Does Tutoring Help Learning?

Does Tutoring Help Learning? Parents may wonder whether tutoring and academic coaching is worth the time, effort, andDoes Tutoring Help Learning money. Well, let me tell you what the research says. Evidence from several sources indicates that professional tutoring, conducted by highly trained and educated teachers and coaches is effective in promoting learning. Whether the tutoring is targeting academic subjects such as math, reading, writing, etc. or if it is addressing the soft skills such as executive functioning, organization, and time management, real gains can be expected to occur.

Individualized tutoring has long been viewed as considerably more valuable than group instruction, whether that be in a classroom setting or a learning center. Tutors and academic coaches are able to adjust their instruction to match the needs of the individual student, regardless of the learning, behavioral or emotional challenges they may have. Essentially, feedback and correction are immediate and individualized. Simple and complex misunderstandings can be quickly isolated and corrected.

One such report studied the results of 7000 secondary school students and found significant progress leading to continuing motivation in learning and a strong sense of value of out-of-school activities such as tutoring (Barber and Graham, 1994). The report indicated that investment of resources such as time and energy in the tutoring commitment appears to be even more effective.  Another study commissioned by the National Commission on Education (1993) included cases where students who were struggling with various learning and adverse life situations yielded significant progress in academic and overall abilities by engaging in individualized tutoring with highly specialized tutors and coaches.

Not sure what to do next, contact us and we can help you find the best solutions for your student(s), perhaps our “Struggling Learner and Exceptional Student In-Home Tutoring and Academic Coaching” is the answer.

Article written by Dr. Eric Nach, Ph.D., M.Ed., A.S.D. Certified Developmental and Behavioral Specialist. President of the Support For Students Growth Center, located in Boca Raton, Florida.

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Create a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Create a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Children who may be on the autism spectrum, have ADHD, or sensory issues may become overwhelmed by family gatherings and activities that come with the celebration of the “holiday season”.  The daily routine, so important to many of “our children”, is broken and the inability to “predict” what events will play out in a day can lead to behavior issues. Holiday decorations, lights, music, smells, foods, unfamiliar pets, loud conversations, cigarette smoke, perfume, hugs, and having strange people around are not exactly normal to their routine.  When you look at it all through “our child’s” eyes, it is understandable that they may struggle with the events of the holidays.

When preparing “our children” for the unpredictability of the holiday season, you want to start preparing them early and to practice for the new or out of the ordinary social experiences. I have been asked to provide parents with a brief overview of some of the therapy-based options, family-oriented ideas, and travel suggestions that you can implement when preparing your child for holiday festivities.  To follow is a partial list of ideas to consider and follow with fidelity that are sure to make this holiday season, a wonderful time for all.

Therapeutic Options

  • Social stories can help prepare your child for any new or uncomfortable event. Find stories (using the internet, via books, or from professionals) that cover how to act during holiday activities such as parties, being around unfamiliar people and large dinner gatherings, or write your own personalized social stories (be sure to keep ALL of the verbiage positive).  These stories allow your child to visualize the out of the ordinary situations and see them in a positive light.
  • Behavioral therapy can help your child deal with the behavior problems created by their perceptions and emotions.
  • Your child may benefit from therapeutic social skills groups.  Children are encouraged to practice social situations with their peers (through role playing and modeling) as they are being taught by professional therapists how to generalize solutions to perceptual changes.
  • It is not recommended to make medication changes during the holiday season, unless you are given specific directions to do so from your child’s providing physician. We want our children to remain as balanced as possible during the holiday season.

Family-based Ideas

  • Make sure your child’s favorite foods and activities are included in the celebrations.  Any time you can add in their special interests or some of their limited favorite foods, you will increase their comfort level and the enjoyment of everyone around.
  • L.T. Take precautions to minimize the chances that your child is (H) hungry, (A) angry, (L) lonely, or (T) tired. Any of these conditions by themselves is enough to heighten sensitivity and impair your child’s perception, which will impact everyone they come in contact with.
  • For those holidays where gift giving is the norm, inform gift givers of your child’s specific interests and dislikes. If possible, parents can help other gift givers make appropriate gift choices. Some of “our children” are sensory sensitive to the texture and/or sound of items, whereas others are emotionally sensitive and will “react” poorly if they perceive they are being given a gift appropriate for a much younger child. Receiving unwanted items may even lead to a meltdown.
  • Have an alternate plan for times where sensory issues become a problem. Anything from a quiet place to regroup or calm down, to planning to stay for only part of the time of the event, may be necessary.
  • Virtually any parent who has a child with “perceptual and or “social challenges” knows the value of having not only “Plan A” and “Plan B”, but, “Plan C, D, E, and F”.
  • Set your child up with a “buddy” during holiday festivities, the “buddy” can be a responsible sibling, cousin, or adult. Parents need to know the child is safe and hopefully enjoying themselves, while parents and others are entitled to a stress-free (or at least, reduced stress) holiday season.

Ideas for Traveling

  • Parents would be wise to research the location the family is going and the means of transportation being taken to get there. Fortunately, today, many facilities and organizations understand about the “special needs” some of our children have.
  • If your child has sensory issues such as sensitivity to noise, smell, touch, or lighting, see if you can reserve accommodation that are less stimulating to your child. Sunglasses, a hat, and earplugs may also be beneficial.
  • If you are traveling by plane, ship, or train, you can inform the agency of the needs your child may experience and provide them with a “heads-up” of potential issues. Once again having “Plan A, B, C, and D” in place should greatly increase the level of holiday enjoyment for everyone involved.
  • When sensory issues are involved, it can be worth bringing along your child’s normal bed sheets and pillows in case they find those in a hotel unpleasant. Any new clothes for the trip may need to washed several times if your child finds these ‘scratchy’ on the skin.
  • The use of electronics (with headphones) has proven to be helpful to help “our children” so they become distracted from overly stimulating situations and have a method to relax.
  • Some of our children are extremely comfortable on airplane’s, some are not. If your child has the potential to struggle with being confined on an airplane for hours, you may want to consider different options. You do have the option of boarding first, choosing special diets, and optimal seating. Service animals may also be an option for your family.

There are parent support groups and therapeutic service providers who can serve as valuable assets to having a wonderful holiday season. Don’t just leave this to chance, prepare and you will be rewarded.

Dr. Eric Nach, Ph.D., M.Ed., A.S.D. Certified Developmental and Behavioral Specialist and Associates

Support for Students Growth Center Website: https://www.supportforstudentsgrowthcenter.com

Dr. Nach’s Online Resources Website: https://drnachonline.com

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Winter Break Camp 2018-19

winter Camp 2018-19

Click to Download flyer

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Description of Services 2018

Description of Service 2018

All Counselors are Licensed Therapist and Master and Doctoral Level Counselors and Special Educators.

Therapeutic Social Skills Groups (ages 5-adult). We use role-playing, modeling, and direct instruction to target the specific needs and abilities of each child and unique group. After an initial interview group placement is made based on the individuals; age, ability, and needs. Each of our dozen plus groups meet weekly for an hour at the same day and time.  (These are some of our topics- Repelling bullies, Make and Keep Friends, Join Conversations, Turn Taking, Body Language, Impulse Control, etc.). We use our proprietary curriculum of over 90-targeted topics.

Tutoring In-home Day-time, after school and weekend one-on-one tutoring for students with “varying needs with or without an IEP/504”, pre-K to college, most subjects, including homeschooled, in Boca Raton and surrounding cities. Our Certified ESE Teachers will tutor your child in your home or public library. (Homework help, FSA Reading, Writing or Math skills, Study skills, Remedial Reading/Math and Test Taking skills).

Counseling/Coaching for individuals with social/behavioral/educational needs and their families. (Challenges include but not limited to-Technology Addiction, Anger Issues, Impulsivity, Self-Regulation, Avoidance, Boundary Setting, Peer /Sibling Relations, Perception Taking, Communication, etc.)

Executive Functioning In-home or in our office. We merge the three areas of “soft skills”, “executive functioning” and “social skills” to create this one of a kind curricula. Studies suggest that having the ability to do a job is not enough to guarantee success. Our young people must also have the ability to use their learned skills in a variety of settings and to be able to adjust to the way others perceive situations. We use our proprietary workbooks to build a reference library for our young people to use and take with them as they develop. (Grades 3-college)

Behavior Modification Program (ages 4-adult). In-home or in our office We teach behavior modification techniques and use principals of ABA, CBT, ToM and other scientifically-based approaches. Our philosophy is to empower parents and children with the “tools” and techniques needed to develop positive behaviors that can be generalized to other settings.

College/Life and Socialization Preparation Program (18-late 20’s). Our proprietary program uses a multi-faceted approach to prepare individuals for social and independent living success in college and in their chosen careers. (Some of the topics are: effective problem solving, following directions, time management, goal setting, organizational skills, interpersonal skills, stress management, presentation skills, conflict resolution, and more).

DrNachOnline.com Online resources to overcome life’s challenges. Soft Skills including- Problem Solving, Following Directions, Time Management, Goal Setting, Organization, Stress Management, Conflict Resolution and more.

Certified and Registered Therapy Dog “Daisy” is always around to lend a helping paw!

Educational Consulting Take us with you to school, IEP and 504 development, school/program and service placement, advocacy. Public and private school observations/training.

Professional/Staff Development (Nation-wide) Specializing in Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD and more for educators, administrators, school staff, therapists, OT, SLP, parent groups, community agencies.

Workshops for Parents Transitioning into The New School Year: Establishing Routines, Bully Proofing, Technology Addiction, Behavioral Issues, Preparing for College Living and much more. Practical strategies parents can use.

Summer/Winter Camp for children and young teens ages 5-14, who may have “social/behavioral needs”. All-natural snacks included. (Science/Music/Art Therapies, Social Skills Infused Curriculum, etc.).

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Parent Lectures

Parent Lectures

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Frustrated? We Have Solutions!

Frustrated? We Have Solutions!

 

Is getting HW done a nightmare in your home?

Our executive functioning programs can give your children the skills they need to become organized, manage their time and avoid procrastinating.

Does your child spend a lot of time by themselves with their technology?

Our social skills groups can give them the skills they need to make and nurture friendship.

Are bullies destroying your child’s peace of mind?

Our “Bully-Proofing” programs can give your child the skills and abilities to avoid being bullied, fend off “mean” people and become empowered.

Does your child’s behavior cause problems for them and others?

Our behavior modification programs can help your children gain control over their ability to regulate themselves.

Are you a parent of a child with a new diagnosis and don’t know what to do next?

Our parent training workshops and individualized parent counseling can give you the tools to feel confident and empowered.

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Balance School and Life: Tools for Parents

Balance School and Life: Tools for Parents

As parents, we do not often think of our children as having jobs, but they really do. The Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines a “job” as “a specific, duty, role, or function” (2017). In school and in other facets of their young lives we want our children to learn to be successful. As I have spent nearly 25 years of my life teaching and counseling children, teens, young adults and their families I have found that success in life does not often come without a plan and hard work.

The following are some specifics that will lead to success for both you and your children…

  • Keep an updated schedule

It is important to know what you need to get done, so that you can monitor if it is getting done and when. Sometimes, the balance between school and life is lacking because you do not have a clear picture of what you should be doing. Pencil in your tasks in your agenda early on. This is the time to download your calendar app if you haven’t already. Of course, it is important to know which tasks belong in your calendar and which ones aren’t important enough to warrant a mention.

  • Don’t procrastinate

Procrastinating is fun when you are doing it-until you actually have to do the task you kept pushing to the last minute. However, tempting it is to hold off until the last minute, it is best to do your tasks when they need to be done so that you can avoid the stress that comes with the eleventh hour.

  • Get enough sleep

Being well rested is a key ingredient in performing your tasks well. A good night’s sleep can never be overrated. Sometimes you might not sleep well, but always ensuring that getting enough sleep every night is a priority in your life.

  • Prioritize your work

So you have all these tasks that you need to do, but do you really have to do them today? It is important to prioritize your tasks in such a way that you have freedom to leave out certain tasks in your day. Pick three tasks that you need to complete every day. These tasks could be home or school related. After completing this, you are free to spend the rest of your time as you wish.

  • Avoid distractions

When you have a busy schedule that involves balancing school and home-life, you have to be careful not to get too distracted in your day to day life. Distractions interfere with the completion of your tasks, which means time allotted for certain tasks gets taken up by others. The end result is that you will end up with some undone tasks which will creep into the next day and the cycle will continue endlessly.

  • Learn to say no

It is called school-life balance but it is not actually a perfect balance. Like the saying goes, you can have it all but not all at once. At some point, something will have to take the back bench. Just because you get eight hours of sleep doesn’t mean everything else will require an exact eight hours. This means that sometimes you will have to say no to social events when your friends ask. Maybe when you are done with school, you can recover the lost time by going to as many birthday parties and sporting events as you can.

Dr. Eric Nach, Ph.D., M.Ed., A.S.D. Certified

Developmental and Behavioral Specialist

For more information about the services available at the Support for Students Growth Center in Boca Raton, FL, visit our website at:

https://www.supportforstudentsgrowthcenter.com

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Parent Workshop Series

Parent Workshop Series

Professionally Prepared and Presented
by Dr. Eric J. Nach, Ph.D., M.Ed., A.S.D. Certified
Developmental and Behavioral Specialist

Transitioning Into The New School Year: Establishing Routines

September 5, 2018
Practical strategies parents can use to teach their children the “easy” way to make this new school year, stress-free, fun and productive.

Help! My Child is Addicted to Their Screens: Smartphones and Tablets, the Necessary Evils

October 3, 2018

Do you feel like your child is addicted to their “screens”? Learn why this may be the case and what you can do to help restore balance in your child’s life and in your home.

Is Your Child Targeted by Bullies?
November 7, 2018

Does your child seem to attract bullies? There may be things they are unintentionally doing that attracts bullies.
Gain the “tools” you can use to help them “repel” these bullies.

Methods to Navigate ADHD in the Home
December 5, 2018

Solutions for parents and others to use to help the child with ADHD manage their emotions and behavior at home.

Planning, Organizing and Completing Tasks: Executive Functioning Skills and Students with Various Learning Challenges.
January 9, 2019

Strategies for parents to use with their children who struggle with getting things done.

Promoting Behavioral, Academic and Social Success for Students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
February 6, 2019

Meaningful discussion and treatments directed to improve behavior, academic success and social relationships.

Is Your Child with a Social, Learning or Maturity Challenges About to Begin College? Learn What You Can Do to Help
March 6, 2019

Learn about what you can do to empower your child who is academically ready for college, but, perhaps not ready based on their level of maturity.

How to Take the “Rivalry” out of Sibling Rivalry
April 3, 2019

How to ensure all family members feel they are valued and important. Siblings that feel “left out” are at greater risk of antisocial behaviors, learn what you can do so all children feel appreciated.

Planning for a Successful Summer
May 1, 2019

Don’t leave your summer to chance, we will be providing you with strategies you can employ to enhance the summer “down time”. Plan ahead strategically and enjoy the summer months with those you love most.

Location:
The Support for Students Growth Center Medplex Bldg.
5458 Town Center Rd., Suite 8 (2nd floor)
Boca Raton, FL 33486
561-990-7305

Fees:
$69 per person for each workshop
Add $25 for an additional family member

Bonus:
Prepay for 7 workshops, get 2 free (save $138)

Register online at:
https://www.supportforstudentsgrowthcenter.com/workshops-ceu-courses/
In the “Workshop” section or bring/mail a check to our Boca Raton office

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School-Year Groups at Support for Students Growth Center

Dear Parents and Colleagues,

To better help you schedule all your child’s activities this upcoming school-year, we wanted to give you details on when our “Social Skills”, “Executive Functioning”, “Bully-Proofing “and “Life-Skills and College Preparation” groups will be meeting.

(All groups meet for 1 hour, applications and interviews are required for all new clients)

Therapeutic Social Skills Groups

*Elementary school aged groups meet: Tuesday’s, or Thursday’s at 4:00 or for a mixed, elementary and middle school group on Friday at 5:15
*Elementary/Middle school aged mixed-groups meet: Friday at 5:15
*Middle School aged mixed groups meet: Tuesday’s at 6:45
*Teen Girls, ages 12 and over group: Wednesday 6:15
*Teen Boys, ages 12 and over group: Thursday 5:30
*Adult group, ages 15 and over: Thursday’s at 7:30

Executive Functioning Groups

(How to plan, organize and follow-through)

*Elementary (grade 3+) and Middle School aged meet: Tuesday’s at 5:30
*Middle and High School aged meet: Wednesday’s at 5:15

Bully-Proofing Program

*Elementary and Middle School aged meet: Monday’s at 5:30
*Middle and High School aged meet: Monday’s at 6:45

Life-Skills and College Preparation

*Ages 15- adult meet: Thursday’s at 6:30

Call us or watch our website as additional group sections will open based on need.
Download the 2018 parent schedule

Dr. Eric Nach, Ph.D., M.Ed., A.S.D.
Cert. Developmental and Behavioral Specialist and Associates
5458 Town Center Rd, #8, Boca Raton, FL 33486
561-990-7305(Boca office) 561-465-3564(Fax)
Info@SuportForStudentsGrowthCenter.com
www.SuportForStudentsGrowthCenter.com

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Organizational Skills

How Organizational Skills Can Increase Joy and Productivity

Good organizational skills can prove beneficial in many areas of life, including personal, school, and business areas. Organization can increase a person’s general productivity, assignment completion, project management, and can even affect his memory and retention skills. These skills are not acquired overnight – it will take a lot of hard work and practice. But with a little guidance and the right tools, anyone can learn how to stop hunting for missing things and become better organized.

To effectively learn better organization skills, a person must first learn efficient training tools and tips to help him reach his goals. With this help, everyone can take a better look at their current habits and form a new plan to become better organized in life.

  • Examine current habits and routines that are not organized
  • Learn to prioritize your time schedule and daily tasks
  • Determine ways of storing information and supplies
  • Learn to organize personal, school, and work space
  • Learn to resist procrastination
  • Make plans to stay organized in the future

Out of clutter, find simplicity.
Albert Einstein

Minimize the Distractions

One of the hardest parts about getting organized is going through and minimizing the things that cause distractions. When you find yourself among the many things we want and need to do, it can seem overwhelming. But by taking it one step at a time, and remembering to breathe, and monitoring your thoughts, you can begin to de-clutter your life and start on the path to successful organization.

Just Do it

Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed about taking on the task of removing our clutter and tend to make excuses as to why it doesn’t get done. We can claim that we don’t have the time, or that there is too much to do at once. But as Nike says, we have to “Just Do It” and we have to throw away our excuses and dive in. Make a plan on how you can get started, such as making a ‘Things To-Do calendar’. Stick with your plan until the job is complete, and don’t let excuses hinder your success.

Helpful tips

  • Make a calendar with time to do priorities
  • Divide the areas that need to be conquered into manageable pieces
  • Make a list of all tasks (those things we want to do and need to do)
  • Decide what activities need to take priority

Three Boxes: Keep, Donate, and Trash

The most common approach to clearing out clutter is the Three Boxes method. This method forces a decision to be made about each item you touch as you go through your clutter. You don’t get to put it aside or come back to it later. Pick up an item, one at a time, and think about which box it should go in. Try not to release the item until a decision is made. (Ask a trusted friend, or relative, or counselor, for help if needed.

Box 1 – Items to Keep: This box is for items you would like to keep in your area or maybe even put away for safe keeping (such as heirlooms or special gifts). This is not to be confused with the ‘things I might need later’ type of thinking. Only keep items that have value and meaning to you.

Box 2 – Items to Donate: This box is for items that you realize you no longer need or want. Items in this box can be donated or sold at a rummage sale, just as long as it leaves the clutter!

Box 3 – Trash: This box is for the things that you do not need or want and cannot be donated or given away. This often includes old papers or documents, mail, or broken items. Once this box is full or complete, remove it from the area right away and don’t give it a second look.

Learn more about Dr. Eric J. Nach, Ph.D., M.Ed., A.S.D. Certified, owner of the Support for Students Growth Center and Associates in Boca Raton, Florida, services, groups, classes and workshops at https://www.supportforstudentsgrowthcenter.com

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