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Most people know the saying: Two heads are better than one.  Similarly, one brain with two integrated hemispheres can be equally as powerful.  It is common knowledge that the brain has two hemispheres that are bridged by a bundle of nerves that travel across the corpus callosum. Although this overpass exists, it doesn’t mean that it is always used. In fact, you will often hear of people claiming to be right or left brain dominant, and many people function quite well using predominantly “half a brain.” However uniting the power of both hemispheres and assimilating experiences, students can create an internal environment for optimal learning. What is Hemisphere Integration? Hemisphere integration is the communication between and activation of both the left and right hemispheres of the brain. When hemisphere integration is low, the two hemispheres are not communicating well, there is an imbalance between the right and left sides, or one hemisphere is inactive while the ...

Although dyslexia is called a learning dis ability , it does not mean that one is unable to learn. Instead, dyslexia is a learning difference that often requires multisensory instruction as well as cognitive remediation. Therefore, certain cognitive skills that may come easily for most students may require additional attention and training for many students that struggle with dyslexia. What Types of Cognitive Skills Need This Extra Attention? Each individual with dyslexia has their own unique profile, but here is a list of some of the common cognitive deficits that result in a diagnosis of dyslexia. Auditory processing : Auditory processing problems do not originate in the ear. Instead, it is an issue with how the brain processes auditory information.  Visual processing : Visual processing problems also reside in the brain. There are no problems with visio n; rather, the y are difficulties with how the brain makes sense of visual stimuli.  Language processing : Lang...

Integrating fun activities that help students to improve their language processing skills can be a great way to ignite a love for learning and strengthen cognition. In fact, strong language processing skills are vital for interpreting and interacting with the environment.   What is Language Processing? Language processing is how people use sensory stimuli to process and understand incoming information as well as how they use words to verbally express ideas and feelings. Therefore, it is how the brain understands (receptive language) and creates language (expressive language). What are Some Signs of Language Processing Difficulties? Problems following oral directions.  Difficulty expressing thoughts and ideas in discourse. Challenges with reading comprehension. Problems expressing thoughts and ideas in writing. Difficulties understanding jokes and sarcasm. Challenges accessing the right words when expressing thoughts. 7 Fun, Free Activities that Sharpen and Strengthen Language...

Due to high classroom expectations and an increase in testing, I find that more and more of my students are coming to my after school sessions spent and weary from a long day at school and many are plagued with social and/or academic anxiety. Additionally, I’m seeing this concerning profile in a younger and younger student population.   How Can I Address Low Stamina and Student Anxiety? At first, I offered my students the opportunity to dip their hands into what I call my, “zen table.” The zen table is a hollow coffee table that I filled with lentils, mung beans, rocks and magnets. Students plunge their hands deep into the soothing medley, where they can allow the stress of the day to “dribble out of their fingertips.” Concurrently, we discuss the day, choose a positive mindset, engage in occasional meditations, and do deep breathing and mindfulness activities.  When I realized that this was not enough for some of my students, I began to search for other alternatives.   W...