include emotional intelligence, collaboration, and problem solving – are more important than academic success and are a better predictor of future success than grades. A study in the American Journal of Public Health showed significant associations between a child’s social-emotional skills and future success in education, employment, and mental health. 

Final thoughts 

October usually ushers in the first report card of the school year and many parents may not know how their child is doing academically, even after receiving and reading the report card. Studies show that the majority of parents think their child is doing well when in fact the statistics paint another picture. Pandemic learning loss still looms large in most classrooms, and determining where your child stands in relation to peers and academic standards is critical. 

Of course academics are important, but research also backs up the importance of the soft skills. As Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist, said, “Don’t raise your child to be the best kid in the room. Raise your child to make the room better.”

If you are concerned about your child’s progress in school or simply do not know how well – or poorly – they are performing, contact Jennifer Disch at Engage the Brain to learn how testing or personalized, research-backed one-on-one sessions with a trained Learning Specialist could benefit your child.

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Why should parents set up for routines for their kids? And what are the most important parts of effective routines for children?

Darren Hardy, New York Times best selling author of The Compound Effect, said, “A daily routine built on good habits and disciplines separates the most successful among us from everyone else.” This is surprisingly true. It is not intelligence, nor the correct family tree, nor good fortune. And while all those may offer assistance at times, it truly is the repetition of a well-honed routine that breeds consistent success.

As we creep towards and arrive at the beginning of a new school year, this offers the perfect opportunity for parents to help their school-age children develop a series of morning and afternoon routines that will successfully launch them into the 180-day orbit that is the school year.

Why establish routines

Children thrive on structure and routines, according to Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Why?

Kids feel safe and secure in their environment. This allows them to know what is happening now in the present and, more importantly, what is to come in the near future. Anxiety and frustration melt away into a puddle of the known. 

Routines also help children cope better with transitions, according to PBS Kids. Some children have a challenging time shifting from school to home. They may keep themselves together at school, saving the meltdown for the safety of home. Establishing an after-school routine can help with this transition period. Children practice their self-regulation skills, which will foster a more positive self-image and healthy social emotional development.

Finally, routines can reduce conflict and power struggles, according to The Kids Mental Health Foundation. Quite simply, when kids know what is expected of them there is a reduced chance of conflict and rebellious behavior. For example, knowing the expectation is to start homework after arriving home from school prevents the parent from having to remind and nag their child to do so.

How to set up routines that work

Strive to create a schedule that includes a designated homework time, healthy snack break, chores, physical activity – especially if your child does not play a formal sport, family connection time, down time, and free time. Additionally, name the location in your home where each activity is expected to occur.

Think about your child’s age, temperament, energy level, daily homework amount, and extra curricular activities, if any. Set up time blocks for each element in the schedule. 

Include your child in the process! The main elements need to be in the routine; however, your child can suggest the order and time length needed for each part. Coach, nudge, and sway as necessary. A two-hour video game session upon arriving home may not be the best start to an after school routine!

Be consistent as much as possible. The consistency creates predictability. And as the author Hardy shares, it is the daily repetition of these good habits that success is built on.

Perhaps most importantly: Post the schedule as a visual aid so that your child will see it each day upon entering your home.

What to do if your child won’t follow a routine

Of course all of this sounds great until your child looks at you like you have three heads and each one is speaking a different foreign language! Not every kid is going to automatically fall in line following even a reasonable routine.

First, simplify the routine and ensure your child understands exactly what is being asked of them.

Next, post the schedule in a clear location – on the refrigerator, for example –  with simple to follow directions.

Start with mealtimes, homework time, and bedtime. Add on other parts as your child becomes settled into a basic routine.

Consistency is critical. Each day the expectations ought to be the same, as much as possible.

Allow your child to be part of the routine creation. They can suggest the order of their after-school schedule. Of course be ready to gently guide them to an appropriate schedule.

Provide positive reinforcement. It could be verbal praise or even a monetary reward if the routine is followed correctly.

Lastly, praise the effort! Even if your child fails at following the routine, compliment what they did do right. Perhaps they got home, had their snack, then began homework, but it was too difficult or they did not understand what to do. Offering praise for the effort is huge and deposits money into the good will bank.

When to implement routines

The three times of day that benefit the most from an established routine are in the morning before school, in the afternoon after school, and at bedtime. A key component to the success of routines is keeping the same order of activities, according to Raising Children Network.

Morning routines ought to include:

Parent “Me Time.” Provide yourself – the parent – with 10 to 15 minutes of me time before the kids get up. This time can offer you an opportunity to complete a quick yoga practice or mindful mediation or to simply enjoy a cup of coffee with your spouse. Bonus: sensitive kids can pick up on your stress so it is even more important that you relax before you encounter the kids in the morning.

Eat a healthy breakfast. Depending on the age of your kids, you may need to still be chef and wait staff. Starting the day with a healthy meal can launch your child’s day with a smile and optimism to handle another day of learning and growing.

Proper hygiene. Kids may need reminders about brushing teeth and washing hands. Make sure these seemingly obvious steps are in your posted morning routine.

Eliminate morning electronics. This means no television or phone use. Kids, especially neurodivergent ones, will frequently gravitate to electronics as a way to appease boredom. Or simply out of bad habit. This will derail them from getting dressed and or brushing their teeth. 

Ensure lunch is packed. Frequently this can be accomplished the night before, but ensure your child has his lunch packed before you leave the house.

Homework and necessary items are packed. Like lunch, this step can be completed the night before, but either way backpacks need to be packed and ready with computers, homework and any other necessary items.

Afternoon routines ought to include:

Snack. Depending on your child’s schedule, they may have eaten lunch early in the day and are ravenous upon arriving home. Because you control the food pipeline in your home, ensure there is a variety of healthy snack options.

Homework time. Yes, your child knows she must complete her homework, but a good routine specifies what time and where in the house this is will occur. Generally, the earlier the better. Waiting until 8:00 pm to start homework is never a good idea, no matter what age your child is!

Physical activity/movement. If your child plays a sport, this step may be unnecessary. However, for the majority of kids, they need to get the CDC’s recommended 60 minutes of exercise per day. If your child has ADHD/ADD then this becomes critical! Whether your family is blessed with a big beautiful backyard or you need to hike it to a nearby park, encourage your child to get out and get moving. They are more likely to agree and enjoy this if other kids are present.

Downtime. A good after-school routine ought to include some downtime. This means no electronics. Your child could listen to music (yes, this is electronics but not screen time), read a book, write in a journal (about what a wonderful parent you are for creating this routine), or just daydream; there is power in doing nothing.

Free time. Of course, every kid just wants to get home form school and have the rest of the afternoon and evening to themselves. After all they have been tortured – we mean learning – all day in school. Business before pleasure is an enduring idiom for a reason, and it is never too early to begin teaching this concept to your child.

Bedtime routines should include:

A consistent bedtime and wake up time. Good sleep hygiene starts with a set bedtime and consistent wake up time. Encouraging your child to adopt these routines will benefit both their physical and mental health.

Brushing teeth and putting on pajamas. Most children are not wired to want to brush their teeth. This practice must be established and part of a nightly pre-bed routine.

Read-aloud story. Younger children – up through elementary school- typically enjoy listening to a story before bed. As a bonus: research shows that reading aloud can improve school performance!

Quiet time. This could include reading a book, coloring, and or working on a puzzle.

Reinforcement and kind words. Ending the day with a hug and or kiss sends the message to your child that they are loved and cared for. Offer a compliment about their day and or some positive affirmation that helps your child feel safe and secure.

Final thoughts

Certain times of the year are ripe to start new habits. New Year’s Day and our birthdays are two obvious examples. For children, the beginning of the school year is one of these fertile times of the year when routines and new habits are likely to take root and grow, with the right nourishment. As we have emphasized, it is the repetition of good daily habits that separates the successful from the those that languish in mediocrity and/or unfulfilling results. By helping your child to develop a before school, after school and bed time routine, you are setting them up for success not only in school but for the rest of their lives. 

If you or your child struggle with developing or following a routine, contact Jennifer Disch at Engage the Brain to discover how an Executive Functions coach could work with your child to teach these critical skills.

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How much summer learning is necessary for children? And how to achieve the Goldilocks amount to keep your child from suffering the Summer Slide. 

School has been out for about a month and many parents may be looking for easy-to-prepare academic activities the kids can do to help offset the dreaded “summer slide.” The trick of course is finding activities that have genuine educational value that your child will actually want to do. That’s where Engage the Brain comes in. We have scoured the Internet and curated the best reading, writing, and math activities that your child will enjoy.

Why summer learning is important

Summer is a bridge between school years. Make it a scenic and enjoyable crossing by selecting high value and high interest activities that your child will take to. By engaging in appropriate learning activities, your child will stave off the summer slide, which is the regression of skills during the summer months. Read more about it here. 

The questions often raised are: how much learning must my child do to maintain his skills? Is it possible to actually make progress and get ahead during the summer? If so, how?

How much summer learning is necessary?

Most families are looking for the Goldilocks effect: just the right amount of learning to keep skills sharp but not overwork the child so that they become recalcitrant, rebellious, or burnt out.

So how much is the right amount?

Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation reports that children need to read six books during the summer to maintain or improve their reading skills. This could be broken down into daily reading sessions of 20 to 30 minutes, with a mixture of nonfiction, fiction, and online media.

Kids may like reading more than you would think. Nearly 60 percent of children ages 6 to 17 say they love or like reading books for fun a lot, and 52 percent think it’s extremely or very important, according to the Scholastic Kids and Family Reading Report.

According to Dr. Rick N. Bolling, a superintendent at Bath County, Public Schools in Virginia, “One thing is certain: lengthy workbook/skill practices are not innovative and do little to prevent  the summer slide. Instead, learning should be viewed as a continuous journey. Just like in athletics, skills need continual practice to become highly successful.” He goes on to say that sessions ought to be short so as not to overwhelm and lose student interest.

Of course a great way to soak in summer learning is by enrolling your child in a summer camp that combines academics and fun. One such program is Summer Smarts, hosted by expert Learning Specialists.

However, if you are looking for less formal options, that’s where our curated list comes in! The activities are broken down into reading, math, and writing activities. They truly are a la carte, so bring them to your child and allow them to pick and choose which one(s) look like fun.

Reading activities

Create a cozy reading nook in your home. Sometimes all it takes to get kids reading is a little imagination. Whether in the living room or in a bedroom, create a cozy reading area adorned with comfy pillows and blankets. Of course it needs enough light to see the pages! 

Form a family book club. Have everyone in the family, including parents, join in to read an agreed upon book. Does your family prefer fiction or nonfiction? Set up weekly discussions to share insights about the book, and come up with a catchy name for your family book discussions.

Join a summer reading challenge. Most public libraries offer some version of a challenge for children during the summer months. Often times prizes are awarded for achieving a certain amount of pages read. This could be the motivator your child needs!

Make regular trips to the library. By creating a routine where you go to the library each week kids have the motivation to read and select new books each week. And it is free! As bonus: they can check up on the Reading Challenge they joined!

Incentivize reading. Of course we want children to develop intrinsic motivation, but if your child is a reluctant reader, then offer to bribe, we mean pay them. Set up a reasonable payment plan for each book read.

Get hands-on with science experiments. Encourage your child to read a science book and then conduct an experiment. A good suggestion is The Everything Kids’ Science Experiment Book by Tom Robinson, which uses simple, everyday items typically found around the house. Some are messy but not dangerous!

Math activities

Go on a shape scavenger hunt. As you walk your neighborhood, perhaps with your pet pooch,  challenge your child to see how many different shapes they can find. For example, a Stop sign is an octagon and a Yield sign is a triangle.

Hold a Measurement Olympics. Head out to your backyard, if big enough, or to a nearby park. Encourage your child to throw either a baseball or a football and then figure out how to measure how far the ball traveled. Repeat this but this time kick the ball. Maybe bring a tape measure or a ruler or yardstick. Determining how to measure the distance is part of the learning process. Using a stop watch – most smartphones have one in the clock app – time your child running certain distances. This can introduce a discussion about decimals.

Estimation challenges. If your family is headed somewhere on vacation, ask your child to estimate the mileage. Are you driving or flying? Challenge them to make their best estimate in how long it will take to get to your destination. Even just a mundane trip to the market can become a family estimation challenge. Who can come closest to estimating the total cost of the grocery bill? Encourage your child to round prices to the nearest dollar to help make their predictions.

Hopscotch Math. The traditional game of hopscotch lends itself to different math activities. After you draw the basic outline for the game, decide what skill you would like your child to work on. For example, in each box you could place a multiplication fact that your child must solve when they land in that box. Another option is to record fractions in each box, and when your child lands in a section they must announce an equivalent fraction. And yet another option is to place a decimal in each section and when your child lands in a box they must either read the decimal or offer an equivalent fraction. The math possibilities are endless!

Play board games. Board games are a wonderful way to sneak in some math practice. Any game that involves rolling dice and or keeping score naturally involves math. In some games the math is more overt, such as Monopoly, while in other games such as Qwirkle the math is “hidden” within the fun of the game. As a bonus your child can also fine tune their Executive Functions skills while playing games by thinking about strategy and planning out the best way to win the game.

Get cooking. Cooking has so many great math skills. Everything from fractions in the recipe to temperature of the oven to elapsed time to cook the item, not to mention reading comprehension. Because stoves and ovens can be dangerous for younger children, a parent will need to assist in the kitchen. So pick a family favorite food, plan out the ingredients, and start cooking!

Writing activities

Practicing writing during the summer has multiple benefits, including reinforcing skills such as grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and sentence structure.

Send a Pen Pal Letter. A great way to get kids to write is to set up a Pen Pal. Perhaps a grandparent living in another state – or even across town – could be summoned to write back. Whether you choose “new school” and send an email, or “old school” and send a handwritten letter, either way your child is drafting and forming sentences and cohesive thoughts.

Write an original play script. Kids are creative. Some love to play with Lego figures and other childhood staples, while other children like to make their own characters, such as sock puppets. Either way, encourage them to develop a story script and to write it down. Maybe use an existing story for inspiration then put their own spin on the plot. Like the pen pal activity, scripts can be handwritten or placed into the electronic world on a Google doc. Either way is a win for writing!

Make an original greeting card. Perhaps you have a future Hallmark card writer, waiting to creatively express a common sentiment. With some simple supplies like card stock in assorted colors and markers and or crayons, challenge your child to create their own greeting card with appropriate message. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, all deserve recognition.

Create their own Mad Lib. Mad libs are those fun short stories that having missing words that a person supplies, based on requests like a plural noun or a verb in ing form that ultimately turn out funny. Kids will love writing these and as a bonus will be reviewing the parts of speech.

Write a new ending to a favorite story. Sometimes, kids just need a nudge to write. After reading or re-reading a favorite story, challenge your child to come up with a different ending to the story.

Respond to a writing prompt. Prodigy has some great writing prompts that your child can choose to respond to. What’s even better is the prompts are divided by elementary, middle, and high school level and by type: creative, persuasive, etc. Challenge your child to respond to one each day.

Final thoughts

Summer and learning do not need to be a binary option for kids: either all fun or all learning. By selecting entertaining and sneaky educational activities, your chid can have the best of both options. Striving for the Goldilocks amount of learning, which ought to include reading, writing, and math activities, during the summer will keep your child’s brain active and the Summer Slide away.

If you struggle to find educational activities for your child or they simply do not want to engage in learning during the summer, contact Jennifer Disch at Engage the Brain to discover how a Learning Specialist could motivate your child by presenting quality, research-backed materials that are both fun and educational.

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