ESA Connection Blog
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Logo 2 ESA Connection-668f23415b3da-300x300.jpg)
Teachers Can Learn Too!
If a student isn’t learning what we are trying to teach them, we need to look at how we are teaching them instead of simply blaming them for not learning it. I have known many children who have begun to think they are “dumb” or that they are “bad at
![Homeschooling Made Easily (as possible)](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cervantes_fam_with_mary-6687467f7b6c9-282x300.jpg)
Homeschooling Made Easy (as possible)
If you are new to homeschooling or still considering it, this article aims to introduce or guide you along the homeschooling path. Homeschooling is not a new concept. Many of the great philosophers we revere today were homeschooled until Plato founded “The Academy,” which was considered one of the first
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0353-6685bb8649cc0-225x300.jpeg)
Making Math Fun with Tower Garden Aeroponic Systems
Math can sometimes be a challenging subject for kids, but with the right tools and approach, it can also be incredibly engaging and fun. One such tool that can transform the way children interact with math is the Tower Garden aeroponic system. Here’s how you can use this innovative growing
![How Does Homeschooling Work](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Summer_Camp_Classes-666d0664b917f-194x300.png)
How Does Homeschooling Work?
What is Homeschooling? Homeschooling today is versatile. Parents have options such as; online homeschooling classes and programs, homeschool charter schools, co-ops and more [1]! According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Homeschooling means “to teach school subjects to one’s children at home” [5]. Butson on Outschool refers to homeschooling as an alternative
![STEM Homeschooling](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_4272-664cffab97bab-300x300.webp)
Growing STEM: Using Tower Gardens Indoors for Summer Homeschooling in Phoenix
As summer temperatures in Phoenix rise, keeping plants thriving outdoors can be a challenge. However, with Tower Gardens—an innovative aeroponic growing system—you can bring the garden indoors and create an exciting, educational experience for your children. Not only does this system make it possible to grow fresh produce year-round, but
Generation Growth: Teaching Kids Sustainable Farming with Tower Gardens
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s crucial to teach our children about sustainable farming and where our food comes from. One innovative way to do this is through Tower Gardens, an aeroponic growing system that allows kids to get hands-on experience with gardening while learning valuable lessons about science, math, and
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Logo_coyscampsandclassesnet-66247d72b4fad-300x200.png)
The Unintended Fallout of Camp Registration Cancellations: Examining the Toll on Small Enterprises
In our modern hustle and bustle, we often find ourselves juggling various obligations, striving to optimize every facet of our lives. This inclination sometimes extends to our recreational pursuits, including signing up for camps or events with the notion of canceling if a better option presents itself. While this might
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/skyscrapers-blue-sky-1920w-66172a7ff205e-300x192.webp)
Step out of Your Burnout and Into Your Brilliance
A Simple and Revolutionary Solution For Your Daily Pandemic “Why are we more exhausted than ever?” asks Emily Ballestros in her masterful TIME article (March 11, 2024): “People are tired. Really Tired. As evidenced by trends such as “Quiet Quitting” , “Coffee Badging”, “Bare Minimum Mondays”, and most of all
Focus: The real superpower our children need to succeed!
The real enemy our children face today is that of constant nagging and never ending distractions. Life is full of distractions, but to the focused it is full of rewards. How do we teach our children to become distraction proof? I have used 1 simple method over the past 20
![Youth Sports Classes](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/394526576_808395184627269_4654143339523215806_n-660df1b15d3e4-300x225.jpg)
The Vital Role of Youth Sports Skills Classes in Shaping Tomorrow’s Champions
In the dynamic landscape of childhood development, the significance of youth sports skills classes cannot be overstated. For children aged five to ten, these classes serve as more than just recreational activities—they are essential pillars in the foundation of physical, cognitive, and social growth. From honing athletic abilities to fostering
WHAT DO STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA, ADHD, AND AUTISM NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL? – NORRINE RUSSELL, PH. D.
“That student is impossible—they won’t do anything you ask.” In a perfect world, all students with multiple exceptionalities would be well understood and effectively supported by all members of their education and treatment team. In reality, that’s rarely the case, despite the best intentions on the part of school personnel
![When to Consider a Speech-Language Screening](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/252A0974 (1)-65f4bf132e45d-300x200.jpg)
When to Consider a Speech-Language Screening
In parenting and education, the common belief is that a child must exhibit serious concerns before considering a speech-language screening. However, taking a proactive approach to screenings provides valuable insights into your child’s growth and ways to support their development. Screenings serve as a guide to assess if a more
Home Grown Learning
My own son loves growing food on our aeroponic tower garden, and the results were nothing short of amazing again. After planting Swiss chard seeds and eagerly monitoring their progress, he was excited to watch the towering plant flourish before his eyes. With each new leaf that emerged, he gained
![Really, What is Education](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/digital-media-tree-e1456521261829-65de3600062e1-300x245.jpg)
Really, What is Education?
I own a tutoring agency but I got to thinking this weekend “Really, how do we define education?”. So, I first consulted the all-knowing Chat GPT “what is education” and here was the response: “Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and
![Autism Travel](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Copy_of_World_of_Wonder_Travel__LLC__1_-65d8db2125969-300x300.jpg)
Preparation Before Air Travel: Tips for a Smooth Journey with Your Autistic Child
Traveling by air with an autistic child can be both exciting and challenging. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for the whole family, careful preparation is key. Here are some tips to help you prepare before your air travel adventure: 1. Book with a CATP: Certified Autism Travel Professionals
![Reading Crisis](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/TBT_book_3-65d77ec047986-300x300.jpeg)
Illiteracy Crisis in America
Not many people are aware, but currently two-thirds or 66% of American 12 year olds are FAILING in reading. You read that right. In the richest country in the world, we are failing to teach most of our kids to read. Why? So many factors lead to this outcome. Too
![Education Grading System](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/school_686345_1280-65cf93d85dd0b-300x277.jpg)
What Grading Trends Reveal About Failing State of Modern Education
For over a century, the A-F grading scale has reigned supreme in educational assessment, touted as a beacon of objectivity and scientific rigor. Yet, Stuart Rojstaczer, a luminary academic from Duke University, unveiled a disquieting narrative in his 2003 exposé for the Washington Post. Startling revelations emerged: erstwhile, the collegiate
![KaiPod Learning](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/KaiPod_Summer_Camps_Header_Banner-65c283d23de06-300x90.jpg)
With KaiPod, Parents Decide What Their Children Learn
At KaiPod, we aspire to create a new type of educational model that puts families first, allows students to work at their own pace, and educates the whole child. We knew early on that it would be important to define exactly what that looked like and how we would measure
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CreateYF-65c69d0c7afb6-232x300.png)
Nurturing Future Leaders: The Importance of Early College and Career Literacy for Middle School Students
In a rapidly evolving world, the journey from middle school to high school marks a significant transition in every student’s life. It’s a pivotal time where academic choices, career aspirations, and personal growth intersect. At Mission 2 Transition, we recognize the crucial role early college and career literacy play in
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Copy-of-World-of-Wonder-Travel-LLC-300x300-1.jpg)
Nurturing Travel: A Compassionate Journey for Families with Autism
Embarking on a journey with a loved one on the autism spectrum can be a fulfilling yet challenging experience. As a passionate travel advisor with a certified specialization in working with individuals with cognitive disorders, I am committed to making your family’s travel dreams a reality. At no cost to
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screen-Shot-2024-01-16-at-7.33.41-PM-300x142-1.png)
We’ve Been Schooled
For more than a century now, Americans have been unwittingly shaped by the American public education system. But wait, you might be saying! We’re a homeschooling family. Our children have never been in a public school. How is it possible we have been shaped by a system in which we
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/commandments-for-teachers-300x200-1.jpeg)
10 Commandments for Independent Teachers
We’re all probably pretty familiar with The Decalogue, the 10 commandments given by God to the Israelites after delivering them from the tyranny of Egypt’s pharaoh. (As an interesting personal exercise, try naming as many as you can from memory.) The Commandments were part of a new covenant of self-government
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Working Memory-6595b3537f089.jpg)
Helping Your Student Build Their Working Memory
Ever forgotten where your keys are? Can’t remember if you turned the alarm on? Gotten aggravated because your child can’t remember to brush his teeth when you send him to the bathroom? Yep, those are WORKING MEMORY problems! We all have them. The good news? It’s a skill that can
![Choosing a tutor](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Top_10_ways_to_use_a_Tutor_graphic-657f55c44af54-212x300.png)
Choosing a tutor: Individual or Agency?
At certain points of our children’s education, we may request the support of a tutor. We are fortunate as parents to have many options, but they can be a bit overwhelming. Tutors can operate privately, with a learning center, or with an agency. This article aims for a comparative analysis
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Logo 2 ESA Connection-668f23415b3da-300x300.jpg)
Teachers Can Learn Too!
If a student isn’t learning what we are trying to teach them, we need to look at how we are teaching them instead of simply blaming them for not learning it. I have known many children who have begun to think they are “dumb” or that they are “bad at
![Homeschooling Made Easily (as possible)](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cervantes_fam_with_mary-6687467f7b6c9-282x300.jpg)
Homeschooling Made Easy (as possible)
If you are new to homeschooling or still considering it, this article aims to introduce or guide you along the homeschooling path. Homeschooling is not a new concept. Many of the great philosophers we revere today were homeschooled until Plato founded “The Academy,” which was considered one of the first
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0353-6685bb8649cc0-225x300.jpeg)
Making Math Fun with Tower Garden Aeroponic Systems
Math can sometimes be a challenging subject for kids, but with the right tools and approach, it can also be incredibly engaging and fun. One such tool that can transform the way children interact with math is the Tower Garden aeroponic system. Here’s how you can use this innovative growing
![How Does Homeschooling Work](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Summer_Camp_Classes-666d0664b917f-194x300.png)
How Does Homeschooling Work?
What is Homeschooling? Homeschooling today is versatile. Parents have options such as; online homeschooling classes and programs, homeschool charter schools, co-ops and more [1]! According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Homeschooling means “to teach school subjects to one’s children at home” [5]. Butson on Outschool refers to homeschooling as an alternative
![STEM Homeschooling](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_4272-664cffab97bab-300x300.webp)
Growing STEM: Using Tower Gardens Indoors for Summer Homeschooling in Phoenix
As summer temperatures in Phoenix rise, keeping plants thriving outdoors can be a challenge. However, with Tower Gardens—an innovative aeroponic growing system—you can bring the garden indoors and create an exciting, educational experience for your children. Not only does this system make it possible to grow fresh produce year-round, but
Generation Growth: Teaching Kids Sustainable Farming with Tower Gardens
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s crucial to teach our children about sustainable farming and where our food comes from. One innovative way to do this is through Tower Gardens, an aeroponic growing system that allows kids to get hands-on experience with gardening while learning valuable lessons about science, math, and
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Logo_coyscampsandclassesnet-66247d72b4fad-300x200.png)
The Unintended Fallout of Camp Registration Cancellations: Examining the Toll on Small Enterprises
In our modern hustle and bustle, we often find ourselves juggling various obligations, striving to optimize every facet of our lives. This inclination sometimes extends to our recreational pursuits, including signing up for camps or events with the notion of canceling if a better option presents itself. While this might
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/skyscrapers-blue-sky-1920w-66172a7ff205e-300x192.webp)
Step out of Your Burnout and Into Your Brilliance
A Simple and Revolutionary Solution For Your Daily Pandemic “Why are we more exhausted than ever?” asks Emily Ballestros in her masterful TIME article (March 11, 2024): “People are tired. Really Tired. As evidenced by trends such as “Quiet Quitting” , “Coffee Badging”, “Bare Minimum Mondays”, and most of all
Focus: The real superpower our children need to succeed!
The real enemy our children face today is that of constant nagging and never ending distractions. Life is full of distractions, but to the focused it is full of rewards. How do we teach our children to become distraction proof? I have used 1 simple method over the past 20
![Youth Sports Classes](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/394526576_808395184627269_4654143339523215806_n-660df1b15d3e4-300x225.jpg)
The Vital Role of Youth Sports Skills Classes in Shaping Tomorrow’s Champions
In the dynamic landscape of childhood development, the significance of youth sports skills classes cannot be overstated. For children aged five to ten, these classes serve as more than just recreational activities—they are essential pillars in the foundation of physical, cognitive, and social growth. From honing athletic abilities to fostering
WHAT DO STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA, ADHD, AND AUTISM NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL? – NORRINE RUSSELL, PH. D.
“That student is impossible—they won’t do anything you ask.” In a perfect world, all students with multiple exceptionalities would be well understood and effectively supported by all members of their education and treatment team. In reality, that’s rarely the case, despite the best intentions on the part of school personnel
![When to Consider a Speech-Language Screening](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/252A0974 (1)-65f4bf132e45d-300x200.jpg)
When to Consider a Speech-Language Screening
In parenting and education, the common belief is that a child must exhibit serious concerns before considering a speech-language screening. However, taking a proactive approach to screenings provides valuable insights into your child’s growth and ways to support their development. Screenings serve as a guide to assess if a more
Home Grown Learning
My own son loves growing food on our aeroponic tower garden, and the results were nothing short of amazing again. After planting Swiss chard seeds and eagerly monitoring their progress, he was excited to watch the towering plant flourish before his eyes. With each new leaf that emerged, he gained
![Really, What is Education](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/digital-media-tree-e1456521261829-65de3600062e1-300x245.jpg)
Really, What is Education?
I own a tutoring agency but I got to thinking this weekend “Really, how do we define education?”. So, I first consulted the all-knowing Chat GPT “what is education” and here was the response: “Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and
![Autism Travel](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Copy_of_World_of_Wonder_Travel__LLC__1_-65d8db2125969-300x300.jpg)
Preparation Before Air Travel: Tips for a Smooth Journey with Your Autistic Child
Traveling by air with an autistic child can be both exciting and challenging. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for the whole family, careful preparation is key. Here are some tips to help you prepare before your air travel adventure: 1. Book with a CATP: Certified Autism Travel Professionals
![Reading Crisis](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/TBT_book_3-65d77ec047986-300x300.jpeg)
Illiteracy Crisis in America
Not many people are aware, but currently two-thirds or 66% of American 12 year olds are FAILING in reading. You read that right. In the richest country in the world, we are failing to teach most of our kids to read. Why? So many factors lead to this outcome. Too
![Education Grading System](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/school_686345_1280-65cf93d85dd0b-300x277.jpg)
What Grading Trends Reveal About Failing State of Modern Education
For over a century, the A-F grading scale has reigned supreme in educational assessment, touted as a beacon of objectivity and scientific rigor. Yet, Stuart Rojstaczer, a luminary academic from Duke University, unveiled a disquieting narrative in his 2003 exposé for the Washington Post. Startling revelations emerged: erstwhile, the collegiate
![KaiPod Learning](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/KaiPod_Summer_Camps_Header_Banner-65c283d23de06-300x90.jpg)
With KaiPod, Parents Decide What Their Children Learn
At KaiPod, we aspire to create a new type of educational model that puts families first, allows students to work at their own pace, and educates the whole child. We knew early on that it would be important to define exactly what that looked like and how we would measure
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CreateYF-65c69d0c7afb6-232x300.png)
Nurturing Future Leaders: The Importance of Early College and Career Literacy for Middle School Students
In a rapidly evolving world, the journey from middle school to high school marks a significant transition in every student’s life. It’s a pivotal time where academic choices, career aspirations, and personal growth intersect. At Mission 2 Transition, we recognize the crucial role early college and career literacy play in
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Copy-of-World-of-Wonder-Travel-LLC-300x300-1.jpg)
Nurturing Travel: A Compassionate Journey for Families with Autism
Embarking on a journey with a loved one on the autism spectrum can be a fulfilling yet challenging experience. As a passionate travel advisor with a certified specialization in working with individuals with cognitive disorders, I am committed to making your family’s travel dreams a reality. At no cost to
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screen-Shot-2024-01-16-at-7.33.41-PM-300x142-1.png)
We’ve Been Schooled
For more than a century now, Americans have been unwittingly shaped by the American public education system. But wait, you might be saying! We’re a homeschooling family. Our children have never been in a public school. How is it possible we have been shaped by a system in which we
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/commandments-for-teachers-300x200-1.jpeg)
10 Commandments for Independent Teachers
We’re all probably pretty familiar with The Decalogue, the 10 commandments given by God to the Israelites after delivering them from the tyranny of Egypt’s pharaoh. (As an interesting personal exercise, try naming as many as you can from memory.) The Commandments were part of a new covenant of self-government
![](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Working Memory-6595b3537f089.jpg)
Helping Your Student Build Their Working Memory
Ever forgotten where your keys are? Can’t remember if you turned the alarm on? Gotten aggravated because your child can’t remember to brush his teeth when you send him to the bathroom? Yep, those are WORKING MEMORY problems! We all have them. The good news? It’s a skill that can
![Choosing a tutor](https://esaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Top_10_ways_to_use_a_Tutor_graphic-657f55c44af54-212x300.png)
Choosing a tutor: Individual or Agency?
At certain points of our children’s education, we may request the support of a tutor. We are fortunate as parents to have many options, but they can be a bit overwhelming. Tutors can operate privately, with a learning center, or with an agency. This article aims for a comparative analysis