Nexus Learning Services

Math word problems can be particularly challenging for learners because they require both strong reading and problem-solving skills.

Students must first understand the language and context of the problem, which can often include unfamiliar terms or complex phrasing. Once they grasp the problem, they need to translate the words into mathematical operations, which can be tricky. Additionally, learners may struggle with identifying what information is relevant and how to organize it.

For students with ADHD or other learning differences, staying focused and managing the multiple steps involved can add another layer of difficulty.

The combination of reading comprehension, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning makes word problems a complex task that often requires practice and support.

Reading does not come easily to all children. In large group instruction, there are undoubtedly students who are left behind and without additional support and intervention, the gap will widen.

As a teacher, I have seen high school students who read at a grade 1 or 2 level. These students did not master the simple concepts early on were forced to move onto the more difficult concepts before they were ready. Students need to master simple concepts before moving on to more difficult ones in order to be successful readers.

When teaching reading (English and French) we follow a structured literacy approach which is systemic, cumulative, explicit and diagnostic. We do not move on until your child is ready and has demonstrated a good understanding of each concept.

New format to our services! Check out our website to see if we can help your child become an independent and successful learner!

www.nexuslearning.ca

Too often, people with learning difficulties develop low self-esteem. It is difficult to identify your strengths and positive qualities when you are always being called out in class and told to listen or pay attention. It is also difficult to see your positive attributes when it feels like school work comes easily to everyone BUT you. We need to build all students up, but especially those who are struggling. We need to highlight successes, praise often and emphasize strengths in order to build their self-esteem.

Time blindness is “the difficulty or inability to sense the passing of time or recalling when certain activities take place”. It is a common symptom of ADHD that can be improved upon with some of these quick tips!

Everyone has moments where they are so engrossed in what they are doing that they do not realize how much time has passed, but for people with ADHD, this can happen more frequently, especially when they are hyper-focused on something.

Can’t wait to play! Snakes and ladders is another great way to practice repetitive school work!

Thanks www.sight words.com for the template!

An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a legal document that gives your child access to the education they deserve.

You know your child best, and have a right to have a say in their IEP. Your child’s IEP will be sent home for you to sign. If you have any questions about your child’s IEP, reach out and we can discuss it before you sign.

Students sometimes get frustrated when things are difficult. Do not force your child or your students to persevere through their frustration. Set a timer, give them a quick 5-minute break and get back to it.

Breaks are important and necessary for everyone. Even a quick break can help your student refocus and be more productive.

A few break ideas:
- Get a snack
- Have a glass of water
- Sing a song or listen to music
- Dance it out
- Play a game (tic tac toe, hangman, etc...)
- Draw or colour

All IEPs should have goals or objectives regardless of whether the child has an adapted or modified IEP.

IEP goals need to be SMART and are meant to help the child achieve the long-term goal of passing each competency and ultimately the grade.

Your child’s IEP should then have strategies that help your child achieve the SMART goal. Examples of these could be:

- Extend the time allotted for the exam by up to one third of the time normally allowed.
- Give the student frequent reminders.
- Become familiar with and use an outline for composing a text.

All of these examples are taken from the Quebec Education IEP Framework. So if you live in Quebec and are seeing that your child’s IEP does not have goals or strategies, reach out and ask any questions you may have! I am happy to help!

I have heard from many people that their children are learning to read using sight words. This may or may not be your preferred method, but if this is what your child's school is doing, let's go with it and make it fun!

1. Tape this week's sight words to the wall individually.
2. Get a soft ball or stuffed animal that will not ruin your walls.
3. Tell your child which word you want them to hit.
4. Have your child tell you which word they want you to hit.
5. Take turns

Note: If they hit the wrong word, do not allow them to continue guessing, if they are unsure, give them the answer because we do not want them to consolidate incorrect information.

This is a way of making repetitive homework fun!

Children who struggle academically often develop negative feelings towards school and low self-esteem.

Our goal with Academic Support is to help your child discover HOW they learn best and to create strategies and tools together that help YOUR child become a successful learner.

There is no one size fits all to learning and it is our belief that all students can be successful if given the opportunity.