Blog

The Adolescent Brain: an opportunity for growth
Not long ago, researchers believed that the only time of increased brain plasticity was between infancy and early childhood. However, we now know that the

Prepping for AP Exams in the Time of COVID-19
Due to changes in school schedules and test requirements, parents and educators can feel overwhelmed and underprepared to assist students with taking AP Exams this

How to Help Students Maintain a Positive Attitude
The invisible COVID-19 has altered the lives of everyone across our planet Earth. Schools are closed, family routines have been flipped upside down, and normal

How to Decrease Conflict at Home
Our “normal” has shifted gears in the past few weeks. With most of our time spent indoors, we are finding a balance of home maintenance,

What COVID-19 Means for Students with Learning Differences
As school closures and schedule interruptions continue due to COVID-19, it is essential that we teach students how to adapt. Students are under high stress

Keeping Students Active
With students and parents cooped up for the majority of the day, conflict is inevitable. We want to encourage students to mimic the school schedule

Cognitive Flexibility: the key to student success
In this time of uncertainty, flexibility is crucial. Parents, educators, and students alike must adapt to a dynamic learning landscape. Many students, especially those with

11 Ways to Help Students Relieve Stress During COVID-19
1. Establish routinesStart each day at the same time, even if it is later than the typical school day would start. Create a relaxed morning

Locus of Control – Strengthening Sense of Control During Chaos
As schools close or convert to online education for the semester, there is a rise in pressure for parents and students to perform well under

Planning and Play: the keys to working from home
As seen in our other blog post about cognitive control, parents should incorporate play into a student’s daily routines. However, time at home can quickly

How Parents Can Improve Cognitive Control
According to NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children, a child’s ability to concentrate on a task and demonstrate self-control is called cognitive control. Cognitive control is

Simple Ways to Support Your Student at Home
In this new era of “work from home”, there are a variety of reasons young people may experience difficulty focusing. With the upheaval in daily

Helping Students Conquer the ‘Blank Page’
“If you write well, you think well”, my high school English teacher belted from the front of the classroom. It was 8 am on a

Cramming & Emergency Preparedness
At SAOTG, we talk a lot about how we prepare, plan ahead, and stay ahead of the game–but everyone knows what it’s like to cram

Preparing Your Student for an Interview
For one reason or another, students inevitably have to interview. Whether the student is doing an admissions interview, trying to land a job, or going

Helping your Student Succeed with Habits & Routines
I may never have completed college if not for Bob Barker. I love a good gameshow and whenever I hear the iconic “COME ON DOWN!”

5 Ways to Motivate Students Who Don’t Want to Study
Our motivation is central to our behavior! Motivation influences HOW we show up and WHY we show up. Sometimes, we all need an extra-boost of

Why Smart Students Struggle in School
Gifted, intelligent students have the world at their feet. They have the ability to breeze through classes, earn impressive grades, and build a successful

Understanding Executive Function
Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’ve heard the term Executive Function used a lot. There’s a good reason for that; Executive Functioning skills are

Keeping Your Student Productive Through the Winter
As the year progresses and we get into the heart of winter, lots of students find it harder to stay productive. At first, it may

How to Help Your Student Get out of a Slump
We all get stuck sometimes. Recently, we spoke about Seasonal Affective Disorder, but really, there are endless possible reasons for why it happens. Whether due

5 Ways to Help Your Student Set Goals for the New Year
With the new year right around the corner, many students have the opportunity for a fresh start. This time of the year presents a great

6 Tips to Help Students Stay Well-Rested
Getting enough rest is an important part of being successful in any area, and this is even more true for students. We’ve already explored the

What’s Happening with HISD?
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has come under fire recently, as the Texas Education Agency (TEA) threatens to take over HISD’s elected board of