Back-to-School-2013: Helpful ADHD Resources

As many of you may know, we look to our readers to help us determine which topics we should address in the weeks to come. Currently, our readers are beginning to think about the coming school year. So, in response, the article for this week will attempt to provide some new resources to assist parents and teachers of students with ADHD as they get ready for the back-to-school season.

We have provided a list of great books compiled by Jill Lauren, a learning specialist and author, to read with and to challenged readers and learners so that they can more easily develop a positive attitude about school even before the term begins. Also, we have included a new 2013 back-to-school online handbook from ADDitude Magazine, the premier publication for adults, teachers and parents of children with ADHD. Finally, we have added a link to the college survival guide from the same publisher.

As always, we hope you will find these resources helpful in getting your child, teen---or you---ready for the new school year. For more tips, resources and apps to help throughout the entire year, please visit Help for Struggling Readers and consider following our blog (or just see the right sidebar on this page). Our future articles will be delivered right to your email inbox each week, and you won't miss any future resources apps, and other helpful information for challenged readers and learners.

ADHD Resources for Back-to-School-2013

Resources for Kids with LD and/or ADHD---Compiled by Jill Lauren
This is a list of great books for kids in which the main character struggles with some aspect of learning. The characters often appeal to kids with LD and or ADHD as they can relate to the characters and learn from their development. Note that many kids may benefit from having the books read to them or hearing them on tape. These books will help young, challenged learners better prepare for a new school year.
http://www.flashlightworthybooks.com/Resources-for-Kids-with-LD-ADHD/416

Make This School Year the Best One Ever for Your ADHD Child---from ADDitude Magazine
ADDitude Magazine’s 2013 Guide to SUCCESS @ SCHOOL includes helpful articles, printables and checklists to help children, teens and college students “get in-gear” for the new school year.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-guide/adhd-at-school.html

ADHD College Survival Guide: Tips and Resources for ADD/ADHD and LD Students---from ADDitude Magazine
The constant assignments, anonymous lecture halls, and daily independence of college can prove challenging for students with ADD/ADHD. Use this guide to get organized, study smarter, and put in place the school accommodations you need to succeed.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-guide/college.html

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201766583310177&set=a.1187404929152.29116.1349171776&type=1&theater

BEST Tips to Promote Literacy for Struggling & Reluctant Readers

In several of our most recent articles, we have been discussing some aspects of “summer learning loss” or “the summer slide.” As many of you already know, these terms often refer to the waning of reading skills and a decrease in learning progress for children and teens during the summer vacation months.

This loss of skills and learning progress can be experienced by even the most academic of students. However, when this occurs in challenged or reluctant readers and learners, the results can have a very negative impact on student learning success throughout the coming school year. What strategies can help promote literacy and encourage improvement of reading and learning skills NOW during the summer---or anytime? We have some important tips this week to assist parents and teachers with this issue.

6 Tips for Struggling & Reluctant Readers

1. Set aside a comfortable place in the home or classroom where your challenged reader(s) can return again and again to read at will. This should be a quiet space with soothing colors, soft cushions and non-florescent lighting, especially for readers with sensory needs. Involve the reader(s) in choosing the features, colors and attributes of this space.

2. Place books within easy reach of the readers. Fill spaces with colorful baskets or bright, paper-covered boxes containing a wide variety of books. Set these filled containers on the floor or on short tables throughout the home or classroom.

3. Allow for structured time when reading for pleasure can be done. When chores are finished or after some physical activity, reading a favorite book can be a very welcome and soothing option.

4. Allow your child to “catch you reading”---often! This "visual" example can be PRICELESS, especially when it is frequently witnessed.

5. New vocabulary words or those that are challenging for a reader should actually be “celebrated” rather than associated with extra work or any penalties. This can be accomplished by using the words as often as possible in meaningful sentences on a given day, by posting and decorating a placard for each “challenge” word or by creating “fun” games with a group of new vocabulary words (Vocabulary Bingo, etc.)

6. For additional strategies to help challenged or reluctant readers and learners, please visit: http://www.focusandread.com/learning-strategies

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC
www.FocusandRead.com/products

ADHD? LD? Kickstart Needed Skills for the New School Year!

Sure enough! As soon as the July 4th weekend was history, the “back-to-school bosses” got busy. In a visit this week to several of our local stores, we witnessed quite a few sales associates stocking shelves with the latest school supplies, backpacks and even some “goodies” for Halloween! Aren’t they rushing things? Phew!

We certainly know that many families (and even teachers!) are still enjoying the summer break and will continue to do so for the next couple of weeks. However, we also know of a few families (and teachers!) who have incorporated some learning opportunities into their summer vacation time. One family told us that a trip to Washington, D.C., is planned so that the kids can see for the first time the Washington Monument, the Senate and House, and other landmarks so important to American History and Government. An experienced teacher mentioned to us that she and her husband had just returned from Charleston, SC, and had gathered Civil War information, materials and literature for her middle school students when the new academic year begins in mid-August. So, you see, the summertime can present an excellent opportunity to gather the right materials and resources to “kickstart” the skills needed for the new school year. At the same time, you and your family can still enjoy the great days of summer.

Consider ways to help your child or student hone and further develop these important skills, especially if reading and learning challenges are involved (ADHD, LD or other learning issue). To help you in this effort, we have collected some special resources here and have divided those resources into specific categories to make it easier for you to locate and access what is needed. We hope the children and teens you care about will benefit from these special resources and be ready to start the new school year better prepared for ALL subjects!

Kickstart Reading Skills for Challenged Readers

17 Ways to Teach Vocabulary Skills to Students with Special Needs
by Thomas Armstrong
http://institute4learning.com/blog/2013/02/12/17-ways-to-teach-vocabulary-skills-to-neurodiverse-students/

Reading Together: Tips for Parents of Children with ADHD
by Reach Out and Read
If your child has ADHD, paying attention for long periods of time can be a challenge. So, meet the challenge head-on — make reading time fun time for you and your child.
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/41119/

Kickstart Math Skills for Challenged Learners

10 Helpful Dyscalculia Resources
by National Center for Learning Disabilities' Editorial Staff (NCLD)
Dyscalculia refers to a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities (LD) involving math. There is no single type of math disability. The resources in this link can help those struggling with significant math challenges.
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/helpful-math-resources

More resources (on same site): http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia

Math.com---Website that presents FREE resources for practicing mathematics from basic math to calculus. Takes a student of any ability at his present level and allows him to “level up” as math skills are developed. (A student-driven resource)
http://math.com/

Kickstart Organizational & Study Skills for Challenged Learners

A Toolkit for School Success: 15 Study Tips for Students with ADHD
by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2011/a-toolkit-for-school-success-15-study-tips-for-students-with-adhd/all/1/

Apps for Students with LD: Organization and Study
by Darla Hatton and Kaila Hatton (NCLD)
http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education/apps-students-ld-organization-study

Other Related Resources for Challenged Learners

Back-to-School: Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
by Kandace Wernsing (LD Online)
http://www.ldonline.org/article/38406/

8 Skills That Can Help Your Special Needs Child in School
http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/01/22/8-skills-that-can-help-your-special-needs-child-in-school/

Teaching kids with special needs interdependence skills through play
by Ellen Metrick
Helping with meals is just one way to help build skills
http://www.chicagoparent.com/magazines/special-parent/winter-2013/in-our-shoes/day-of-play

Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
by Reading Rockets
Our Top 8 back-to-school tips for parents emphasize communication, organization, and staying up-to-date on special education news.
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/38405/

Handouts and Resources for LD/ADD (for Secondary and College Levels)
Many FREE printables and links to a wide variety of resources related to academics and student life, including resources on LD/ADD in college. In addition, there are numerous publications on LD/ADD and the college student which you may find helpful.
http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k73301&pageid=icb.page416014

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.brennaninnovators.com

Games & Strategies to Improve Executive Functions

The summer break period can be an excellent time for parents to help children prepare for the next school year. That time can also provide a great opportunity to improve on such things as problem-solving, goal-setting, follow-through and other skills included in what are often called executive functions. Believe it or not, such skills can be developed or improved by using specific activities, strategies and even games---yes, games. We can't think of a better time to do this than during the summer break!

There has been a recent increase in the amount of information available about these executive functions. What are executive functions? Psychologists and neuro-scientists refer to this term as a unique set of mental functions or skills. These functions are related yet distinct abilities that provide for intentional, goal-directed, problem-solving actions.

In our article this week, we wanted to help parents and teachers help better prepare children and teens for the coming school year. As a result, we are including here a list of links that will provide general information, strategies, games and other resources related to the development and improvement of the various executive functions. Working on these skills now could very well enable your child or student(s) to enjoy a much more successful school year!

General Information about Executive Functions

Executive Functions & ADHD– Overview and invention strategies for parents and teachers (Includes operational definitions of terms) by Adam J. Cox, Ph.D.
http://www.lehighpsych.com/art_adhd.htm

Executive Function Skills and Disorders – WebMD explains what executive function is and discusses problems of executive function, such as difficulty in planning and organizing.
http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/executive-function

Executive-Function Deficits in Children - ADDitude Magazine -- Improving executive-function skills can help your ADHD child overcome academic obstacles and frustration and succeed in school. Includes information about ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, etc.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/8392.html

Executive Function..."What is this anyway?" by Chris A. Zeigler Dendy, M.S.
Information provided about the components of executive functions, school success strategies and more. Article contains information helpful to teens with ADHD.
http://www.chrisdendy.com/executive.htm

Activities & Strategies to Help Improve Executive Function

Executive Function and ADHD – Improve decision making skills with scientifically designed brain games.
http://www.lumosity.com

Improve Executive Function Through Games - ADDitude Magazine -- Games that help ADHD children (and others) develop or improve executive function.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/8935.html

How to Promote Executive Function in Children with ADHD, Autism and Learning Disabilities – by Nancy Konigsberg MA OTR/L—Tips and strategies from a mother who is also an occupational therapist.
http://www.milestonemom.com/how-to-promote-executive-function-in-children-with-adhd-autism-and-learning-disabilities/

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Burgeoning School Psychologist: http://skoolpsych.blogspot.com/2013/01/skills-focus-executive-functioning.html

Helpful Stroke Recovery Resources

Updated November 3, 2014

Did you know that stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.? Unfortunately, this is true. In addition, approximately 795,000 strokes will occur this year, one occurring every 40 seconds.

This past March, we published an article providing lists of apps for stroke recovery. Since that time, we have seen an increasing number of visitors to the webpage for that article (Apps to Shorten the Road to Stroke Recovery http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/03/apps-to-shorten-road-to-stroke-recovery.html). In fact, we have seen the readership for that post average more than 300 visits per week.

As a result, we thought it would be helpful to create a list of “go-to” resources for stroke recovery and prevention to help the many readers who visit our blog searching for helpful information on these all-important topics. So, for this week’s post, we have gathered together here the BEST resources available to inform and support individuals and families affected by stroke. We have also included organizations that offer information about stroke prevention. We think you’ll find the list of links below to be helpful---but let’s hope you or those you care about will never need it!

National Stroke Association
This organization's website provides much information to support stroke patients, their caregivers and families affected by stoke. It is the “go-to” stroke resource for so many.
http://www.stroke.org/site/PageNavigator/HOME

HOPE: A Stroke Recovery Guide
This guide is divided into four sections and contains a collection of important post-stroke issues and suggestions for how to address these concerns. To order a bound copy of this guide call 1-800-STROKES.
Download the full, FREE guide or individual sections via this link:
http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HOPE

American Stroke Association
Created in 1997, the American Stroke Association is dedicated to prevention, diagnosis and treatment to save lives from stroke — America’s No. 4 killer and a leading cause of serious disability. The organization funds scientific research, helps people better understand and avoid stroke, encourages government support, guides healthcare professionals and provides information to enhance the quality of life for stroke survivors. To learn more, call 1-888-4-STROKE or visit the following website:
http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/

Helpful Tips for Stroke Prevention
Studies show that almost 80 percent of strokes can be prevented by working with a healthcare professional to reduce your personal risk. This means that it is absolutely vital that you manage your personal risk and know how to recognize and respond to stroke signs and symptoms. This link contains a list of helpful tips to help prevent stroke.
http://www.healingsinmotion.org/stroke-prevention/

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
The mission of NINDS is to reduce the burden of neurological disease - a burden borne by every age group, by every segment of society, by people all over the world.
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759)
Inexpensive and customizable reading tools to help challenged readers with stroke recovery (especially for aphasia or alexia), ADHD, dyslexia, low vision and other issues that affect reading success. For stroke recovery, darker "face" colors are recommended (black, brown or blue). Colored filter choice may vary, but the 3 different colored filters (recommended by developmental optometrists) are included in every package.
www.FocusandRead.com

Apps to Shorten the Road to Stroke Recovery
This article contains lists of both iPad and Android apps particularly helpful for stroke recovery patients.
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/03/apps-to-shorten-road-to-stroke-recovery.html

Reading Focus Cards App (Patent 8,360,779) (for Macs & Windows PCs---Price: $5.99)
From Brennan Innovators, LLC
This DESKTOP app is the digital version of the physical Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), solutions for struggling readers. This app for Windows PCs and Macs provides practical READING SUPPORT for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, stroke recovery (aphasia) and other conditions that can affect reading success. It promotes more FOCUSED online reading of almost ALL digital media (webpages, PDF files, Word docs, Excel spreadsheets & more.) In addition, the Reading Focus Card app is compatible with and supports touch-screen technology. The application can be moved on the screen over text by the fingers, mouse or arrow keys as needed.

1. For Windows PCs:
Visit the Microsoft Windows Store and search for the app called "Reading Focus Cards."
(No URLs are ever provided for apps in the Windows Store.)

2. Another option to access this Windows PC version:
Visit Gumroad at https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards

3. For Macs:
Visit the Mac App Store and search for "Read and Focus" or go directly to
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: http://mothe.us/stroke-2/

All Kinds of Brain-Training Exercises ---for You & Your Child!

You may already know that certain brain games and critical thinking activities can help train the human brain to improve cognitive skills. These are the skills needed for successful learning.

Recently, medical experts in the field of neurology (science of the brain) have made an important discovery. Your brain is an organ that possesses what is called plasticity. This means that it is mold-able and can be strengthened or even changed. The neurons in your brain, and their connecting synapses, can actually be re-arranged to promote faster, more efficient learning. Cognitive brain training exercises take advantage of this plasticity.

At the same time, did you know that playing a game of Hopscotch, Four Square or even Jumping Rope can also help improve your brain? Yes! These games and others like them can actually exercise your brain as well---as the rest of your body---and improve its function. This happens through the mastering of hand-eye coordination, balance, sequencing and other skills that promote brain connectivity or the crossing of the brain’s mid-line, a necessary part of brain training.

So, this week’s article is all about resources for improving brain function both with specific, physical exercises and with other brain-building activities. By adding a few of these to your and your child's daily regimen, you'll both be ready for just about any cognitive skill workout. What's more, your child's next school year could be even more productive! Do them together, and imagine what great things could develop for BOTH of you!

Physical Activities to Improve Brain Function

10 FREE Brain Gym Exercises (Downloadable Handout)—by Colleen Evans, Ph.D.
http://sspw.dpi.wi.gov/files/sspw/pdf/sascevanshandouts.pdf

Physical Exercise for Brain Health
http://www.positscience.com/brain-resources/everyday-brain-fitness/physical-exercise

Other Brain Training Activities

25 Sites and Tools to Exercise Brain
http://www.missiontolearn.com/2009/07/brain-training-exercises/

VIDEO: Best iPad Apps for Kids: Brain Training Games
This is the easiest way to find the right apps for your child. Over 500 iPad app reviews broken down by child's age and topic. What's hot? What's FREE?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5AoOatLBuI
Direct Link to Related Site Providing the Apps & App Reviews
http://www.KidsBestiPadApps.com

BEST Brain-Training Apps for More FOCUS!
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/04/best-brain-training-apps-for-more-focus.html

Source: http://www.learningrx.com/cognitive-brain-training-exercises-faq.htm

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=168407373334202&set=pb.165629486945324.-2207520000.1371949346.&type=3&theater

GREAT Activities to Keep ALL Kids Learning!

During this month of June, we have been providing numerous summer reading resources here to help parents and teachers. We thought this would be a good time to include a few “read-make-n-take” activities to keep young brains sharp and keep all kids learning over the summer break.

We have compiled a list of resources that should provide our readers with both brain-building and creative activities to help ALL kids avoid the “summer slide” this year. Hope you find them to be helpful and FUN at the same time!

50+ Fun Things to Do for Summer
Enjoyable AND inexpensive things you can do with your kids this summer.
http://mommasfunworld.blogspot.com/2012/07/50-free-things-to-do-over-summer.html

10 Ways to Help Kids Avoid the Summer Slide
School’s out for summer! Cutting loose during vacation comes easily to kids, but it’s also important to ensure they keep busy with activities that will help them continue learning throughout their break from the classroom. Here are some of the best ideas for family activities that help prevent the “Summer Slide.”
http://abullseyeview.com/target-10-fun-ways-to-help-kids-avoid-the-summer-slide/

Pinterest Summer Link Up: Tons of Ideas for Summer Learning and Fun!
This link will help you to easily find (and possibly follow) some of the best summer learning Pinterest boards.
http://www.minds-in-bloom.com/2013/06/pinterest-summer-link-up-tons-of-ideas.html

Brain Games
Free trials of online and downloadable games that provide brain-building fun for kids of different age groups
http://www.shockwave.com/online/special/brain-games.jsp

17 Acrylic Painting Techniques to Try With Kids
Exploring acrylic painting techniques with your kids is a wonderful way to get them used to the medium. Any time kids play with an art material, they become more comfortable with it and will approach future projects with confidence.
http://artchoo.com/acrylic-painting-techniques-to-try-with-kids/

BEST Critical Thinking Apps = GREAT “Brain” Workouts
Here is a list of enjoyable, brain-training apps.
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/06/best-critical-thinking-apps-great-brain.html

Activities for Preschool Children
If you are looking for fresh ideas for activities for preschool children, here are some ideas you can do. Activities for preschool children is a fun activity or an educational game.
http://educationarticle.net/activities-for-preschool-children/

Special Needs Summer Fun Activity Tips for Parents
10 activities that provide fun for ALL kids---Help your child reach his or her full developmental potential by providing fun and interactive activities all summer long.
http://www.metroparent.com/Metro-Parent/June-2013/Special-Needs-Summer-Fun-Activity-Tips-for-Parents/

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Activities for Preschool Children http://educationarticle.net/activities-for-preschool-children/