ESA Connection Blog
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
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
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
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
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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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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: 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
The Psychological Benefits of Regular Attendance in Enrichment Classes for Youth Development
Introduction: In the fast-paced and dynamic world we live in, nurturing the cognitive and emotional development of our youth is more critical than ever. Enrichment classes, such as chess or young entrepreneurs, provide an invaluable platform for fostering skills that extend beyond traditional academic subjects. While sporadic attendance may offer
Don’t Stop Believing (Even When You’re Living in a Lonely World) – Dr. Norrine Russell
Don’t Stop Believing (Even When You’re Living in a Lonely World) – Dr. Norrine Russell Like you, I’m a mama. More specifically, I’m the mama of two teenagers who delight me, perplex me, amuse me, teach me, love me, and have taught me to love. And I do love them,
Questions To Ask Instead
Originally written by Shyanne Kollefrath-Dangler on Paige’s Tutoring Recently, I saw a TikTok that mentioned questions to ask kids other than what they wanted to be when they grow up. It dived into many factors as to why the question may not be the best for children and honestly, it
Title: Unlocking Potential: Enrichment Classes as the Perfect Gift for Kids
In a world that constantly evolves with technology and innovation, parents are often searching for meaningful and impactful gifts for their children. While toys and gadgets may provide temporary joy, there’s an enduring gift that can shape a child’s future – enrichment classes. These classes go beyond traditional education, offering
The Long-Term Importance of Math
We’ve all heard it — Exclamations of “But when am I going to USE this?!” in frustration as students stare at (you guessed it) math homework. Math has always been an important life skill. But did you know that having strong math skills is becoming critical in the workforce? The Bureau
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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: 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
The Psychological Benefits of Regular Attendance in Enrichment Classes for Youth Development
Introduction: In the fast-paced and dynamic world we live in, nurturing the cognitive and emotional development of our youth is more critical than ever. Enrichment classes, such as chess or young entrepreneurs, provide an invaluable platform for fostering skills that extend beyond traditional academic subjects. While sporadic attendance may offer
Don’t Stop Believing (Even When You’re Living in a Lonely World) – Dr. Norrine Russell
Don’t Stop Believing (Even When You’re Living in a Lonely World) – Dr. Norrine Russell Like you, I’m a mama. More specifically, I’m the mama of two teenagers who delight me, perplex me, amuse me, teach me, love me, and have taught me to love. And I do love them,
Questions To Ask Instead
Originally written by Shyanne Kollefrath-Dangler on Paige’s Tutoring Recently, I saw a TikTok that mentioned questions to ask kids other than what they wanted to be when they grow up. It dived into many factors as to why the question may not be the best for children and honestly, it
Title: Unlocking Potential: Enrichment Classes as the Perfect Gift for Kids
In a world that constantly evolves with technology and innovation, parents are often searching for meaningful and impactful gifts for their children. While toys and gadgets may provide temporary joy, there’s an enduring gift that can shape a child’s future – enrichment classes. These classes go beyond traditional education, offering
The Long-Term Importance of Math
We’ve all heard it — Exclamations of “But when am I going to USE this?!” in frustration as students stare at (you guessed it) math homework. Math has always been an important life skill. But did you know that having strong math skills is becoming critical in the workforce? The Bureau