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Exploring Executive Functioning
The simplistic definition of executive
functioning is
basically how we mentally steer through life.
This
theory has come about over the past 20 years.
It has
seen an increase in interest among those who
treat
individuals with cognitive disabilities, including,
but
not limited to learning difficulties and
ADD/ADHD. A
more professional definition of executive
functioning,
as put forth by researchers, psychologists and
other
experts is this. It is putting in place, tracking,
evaluating and adapting different strategies in
order to
accomplish different tasks. It necessitates the
ability
to analyze, plan, focus and hold attention and
adjust
accordingly to get a job done. it is believed
that there
are six cognitive clusters involved in executive
functioning. They are:
- Activating
- Focusing
- Putting forth effort
- Emotional management
- Memory skills
- Action
Children who suffer from dysfunctional
executive
functioning have a less than smooth road to
accomplishing successful results when their
cognitive
functions interact. Below are some functions
used
and a sign that your child may have a
problem in that area.
- Memory and recall-When finishing a reading
passage, your
child forgets key points from the material
- Organizing-Your child can not outline for an
essay or
report
- Focusing-Your child can not stay on task
and is
easily distracted
- Time Management-
Student does not pace herself
properly
and set milestones in order to complete a
project from
beginning to end
- Managing frustration-
Student is frustrated or angry
when she
needs to change gears or tasks
If your child has difficulty in any of
these
areas, give Back to Basics a call or visit our
website.
Our study skills instruction, offered in both a
small
group setting and as 1-on-1, addresses many
of
these issues and can assist your child with
these
important academic skills. Techniques covered
in our
study skills sessions include time
management, goal
setting, organization, note taking, test taking
strategies
and more. We also provide 1-on-1 academic
coaching to address these needs. Don't wait.
Contact us today and help your
child face the next school year confident and
prepared!
Find out more....
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Summertime and ADD/ADHD
Many parents may give a great deal of
attention to their children's ADD/ADHD
medications during the school year because
they try to keep their students on track. When
summertime comes, school is out and this
concern could take a back seat. This shouldn't
be the case however. Summer is the perfect
time to assess or re-assess your child's
needs.
BEFORE DOING ANYTHING,
YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR CHILD'S
PHYSICIAN FOR ADVICE AND
GUIDANCE. THIS ARTICLE IS PROVIDED FOR
INFORMATION ONLY.
Children with
ADD/ADHD should have regular medical check-
ups. This may be a good time for a re-
evaluation of your child's condition and
medications. If you are thinking of stopping
medications for the summer, this may be an
appropriate time for a trial run. Also, if your
child's sleep, eating habits and other daily
activities are affected by his medications, you
may want to consider an adjustment for the
summer. A summer camp for children with ADD
could help your child acquire new skills that
can be applied during the next school
year.
Remember to consult your
child's doctor before altering or stopping any
current regimes. But with the help of your
physician and other support resources, your
child can have a healthy, happy and
productive summer!
Quote of the
month:"Education is
not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a
fire."-W.B.
Yeats
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| LaTonya D...June's Student Showcase |
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Our student showcase this month shines on
LaTonya D. LaTonya is an adult, 1-on-1 client
here at Back to Basics. She is studying
Japanese with us for personal enrichment and
in order to communicate with a
relative.
We asked La Tonya what
she liked about Back to Basics. She said the 1-
on-1 environment makes it so much easier for
her to learn. She is given the tutor's full
attention. La Tonya also likes not having to get
used to different people in
a class or new instructors. She has the
same tutor each session. She and the tutor
have developed a good rapport and she feels
comfortable with her classes.
When
asked what changes she has seen in herself,
La Tonya replied that, obviously, her
Japanese has greatly improved but something
else pleasantly unexpected happened. In
learning Japanese in order
to converse with her relative, La
Tonya also helped her relative improve her
English! She said this was terrific because
both people are learning from each
other.
La Tonya enjoys traveling and
surfing the internet when she's not learning
her Japanese or engaged in other activities.
She would recommend Back to Basics to
others because she feels the individual
attention is so beneficial. Thanks La Tonya for
allowing our services to improve your life and
the lives of others!
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| Tutor Spotlight On...Sean Mulligan |
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Our June spotlight is on Sean Mulligan.
Although he
has been with Back to Basics for a short time,
we have received
stellar feedback on Sean. He instructs
students in
many areas of our company, including our
private
school. Sean's expertise lies in the fields of
math and
science for grades 5-12. His specific
subjects include basic math, Pre-Algebra,
Algebra I
and II, Integrated Math I and II, Pre-Calculus,
and
Calculus. Sean's sciences
include Physical Science, Chemistry and
Physics.
Sean is originally from
Delaware
and received his degree in Chemical
Engineering
from the University of Delaware. He relocated
to
California for employment purposes, and after
staying
for about a year, moved to Indiana. Sean now
resides
in the Wilmington area.
When Sean
isn't
teaching, he loves to watch and engage in
sports. He
especially enjoys playing softball and boxing.
Keep up
the good work Sean. We appreciate your
dedication
and the excellent instruction you provide to our
students.
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