Psyched About School

It is difficult to know how to  motivate kids to be readers.  For some children, it seems that reading is easy, natural and fun.  However, for some children, it is more like having to push a large rock up a  hill repeatedly.  We know that kids need to be readers in order to be successful in school. We also know that people don't like to do activities that make them feel bad or that they just don't find interesting.  So, how do we make reading feel good for everyone?  The publishers of Reading Rockets have compiled a listing of articles to give ideas to both educators and parents.  Check it out. Ideas to build love of reading

I love ending the week on a positive note!  How about this Winston-Salem State University grad who was honored on the The Ellen DeGeneres Show this month???  Michael Bonner has the right idea when it comes to teaching!  We love a teacher who thinks outside of the box in order to reach struggling students.  When 80% of his class failed the state reading test last fall, he wrote a series of raps to use as a learning tool.  His students got on board and wrote their own raps and passed the test the second time around!  Congrats to this South Greenville Elementary School teacher!  To see Mr. Bonner on the Ellen Show, visit  WFMY News 2

The debate regarding Growth vs. Proficiency in education has been all over the news since last week's confirmation hearing. In education, this debate has been going on for years.  Just as we noted in our previous blog about IDEA, you might not understand the difference between growth and proficiency if you aren't an educator.  I looked high and low to find an article that could explain both sides of the argument without getting too political.  Although this article from 74million.org brings up the political implications, it does so in such a way that the reader can understand the importance behind the argument.  To learn more visit The Growth vs. Proficiency Debate  

With all the political talk over the past few days about some major topics in education, I've been surprised to learn how many people are unfamiliar with The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). If you don't have a child with a disability or aren't an educator, you've probably heard of it but you may not know much about it. This article from Understood.com gives a comprehensive yet easy to understand overview of IDEA.  Visit  IDEA Overview

Everyone knows that it is no fun to listen to people who are constantly negative and complaining, but could listening to complainers actually be bad for your brain? According to author Minda Zetlin,  "Exposure to nonstop negative actually impairs brain function!"  Read more about how to defend yourself from the onslaught and maintain your Zen. Visit  Is complaining bad for your brain?

Are you asking what relational aggression is and what does it have to do with girls?  Relational aggression is just a fancy name for 'mean girls' behavior. As a school psychologist, I've been familiar with this behavior for years.  I've seen it in action and worked with girls on both the giving and receiving end of it.  But as the parent of a middle school girl, I have seen the pain it can cause firsthand.  This article from the SMC Education Blog provides information on why relational aggression happens, how it can be managed, and how parents can help.  To learn more, visit Girls and Their Frenemies    

Back in October, we blogged about a survey from The National Survey of Children's Health.  They reported that 35 million students are living with the effects of emotional and psychological trauma. For some of them, these traumatic experiences have had an impact on their emotional regulation, problem solving skills, and overall learning.  Edutopia recently published an article about how to support these children in the classroom when they become angry or upset.  The author gives three strategies for calming their stress response.  To learn more, visit  Edutopia

Before winter break, our staff had the opportunity to visit ABC of NC.  If you don't have a child on the autism spectrum, you may not have heard of this amazing program.  According to their website, they are a not-for-profit center that provides a variety of services to people with autism spectrum disorder. They are committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based services including diagnosis, therapy, and education.  They strive to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder reach their full potential. During our visit, we certainly observed how dedicated their staff members are to supporting the children and families they serve. As part of their clinical services, ABC of NC offers diagnosis/assessment, psychotherapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis.  ABC of NC is also a licensed non-public school that provides educational programs for preschool through high school.  They also have a variety of supplemental services. One example is their Buddy Club, a low intensity social s

There is no denying the high activity level in some little boys.  I remember all too well my own feelings of exhaustion trying to chase after my busy five year old son.  As he entered kindergarten and began learning to read, I often worried that he would never slow down long enough to do that. Thankfully, he did learn to read in spite of all the time he spent running around.  Turns out, there may be a correlation between higher levels of physical activity and the development of reading skills in some boys, according to the results of a recent study out of Finland.  This study may have important implications for schools trying to figure out the balance between time spent on physical activity and time spent on learning.  To read more about this study, visit  Time Magazine

It has been quite some time since we've blogged.  December turned out to be a busy month for this group of school psychologists!  The winter break came at a much needed time!  As we prepare for our first work week of 2017, we thought it would be nice to start with an inspirational story of a young man with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Logan Siplow falls on the severe end of the spectrum and is unable to speak.  In spite of these obstacles, his family has found a way for him connect with the world around him by using his favorite pastime to help others in need.  To read Logan's story, visit  Disability Scoop