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Learn Smarter Podcast Profile

Learn Smarter Podcast

English, Education, 1 seasons, 292 episodes, 5 days 14 hours 40 minutes
About
Learn Smarter: the Educational Therapy Podcast is your go-to resource for the parents and teachers of students with different learning needs. We are two educational therapists who are committed to helping parents and educators find easy, simple and FUN ways of supporting learners. We’ll be covering everything from executive functioning to games to feelings to tricks of the trade. Join us on this journey to support your complex and diverse kids.
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289: Re-Air: Why Learners Lie (Part 1) (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET re-air an important episode about the many reasons why learners lie. Be sure to listen next week when they talk about what to do about learners who lie.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
05/12/202314 minutes 49 seconds
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288: Task Initiation and Completion with Adult Client Nicholas (Client Success Stories)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome Rachel’s adult client Nicholas to the podcast. He talks about his processing issue, professional journey, struggles with task initiation, and how to know when things are done. He talks about how educational therapy has simplified his ability to manage his time and himself digitally and how it has given him actionable steps to know what to do when. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
28/11/202329 minutes 11 seconds
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287: Do you need an Educational Therapist or a tutor? (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET are frequently asked by parents, “Do I need an educational therapist or a tutor?”. Today, they answer this question in depth, digging into the nuances of both, the differences, and if it’s more appropriate to hire a tutor. They also discuss what an appropriate educational therapist and tutoring partnership looks like.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
21/11/202314 minutes 27 seconds
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286: How Educational Therapists Can Responsibly use Artificial Intelligence

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET share how educational therapists can responsibly and ethically use AI to their advantage. They talk about their initial reaction to AI as well as some ideas of how to use AI to support the work that they’re doing with their educational therapy clients. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
14/11/202312 minutes 29 seconds
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285: Why We Should be Encouraging a Minimum Viable Product for Writing (Writing Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET re-share the idea of Minimum Viable Product when it comes to writing and project management. They chat about keeping the ultimate goal in mind and scaffolding achievement in that way. They also further explore the idea of productive struggle and how that is an important component of making progress.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:  Ep 89: Minimum Viable Product (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram Writing Series  
07/11/202317 minutes 3 seconds
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284: Remembering Your Why (Business Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET reminisce about their origin story, why they were attracted to educational therapy and how their friendship influenced their life trajectories. They share why it’s important to remember your “why” and what they’d tell themselves if they could go back in time. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
31/10/202316 minutes 35 seconds
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283: Executive Functioning Skills Expectations (Executive Functioning Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET share how they struggled with this episode. They talk about how comparison impacts adult expectations, the importance of independence incrementally, how masking works and the importance of recalibrating expectations. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
24/10/202313 minutes 4 seconds
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282: Next Level Calendaring (Executive Functioning Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss new language around calendaring and how it can magnify the impact of calendaring on the life of learners.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 02: How to calendar Ep 78: How to Calendar like a Pro (Executive Function Series) Ep 79: The 4 excuses kids have for not calendaring (Executive Function Series) Ep 281: Calendar Checklist for College Learners (Executive Functioning Series)
17/10/202312 minutes 16 seconds
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281: Calendar Checklist for College Learners (Executive Functioning Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss the different executive functioning needs of college learners. They share what college students need to consider as well as our Calendaring for College Learners checklist. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 02: How to calendar Ep 78: How to Calendar like a Pro (Executive Function Series)
10/10/202319 minutes 54 seconds
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280: The Executive Functioning of the Learn Smarter Podcast (Business Practices Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, are back to share some behind-the-scenes news about how the podcast is produced. Additionally they share some personal news, an update about YouTube and the exciting news that Learn Smarter Pro is back!  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
03/10/202321 minutes 27 seconds
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279: Educational Therapy in High School with Cooper (Client Success Stories)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, welcome Rachel’s client, Cooper, to the podcast. Cooper talks about the impact of educational therapy on his academic journey. He shares what sessions are like with Rachel and they discuss self-advocacy. Cooper talks about his initial reluctance about educational therapy, how he got on board with it and shares how much it has helped him not just in school but outside of school as well. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
26/09/202323 minutes 26 seconds
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278: Resilience as a Learned Skill with My Ed Therapist Clinic Director and Educational Therapist Eric Kaufmann

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, are joined by Eric Kaufmann, the Clinic Director and Professional Educational Therapist from My Ed Therapist. Today he talks about resilience–what it is, what it’s like when a student is resilient, and how to build resilience at school, home, and in life. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 173: My Ed Therapist's Eric Kaufmann on Executive Functioning in Males (EF Series) Ep 192: The Formula For Effort: How to Tell if Your Learner is Trying with Eric Kaufmann (ET Series) Ep 202: Why We Left the Classroom with MET's Eric and KETG's Katie (Business Practices Series)
19/09/202314 minutes 40 seconds
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277: Catie Chase – How to Work with a Learning Specialist (Professionals Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome college coach for neurodiverse learners and life coach, Catie Chase. She chats about her previous role as a school learning support specialist and what the ideal collaboration with outside professionals and parents is like. She shares the idea of core competencies of that partnership and she shares about her next steps as an independent consultant.  Connect with Catie Chase: www.catiechase.com Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
12/09/202323 minutes 15 seconds
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276: Reair: Online Portal Pitfalls (Executive Functioning Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET dig into everything online portals in this re-air of episode 123. Online portals have long been a sore subject for educational therapists. They are not perfect systems, but they do have so much potential to benefit the lives of learners. Today, Rachel & Steph tackle the pitfalls of online portals that parents, teachers, and students experience. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 79: The 4 excuses kids have for not calendaring (Executive Function Series)
05/09/202318 minutes 44 seconds
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275: Building Learner Confidence with My Ed Therapist’s Educational Therapist Ali Guydan (Local Professionals Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome Ali Guydan, an educational therapist from My Ed Therapist, to the podcast. Ali joins the podcast to talk about what brought her to educational therapy and how she was inspired to create change. She shares her ideas about confidence, how it impacts core beliefs and directly relates to learner effort. She shares her tips and tricks on how to create confidence in learners.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
29/08/202321 minutes 46 seconds
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274: The Silent Suffering of Problem Solving (Executive Functioning Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, discuss how problem solving is an often overlooked but major problem for learners. They chat about what they mean by “problem solving” and what it looks like both in and out of the classroom. They also share why this is an important conversation educational therapists should be having amongst themselves, with the learners they work with, and their parents.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
22/08/202314 minutes 42 seconds
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273: Math Accommodations with Adrianne Meldrum (Math Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome back Adrianne Meldrum, CEO and Founder of Made for Math. Last week she taught us all about multisensory math and this week we’re talking about math accommodations. She breaks down accommodations into different categories including: input accommodations, procedural accommodations, verbal accommodations, and semantic accommodations. She shares her Accommodations Generator, which can help parents and clinicians figure out what accommodations are the next best step for their learners. Connect with Adrianne Meldrum: www.madeformath.com Accommodations Generator: https://rebrand.ly/vhqz98s-accommodations Unlocking Dyscalculia: https://rebrand.ly/hsav2d0-UD   Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy
15/08/202316 minutes 7 seconds
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272: Multisensory Math with Adrianne Meldrum (Math Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, welcome Adrianne Meldrum, CEO of Made for Math, to the podcast. She shares her background and how she came to understanding multisensory math and explains the 5 components of multisensory math. She shares how learners with academic challenges benefit from multisensory math and she shares some of her favorite tools and strategies.   Connect with Adrianne Meldrum:  www.madeformath.com   Accommodations Generator (Ep 273): https://rebrand.ly/vhqz98s-accommodations   Multisensory Math Quiz (Ep 272): https://rebrand.ly/spbdqui-quiz   Unlocking Dyscalculia: https://rebrand.ly/hsav2d0-UD   Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
08/08/202331 minutes 34 seconds
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271: Reair: Math and Executive Functioning Woes (Math Series)

Rachel & Steph dig into how executive functioning impacts math functioning and ability. They break down executive functioning when it comes to math and talk about frequent challenges of learners who struggle with math because of executive functioning. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
01/08/202315 minutes 23 seconds
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270: Learning Intervention in Action with Kapp Educational Therapy Group’s Learning Specialist Deanna Tayag (Local Professionals Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, welcome Deanna Tayag to the podcast. Deanna is a learning specialist at Kapp Educational Therapy Group who really prioritizes the social-emotional connection with learners to help them to be vulnerable and explore their own learning profiles. Through a discussion about two fictional clients (Monica, a middle school student, and Chandler, a high school student), she talks about how important professional and parental collaboration is without perpetuating blame onto the learner. She also talks about the importance of scaffolding and how interventions being collaborative is essential.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
25/07/202324 minutes 13 seconds
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269: Reconsidering Metacognitive Strategies (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, share their tips and tricks for helping learners to understand themselves from a metacognitive perspective. They discussed metacognition in episode 239 where they went over what it is, why it is important, and how to have reflective and collaborative conversations to encourage metacognitive awareness. Today, they dig into some macro and micro questions that inspire metacognitive awareness. Other episodes mentioned: Ep 114: The Educational Therapy Timeline (Educational  Therapy Series) Ep 239: Metacognition (Executive Functioning Series)   Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
18/07/20238 minutes 33 seconds
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268: Dr. Jeremy Sharp – When and Why You Should Reassess Your Learner (Professionals Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome back friend of the podcast, Dr. Jeremy Sharp. Dr. Sharp is a licensed psychologist who owns and operates The Colorado Center for Assessment & Psychology. He also hosts the Testing Psychologist podcast, which has featured Rachel and Stephanie before. They dig into assessments and when and why you should reassess your learner.  He talks about changes in functioning and changes in circumstances and environment as being two reasons to have your learner reassessed. They discuss under which circumstances under which a reassessment would be required. They talk about what happens if parents disagree and accessibility of reports from a non-educator reader. Connecting with Jeremy Sharp: www.coloradocac.com www.thetestingpsychologist.com   Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website
11/07/202330 minutes 57 seconds
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267: College Learning Disability Specialist Elizabeth Hamblet and 7 Steps to College Success (Author Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome back College Learning Disability Specialist Elizabeth Hamblet to discuss her new book 7 Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities. She discusses the origin story of the book and the disconnect between what college disability services can do for learners and what learners and parents expect. She talks about reading this book when the learner is in 8th grade because of the specific impact it can have on parent and learner decisions on course selection. Elizabeth discusses how parents and learners can get surprised in the college disability process. Elizabeth talks about the critical importance of non-academic skills and how the drive for success in high school can stand in the way of independence necessary for college success. Connect with Elizabeth Hamblet: www.ldadvisory.com Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities   Support us on Patreon: https://w
04/07/202339 minutes 42 seconds
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266: Breaking Down an Essay Prompt (Writing Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, discuss how to break down an essay prompt. This is a long overdue topic on the podcast and Rachel and Stephanie explain why essays are so hard for learners and how to guide learners through a multistep process to produce essays with greater ease and less stress and avoidance.    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 20: The Perfect Storm: Writing & Executive Functioning Ep 260: Learner Avoidance Tactics (Educational Therapy Series)  
27/06/202315 minutes 26 seconds
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265: The Importance of Recalibration (Business Practices Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, discuss the importance of recalibration as a professional. The idea often makes people (particularly women) uncomfortable, but in this episode, Rachel and Stephanie discuss what recalibration is and why it’s critically important. They also discuss when recalibration can become necessary, why people think it can be uncomfortable, and how to avoid recalibration altogether. They also share their ideas on why recalibration doesn’t have to be scary and the ideal end result of recalibration with a family, colleague, client, parent or allied professional. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 219: Permission to Pivot (Business Practices Series)
20/06/202310 minutes 54 seconds
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264: Reair: Feeling Time Part 2 (Executive Functioning Series)

 Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET continue the conversation from last week. In this episode they chat about several strategies that work to increase awareness of time. They dig deep into the differences between kids who feel time quickly and learners who feel time slower.   Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: EP 104: Feeling Time: Part 1 (Executive Function Series) Ep 37: How Educational Therapy Works
13/06/202317 minutes 44 seconds
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263: Reair: Feeling Time Part 1 (Executive Functioning Series)

All people experience time differently and this could not be more true for learners with different learning profiles. In this re-air, Rachel & Steph dig into why feeling time is SO important and how feeling time differently from peers, parents, teachers and siblings can create tremendous conflict at home and at school.    Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 79: The 4 excuses kids have for not calendaring (Executive Function Series)
06/06/202318 minutes 17 seconds
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262: Games for Executive Functioning Skills (Executive Functioning Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET are bringing back a favorite episode. Today our resident Game Guru, Steph, brings us all the games that she likes to use to strengthen executive functioning skills. This is one of those episodes that is chock-full of useful goodies and tips to make skill strengthening fun and engaging for the whole family. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 201: Executive Functioning Skills Master Class with Dr. Peg Dawson (Executive Functioning Series) Games episodes: Ep 19: Steph’s Top Games and Apps (Reading Series) Ep 32: Our Favorite Apps and Games of 2018 Ep 64: Steph's Favorite Math Apps & Games for Elementary (Math Series) Ep 80: Steph's Favorite Middle/Hi
30/05/202317 minutes 32 seconds
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261: Is this Autism? with Donna Henderson and Dr. Sarah Wayland (Author Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET are excited to welcome back Licensed Psychologist Donna Henderson and welcome Dr. Sarah Wayland, a special needs care navigator, certified relationship development intervention consultant and parenting coach. They share their story of how they became co-authors. They share their 5 layers of understanding of autism. They also share the strengths of autistic people. They discuss the importance of understanding not just cognitive and academic strengths but also character and behavioral strengths. They share how to support strengths and creative accommodations that require trial and error, metacognitive awareness, and flexibility. Patreon: The conversation continues on Patreon where Donna and Sarah share their 3 tips for parents and 3 tips for professionals.   Donna Henderson and Dr. Sarah Wayland’s Books:  June 2023: Is this Autism? A Guide for Clinicians and Everyone Else July 2023: Is this Autism? A Companion Guide for Diagnosi
23/05/202343 minutes 43 seconds
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260: Learner Avoidance Tactics (Educational Therapy Series)

 Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, discuss the very specific avoidance tactics learners use when dealing with a large multi-step project. As they discuss, learners will focus on fluff (style and format) over content because it’s the perfect way to say “I’ve started on this!” without actually doing anything meaningful. This is all the impact of executive functioning skill weakness and the overwhelm of a ton of learners in Educational Therapy experience. They discuss why learners focus on the wrong thing and what to do about it. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep: 10 ADHD AND EF Ep 20: The Perfect Storm: Writing & Executive Functioning Ep 66: Strategies for the Writing Process (Writing Series)
16/05/202314 minutes 8 seconds
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259: Test Anxiety (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, discuss test anxiety. In this episode they discuss why learners feel anxious, how and why it impacts their ability to perform on a test, and what learners can do to mitigate their test anxiety. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Ep 04: Creating a Study Plan Ep 126: How to Study for a Math Test Ep 140: The Secret to "Studying Harder" (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 160: Our #1 Study Hack (Tricks of the Trade Series) Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram Ep 115: Learning About Learning with Dr Rishi Part 2 (Author Series) Ep 130: The 5 M's of Talent with Dr. Rishi Sriram (Author Series) EP 104: Feeling Time: Part 1 (Exec
09/05/202312 minutes 54 seconds
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258: Re-Air: Why You Should Do Educational Therapy Over the Summer

Summer is the perfect time to start educational therapy. In this re-air of episode 56, Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET both share their summer plans and why they love starting with new clients over the summer. Also, they chat about some of the great and creative ways educational therapy can be done over the summer and why it feels so freeing for educational therapists, learners, and parents alike. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
02/05/202314 minutes 56 seconds
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257: Gap Year Specialist Julia Rogers (Professionals Series)

 Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome Julia Rogers, founder of En Route Consulting, which specializes in personalized gap year planning. She shares how gap years have been around a long time even if people weren’t labeling it specifically that. She shares the different types of learners who benefit from gap years (this may surprise you!) Julia talks about how colleges react to the gap year and the difference between structured opportunities versus self-designed opportunities and how this depends on the executive functioning and independence level of the student. She also shares how the gap year experience should help learners figure out what is going to light them up and how it’s meant to be explorational and experiential and not about picking a track and why that’s so important.   Connect with Julia: www.enroutegapyear.com  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educati
25/04/202326 minutes 40 seconds
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256: How OCD and Anxiety Impact Learning with Natasha Daniels (Part 2)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome back Anxiety Expert and OCD Child Therapist Natasha Daniels to the podcast. Today they dig into how anxiety and OCD impacts learning and school. Natasha shares how OCD can be missed in school or misinterpreted as a learning disorder and shares what teachers need to know about OCD. She further discusses what teachers can look out for in learners with OCD, and she shares what the impact of reassurance is on anxiety versus OCD. She also shares the unique benefits of a 504 and how to figure out which accommodations would work best for your learner.  Connect with Natasha Daniels Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 251: Understanding OCD and Anxiety with Natasha Daniels (Part 1)
18/04/202318 minutes 52 seconds
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255: Re-Air: Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 2) (Reading Series)

Reading comprehension is critical--even if your student is the most fluid out loud reader...are they really understanding what they’re reading? Reading comprehension weaknesses can be sneaky because it can be difficult to identify. In last week's episode, Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET dug in to why students can pretend they understand what they’re reading (when they don’t) and give you some of their favorite reading comprehension strategies. This week, they’ll share the rest of the strategies and the key takeaways they want to make sure you know.  Other episodes mentioned: Ep: 12 My Kid Isn’t Reading Ep 17 Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 1)   Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
11/04/202323 minutes 16 seconds
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254: Re-Air: Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 1) (Reading Series)

Reading comprehension is critical--even if your student is the most fluid out loud reader...are they really understanding what they’re reading? Reading comprehension weaknesses can be sneaky because they can be difficult to identify. In this re-air of episode 17,  Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET  dig in to why students can pretend they understand what they’re reading (when they don’t) and give you some of their favorite reading comprehension strategies. Next week, they’ll share the rest of the strategies and the key takeaways they want to make sure you know.  Other episodes mentioned: Ep: 12 My Kid Isn’t Reading Ep 18: Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 2)   Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
04/04/202324 minutes 13 seconds
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253: “Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less” with Dr. Ellen Braaten Part 2 (Author Series)

 Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, are joined again by Dr. Ellen Braaten, the author of Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less. She shares the signs of an unmotivated child and discusses “hiding failures.” Dr. Braaten highlights the importance of knowing what gives us pleasure in order to help us get motivated. She discusses the impact that processing speed has on motivation and “not caring.” She further shares her thoughts on college and how we need different paths beyond college.    Don’t forget to join us on Patreon to hear the extended conversation, where we learn what Dr. Braaten says is the most IMPORTANT part of goal setting.   Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less   Other episodes mentioned:  Ep 165: Re-Air: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 166: How Time Perception Impacts Learners with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 167: How Processing Speed Impacts Social Skills with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 168: Processing S
28/03/202325 minutes 23 seconds
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252: “Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less” with Dr. Ellen Braaten Part 1 (Author Series)

 Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, welcome back Dr. Ellen Braaten to discuss the origin story of her new book, Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less. Dr. Braaten shares her thoughts on how motivation works and how motivation is not generated the same way each time. She shares how parents need to look at their own expectations and look at their child and reconcile the two. She discusses aptitude, pleasure, and practice and how the definition of aptitude needs to be expanded beyond more than reading, math, and spelling. She further discusses how “there isn’t a treatment for laziness” and her thoughts on how “lazy” is a symptom of something and a time to listen. She also talks about how “laziness” can mask something that’s hard, shameful or a result of a lack of confidence and introduces the word “mailaizy.”   Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less   Other episodes mentioned:  Ep 165: Re-Air: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 166: How Time
21/03/202331 minutes 4 seconds
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251: Understanding OCD and Anxiety with Natasha Daniels (Part 1)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome Anxiety Expert and OCD Child Therapist Natasha Daniels to the podcast. They chat about how people misunderstand OCD and what the true definition of OCD is. Natasha digs into the different types of OCD and how they play into each other. She shares about how personification of OCD and how it can help. They dig into a conversation about the difference between perfectionism and OCD and their overlap. She shares her thoughts on anxiety and how to talk about it with kids. She further digs into anxiety and OCD and gives concrete examples of OCD red flags. Connect with Natasha Daniels Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
14/03/202334 minutes 42 seconds
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250: Reair 47 – Note Taking

 Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET deep dive into note-taking in this re-air of episode 47. They chat about why it is so difficult, the various types of notes that teachers require and several of their favorite strategies. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
07/03/202337 minutes 53 seconds
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249: Nikki Returns (Client Success Stories)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome back Nikki, who initially joined us back in 2019 when she was 15 years old. She was Steph’s client at My Ed Therapist and is now a sophomore in college. Nikki shares what it was like to listen to her 2019 episode and updates us on what’s changed and what’s the same. She talks about how her development of time has changed as she’s entered into adulthood. Nikki also shares how she’s learning not to overwhelm herself, how her values have changed, how daunting the college process was and her thoughts looking back. She shares more about her anxiety journey, how goals have changed and how she's blossoming into a new Nikki. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 57: How to Crea
28/02/202322 minutes 55 seconds
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248: Why Systems are Essential (Executive Functioning Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss why systems for time, physical space, and digital space are essential for high functioning learners. They discuss why simplicity is a virtue, how systems impact the quality of life for learners, and how systems create a roadmap for schooling success. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
21/02/202311 minutes
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247: Adults in Educational Therapy with Marshall (Client Success Story)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome Rachel’s client, Marshall. He shares his story about what brought him to seek educational therapy and how his executive functioning impacted his relationships and self-esteem. He also shares how accountability, positive social pressure and systems have helped him reach toward his goals. Marshall explains how he uses his systems as a safety net instead of a list of upcoming failures, how self-forgiveness has been a part of his educational therapy journey and how educational therapy has impacted his marriage. They also chat about the benefits of research and how much research is actually helpful versus how much is simply a form of procrastination. Neuroanatomy of ADHD with Dr. Russell Barkley Other episodes mentioned: Ep 166: How Time Perception Impacts Learners with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 214: ADHD Essentials - The Wall of Awful with Brendan Mahan (Executive Functioning Series) Support us on
14/02/202336 minutes 11 seconds
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246: Reair 28 – Motivating the Unmotivated

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET do a deep dive on motivation. Hear why they don’t believe any student is ever “lazy” and what language they use instead. Also, they talk about why motivation suddenly stops for students who struggle in school. Then they dissect the differences between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation and the parallels between growth and fixed mindset that they’ve observed. Of course, they give you their tips and tricks for promoting motivation as well! Other episodes mentioned: 20: The Perfect Storm: Writing & Executive Functioning 21: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing Part 1 22: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing Part 2 24: Respecting the POP 25: How To Make Memory Work 27: How to Make Memory Work Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpod
07/02/202329 minutes 53 seconds
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245: Top 5 Reasons Learners Wait for Deadlines (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET share their experiences about the top five reasons why learners wait for deadlines. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
31/01/20239 minutes 12 seconds
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244: Productivity Pressure (Business Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss the pressure to be productive as business owners and podcasters. They share why they’re talking about this, what led them to some realizations about productivity pressure, how it impacts their quality of life (and the quality of life of their teams) and what they do to mitigate that pressure on themselves.  Other episodes mentioned: Ep 92: Plagued by the Burden of Potential (Parenting Series) Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
24/01/20238 minutes 31 seconds
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243: Learn Smarter Pro Group Convo

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET invited some of the Fall 2022 cohort of Learn Smarter Pro to talk about the experience. These Pro-sters share how they came to be Smarties and what went into their decision to join Learn Smarter Pro. They share what their experience was like and the value of the community that was cultivated. They share their favorite trainings and how Learn Smarter Pro brought momentum to their business. They also share what they want other people to know about Learn Smarter Pro. Connect with our Pro-sters: Nicole Santiago, Executive Function Coach & Advocate: www.familyADDventures.com Alla Lazareva, Executive Functioning Coach & Learning Specialist: www.myacademicskills.com Amy Epp, Social & Academic Coaching: www.amyepp.com   Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @lear
17/01/202334 minutes 4 seconds
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242: Learn Smarter Pro FAQs

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET get asked a lot of questions about Learn Smarter Pro and today they’re answering it for you. Listen in to get your frequently asked questions about Learn Smarter Pro answered! Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 134: Learn Smarter Pro Ep 207: Building Momentum to the Business and Life You Want with Educational Therapist and Learn Smarter Proster Jessica Mintz (Business Practices Series) Ep 209: Why You Shouldn't Wait to Start Business Coaching (Business Practices Series) Ep 218: Business Intentionality and New Motherhood with Educational Therapist & Former Learn Smarter Pro-ster Alena Houghton (Business Practices Series) Ep 241: 10 Things We've Learned From Learn Smarter Pro
10/01/20239 minutes 14 seconds
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241: 10 Things We’ve Learned From Learn Smarter Pro (Business Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss ten things they have learned from hosting Learn Smarter Pro. They chat about the common pain points that have emerged from all the Pro-sters who have participated in Learn Smarter Pro the past few years and what they have learned as coaches of the program. Other episodes mentioned:  Ep 134: Learn Smarter Pro Ep 207: Building Momentum to the Business and Life You Want with Educational Therapist and Learn Smarter Proster Jessica Mintz (Business Practices Series) Ep 209: Why You Shouldn't Wait to Start Business Coaching (Business Practices Series) Ep 218: Business Intentionality and New Motherhood with Educational Therapist & Former Learn Smarter Pro-ster Alena Houghton (Business Practices Series) Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodca
03/01/202312 minutes 50 seconds
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240: Happy Holidays

  Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET quickly check in with a holiday message and preview a bit of what’s to come for 2023. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
27/12/20223 minutes 10 seconds
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239: Metacognition (Executive Functioning Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss a major component of Executive Functioning Skills: metacognition. They share what it is, why it is important, and how to have reflective and reactive conversations to encourage metacognitive awareness. They also each share a real-life example of metacognition in action.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
20/12/202210 minutes 4 seconds
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238: The Messy Room Episode (Educational Therapy Series)

 Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, discuss the messy room dilemma that occurs in the vast majority of our teenagers. They get into the whys, hows and whats of the messy room dilemma and talk about how to approach it in a realistic way.  Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room   Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 38: How to set S.M.A.R.T. Goals
13/12/202210 minutes 49 seconds
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237: Self-Care for Educational Therapists (Business Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, talk through why Educational Therapists, learning specialists and those who “help” need to plan to take care of themselves. What they share about the ONE thing all of us MUST do in order to self-care may surprise you.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
06/12/202212 minutes 10 seconds
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236: How to Get your Learner to Read Outside of School (Reading Series)

In this episode, Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, discuss the whys and hows of how to get learners interested in stories. They discuss why reading is important, why flexibility around what reading can look like is critical and how to get buy-in from the readers in your home.  Links mentioned in this episode: https://bookwizard.scholastic.com/  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 119: Books for Reluctant Readers with Dustin Brady (Author Series) Ep 146:  How Graphic Novels Improve Reading with Author Raina Telgemeier (Author Series)
29/11/202211 minutes 6 seconds
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235: Re-Air: Academic Emergencies (Educational Therapy Series)

Newsflash: there is no such thing as an academic emergency. In this re-air of  episode 90, Rachel & Steph share: what an academic emergency is how parents can respond to an academic emergency strategies for learners to prevent academic emergencies the importance of keeping long-term goals in mind. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 89: Minimum Viable Product (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 41: The One Thing We Wish Learners Wouldn't Do  Ep 02: How to calendar Ep 25: (EF Series) All in good time how to manage time and get going Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Ep 04: Creating a Study Plan
22/11/202217 minutes 46 seconds
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234: Why Knowing Your Ideal Client is Essential (Business Practices Series)

Rachel and Stephanie share why learning who their ideal client is was so essential in building Kapp Educational Therapy Group and My Ed Therapist. They share how you can use your ideal client to battle Imposter Syndrome, simplify your business and elaborate on your expertise.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
15/11/20225 minutes 29 seconds
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233: How to Increase Follow Through (Executive Functioning Series)

Rachel and Stephanie share why follow through is so difficult for people who struggle with executive functioning skills. They share their tips on how to increase follow through. Ep 38: How to set S.M.A.R.T. Goals Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
08/11/20228 minutes 42 seconds
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232: Re-air 121 :The Most Common Executive Functioning Hazards (Executive Functioning Series)

Rachel & Steph have been working with students for so many years that they have seen it all. Today, they share some of the most common Executive Functioning pitfalls and trends they’ve seen over the years. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
01/11/202218 minutes 14 seconds
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231: Principles of Test-taking (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel and Steph dig into the fundamental executive functioning skills of test-taking. They share their principles of test-taking for multiple choice, short answers and essays. They also dig into computer testing, a modern post-COVID phenomenon. Other episodes mentioned: Ep 126: How to Study for a Math Test Ep 21: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing (Part 1) Ep 22: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing (Part 2) Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
25/10/202222 minutes 53 seconds
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230: 11 Things the Books Don’t Tell You About Executive Functioning Skills (Executive Functioning Skills Series)

Rachel and Steph have collectively worked with learners with Executive Functioning Skills challenges for over 20 years. They share what they know about learners with Executive Functioning Skills challenges and some of them may surprise you. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 201: Executive Functioning Skills Master Class with Dr. Peg Dawson (Executive Functioning Series) Ep 166: How Time Perception Impacts Learners with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series)
18/10/202221 minutes 11 seconds
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229: Upleveling Games Part 2 (Educational Therapy Series)

We’re back with part two of how to uplevel games. In this episode, we’ll dive a bit deeper into how and why to informally assess learners using games. We also chat about how learners derive self-esteem from game playing and how games can help strengthen metacognition. Be sure to listen to part one if you haven’t already! Ep 228: Upleveling Games Part 1 (Educational Therapy Series) Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
11/10/202211 minutes 59 seconds
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228: Upleveling Games Part 1 (Educational Therapy Series)

Stephanie is the Game Guru. Rachel & Steph go into Steph’s history with games and how she discovered her Game Guru-ness. Steph shares how games are low investment and high return and other reasons she integrates game play in sessions. She breaks down what type of games work best for different styles of learners and the impact games have on flexibility.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
04/10/202219 minutes 34 seconds
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227: The Start of the Year Mentality (Educational Therapy Series)

As Board Certified Educational Therapists, Rachel and Steph are able to observe trends throughout the year. Today they share what the new school year mentality looks like, why it is important to note, and the role of the educational therapist. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
27/09/202218 minutes 3 seconds
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226: How Business Mindset Impacts Educational Therapists (Business Series)

There have been surprises along the way as Rachel & Steph have gone through this podcast journey. Today, they share how the podcast has impacted the work they do, the people they coach, and their approach to educational therapy. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:  Ep 37: How Educational Therapy Works Coaching Series
20/09/202210 minutes 59 seconds
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225: How to Think About Math with Kapp Educational Therapy Group Learning Specialist and Master Teacher Anna Aguilar Gardner (Math Series)

Kapp Educational Therapy Group Learning Specialist Anna Aguilar Gardner joins us on the podcast. She talks about how to collaborate with the classroom teacher and how to approach material the same way. Anna talks about the importance of building a student-created resource guide and using notes to find similar practice problems. She talks about how fractions are a predictor of math success in later years, word problems, and which apps to use and how.  She also shares how educational therapists can use their own fear of math as an opportunity to connect with their learners. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
13/09/202227 minutes 7 seconds
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224: Re-Air: New Year New Goals (Educational Therapy Series)

Today, we’re revisiting an important and timely episode all about SMART goals! Listen in to learn why it’s important to set SMART goals and how to do it. Also, Steph coaches Rachel about an issue with one of her clients. At the end, Rachel ends up shifting what the SMART goal acronym means to help make it even easier for you, your learner and your families to establish them. Other episodes mentioned: Ep 37: How Educational Therapy Works Ep 13: Back to School (Part 1) Ep 36: How To Stop Doing the Executive Functioning for Your Learner with Christine Walsh  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website
06/09/202228 minutes 14 seconds
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223: You Don’t Need All the Answers Right Now (Business Practices Series)

Rachel and Steph discuss why a major role of educational therapy is to guide the parents to next best steps while maintaining the larger picture in mind. They chat about how onboarding parents effectively will allow you to mitigate clinician pressure and perfectionism and how chunking and prioritizing goals is essential.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist  
30/08/20227 minutes 9 seconds
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222: How to Talk to Your Kid About Their Diagnosis with Dr. Liz Angoff (Author Series)

Dr. Liz Angoff is an educational psychologist in private practice. She has also developed books and a framework around how to talk to your learner about their diagnosis. She shares how to explain and prepare learners for testing, giving scripts and establishing language around testing and learning profiles. In this conversation, you’ll hear how important it is for the learners themselves to use their own language because–spoiler alert–they already have their own narrative about what’s going on. She shares how assessment and diagnoses can be healing and affirmative, how feedback starts before the intake session, and how assessment is a discovery process of strengths and “whats under construction”. She talks about how diagnosis leads towards a healthy narrative and gives community and how parent processing time is critical for setting kids up for ongoing conversations with language they understand and use. Connect with Dr. Liz Angoff: www.brainbuildingbook.com  Discount Code: LearnSmarte
23/08/202240 minutes 57 seconds
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221: (Revisiting) Back to School (Educational Therapy Series)

Today, Rachel & Steph re-share how to prepare for going back to school. In this episode, Rachel & Steph talk about how to prevent “academic emergencies” by properly preparing and achievable goal setting. and partnership with your child’s teacher. They talk about calendaring for success. They also do a deep dive on big academic transitions (the leap that occurs from elementary school to middle school, middle school to high school or high school to college).  Be sure to scroll back and listen to Episode 15 (the companion to this episode) where Rachel & Steph reveal their secrets about school supplies. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 15: School Supplies Ep 37: How Educational Therapy Works Ep 38: How to set S.M.A.R.T. Goals Ep 02: H
16/08/202254 minutes 48 seconds
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220: ADHD and Girls with Dr. Kathleen Nadeau (Author Series)

Dr. Kathleen Nadeau is a clinical psychologist and Director of Chesapeake Center for ADHD, Learning & Behavioral Health as well as author of several books on ADHD and girls. She joins Rachel & Steph to talk about the history and trajectory of ADHD and shares how it is not a disorder of childhood. She shares how the DSM diagnostic criteria is derived from boys. She highlights how hyperactivity is not central to ADHD and that the core symptoms have to do with executive functioning stating that, “Executive functioning is heart and soul of ADHD”. ADHD is not a deficit of attention; it's a dysregulated attention system. She talks about the social interactions and impact of social problems on girls with ADHD, why girls get diagnosed when they hit puberty and the link between ADHD and estrogen. She shares how girls with ADHD live with anxiety and embarrassment as they try hard to avoid criticism. Finally she advocates for parental social engineering to mitigate the social impact of ADHD on gi
09/08/202245 minutes 17 seconds
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219: Permission to Pivot (Business Practices Series)

Rachel and Stephanie talk about how important it is to give ourselves permission as clinicians to pivot. They talk about giving yourself permission to pivot with clients, within your business and permission to not have all the answers.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
02/08/20227 minutes 44 seconds
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218: Business Intentionality and New Motherhood with Educational Therapist & Former Learn Smarter Pro-ster Alena Houghton (Business Practices Series)

Educational therapist, new mom and Learn Smarter Pro-ster Alena Houghton joins Rachel and Steph to talk about her experience deciding to build a new business while raising a new baby. They chatted about her decision to join Learn Smarter Pro and the mindset work she had to do to make the commitment. They talked about how Learn Smarter Pro helped her become very intentional about what she was building and why. They discussed the mindset work of new business ownership and how motherhood would help provide a lens and context to her decision to work for herself. Alena also shared her vision for the future and how Learn Smarter Pro was going to help her get there. Connect with Alena:  www.soempoweredtherapy.com [email protected] Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpo
26/07/202224 minutes 26 seconds
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217: Why Virtual Educational Therapy is NOT Online School (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel & Steph chat about how they thought about virtual educational therapy before the pandemic and how the pandemic completely shifted their thinking. They discuss the challenges that online school presented for learners and their families and how virtual educational therapy is not the same thing. They chat about the virtues of educational therapy and how to have a conversation with your clinician about what would work best for your family. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 123: Online Portal Pitfalls (Executive Functioning Series)
19/07/202213 minutes 12 seconds
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216: How Educational Therapy Can Help an Adult (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel and Steph dig into how educational therapy can significantly benefit adults. They share how executive functioning skills challenges don’t end with schooling and how it can impact relationships, jobs, and lives. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
12/07/20227 minutes 18 seconds
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215: The Testing Psychologist Podcast – Why Do Learners Lie and What to Do About It (Educational Therapy Series)

In this special episode, Dr. Jeremy Sharp of The Testing Psychologist podcast shares this conversation he had with Rachel Kapp and Stephanie Pitts. They tackle why learners lie and what to do about it. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 133:  What Your Assessor Wants You to Know with Dr. Jeremy Sharp (Professionals Series) The Testing Psychologist Ep 145: Learning at Home The Testing Psychologist Ep 102: Educational Therapy & Executive Functioning Intervention
05/07/20221 hour 1 minute 18 seconds
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214: ADHD Essentials – The Wall of Awful with Brendan Mahan (Executive Functioning Series)

ADHD Coach, Podcast Host and Speaker Brendan Mahan joins Rachel and Stephanie on the podcast. Brendan explains his “Wall of Awful”, how the bricks in the Wall of Awful form and the assumption of disappointment. He talks about the moral aspect of ADHD (when it’s really a biological challenge). He talks about the 5 options for responding to the Wall of Awful and Brendan shares how the concept of “done” is really about chunking. Brendan also coaches Rachel and Stephanie on some relationship communication tools when sharing how transitions are physical, emotional, and intellectual. Brendan also talks about the difficult conversations that can and will emerge from discussions about the Wall of Awful. Connecting with Brendan Mahan: Wall of Awful Video https://www.adhdessentials.com/ [email protected]  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’
28/06/202233 minutes 36 seconds
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213: How Coaching Led to Balance, Independence and Stabilibility with Educational Therapist Elizabeth Norwood (Business Practices Series)

Educational Therapist Elizabeth Norwood came to coaching with Stephanie concerned that working as an independent educational therapist was not sustainable. She talks about how coaching made her feel supported the way her learners feel in session and how she learned how important it was to get paid. Elizabeth shares how coaching made her take aim and be clear on her goals. She talks about how coaching led to a mindset shift where she no longer took the scraps of what the universe was sending to her, and how setting her own schedule allowed her to continue following her passion with being of service while creating free time and increased productivity. Elizabeth shares how coaching helped her get out of her own way on her path toward a successful career and a sustainable, profitable business. Connect with Elizabeth:  www.growlearnexpand.com IG: @growlearnexpand  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail lis
21/06/202224 minutes 25 seconds
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212: How to Know When You Are in the Right (or Wrong) School with Educational Consultant Shelley Lawrence (Professionals Series)

Shelley Lawrence is the founder of Schoolhouse Collaborative and has spent her entire career helping families navigate their child’s learning. In this conversation, she chats with Rachel and Steph about what to do to establish collaboration with professionals and parents, how to not look at a deficit based model for learners, and why and how to get curious and the importance of being honest and receptive to feedback.  She also provides her framework for how to know if your learner is in the right school and the importance of trusting your gut as a parent and professional. Connect with Shelley: www.schoolhousecollab.com Email: [email protected]  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
14/06/202230 minutes 21 seconds
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211: [Part 2] How Asking For Help Changed Her Life with Gracie (Success Stories Series)

In Part 2, Steph’s client Gracie joins the podcast to discuss her journey. She talks about focusing on the forest not the trees and the importance of thinking about the big picture. She talks about self-advocacy, the backpack map, and the importance of partnering with adults at school like teachers and counselors. Gracie advocates for people getting help and how things have transformed with her family and home life. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 16: Why Does Your Backpack Look Like That? Ep 210: [Part 1] Coachability and Self-Reflection with My Ed Therapist Parent Megan (Client Success Stories Series)  
07/06/202233 minutes 28 seconds
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210: [Part 1] Coachability and Self-Reflection with My Ed Therapist Parent Megan (Client Success Stories Series)

Megan, a parent of one of Steph’s My Ed Therapist clients, shares her parenting journey of why she sought out educational therapy for her daughter. Megan explains why her daughter stopped educational therapy and what eventually led them to start again. She also shares how she became the executive functioning part of her daughter's brain, how Gracie’s challenges emerged in multiple schools, and how she was consistently inconsistent. Megan chats with us about how working with Steph was “life-changing” and transformative for their mother-daughter relationship and home life and how much her relationship with Gracie has improved. We also discuss how empathy, self-reflection and profound coachability can be transformative. Listen next week to hear Gracie’s perspective on her own academic journey. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therap
31/05/202234 minutes 22 seconds
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209: Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Start Business Coaching (Business Practices Series)

Everyone is messy. Today, Rachel & Steph share the impact and importance of business coaching in building momentum. They share how coaching meets you where you are and helps you to figure out next best steps. They talk about the mindset of business coaching and the story people tell themselves.  Apply for Learn Smarter Pro: https://learnsmarterpodcast.com/lsp/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
24/05/20229 minutes 59 seconds
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208: Parenting the Kid You Have with Penny Williams (Parenting Series)

Penny Williams of the Parenting ADHD Podcast joins us to talk about the power of communication and being in community with other like-minded parents. She chats with us about the importance of accepting kids' neurodiversity, parenting without ego, and getting to know your child deeply. As Penny says, “Kids who feel good, do good." She also shares what she tells parents to let go of and talks about acceptance as a practice. Other episodes mentioned: Ep 91: Raising Complex Children with ADHD/Autism Coach Penny Williams (Author Series) Ep 155: Parenting Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda's with Penny Williams (Parenting Series) Parenting ADHD & Autism Podcast Ep 87: Identifying and Improving Lagging Executive Function Skills Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist  
17/05/202238 minutes 36 seconds
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207: Building Momentum to the Business and Life You Want with Educational Therapist and Learn Smarter Proster Jessica Mintz (Business Practices Series)

Educational Therapist Jessica Mintz joins Rachel and Steph for the podcast today. She shares her story of why and how she came to be an educational therapist. Jessica was a part of the last cohort of Learn Smarter Pro, the group coaching program for educational therapists and learning specialists looking to build a private practice. She shares the mindset work she had to do to convince herself she was deserving and worthy of the support, how Learn Smarter Pro helped her identify and establish practical boundaries and how Learn Smarter Pro helped create momentum to building the business she wants. She also shares how she really valued the group aspect of the program.  Connect with Jessica Mintz:  [email protected] www.jmeducationalconsulting.com Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @ka
10/05/202226 minutes 17 seconds
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206: Dispelling Myths and Relationship Building with Psychiatrist Dr. Chelsea Neumann (Local Professional Series)

Dr. Chelsea Neumann joins Rachel and Steph to chat about her work as a psychiatrist. She talks about the difference between a psychiatrist and psychologist, what the relationship can be like with a psychiatrist, and how she supports the entire family system. She talks about the impact of COVID-19 and how it has led to some very common concerns and how ADHD is not a sign of stupidity. Dr. Neumann shares how she prioritizes her relationship with patients to support them where they are, how educating her patients is a critical component of her work, and what giving medications an honest try looks like. She also shares how going to a psychiatrist is not a parental failure and what she wishes kids understood. Connect with Dr. Chelsea Neumann Westcoast Integrative Mental Health Parent Medication Guide Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   Learn Smarter Pro is coming back! Listen to find out more and join the waitlist here.   How to connect with us: Join our FB
03/05/202229 minutes 30 seconds
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205: “Not What I Expected: Help and Hope for Parents of Atypical Children” with Dr. Rita Eichenstein (Author Series)

Author and Neuropsychologist Dr. Rita Eichenstein joins Rachel and Stephanie to discuss her book, Not What I Expected: Help and Hope for Parents of Atypical Children. During this conversation, she talks about changing the language around parenting atypical children and honoring the parent journey. She talks about the pressure of exceptionality and how to look at your atypical child as a gift. They also further delve into the importance of existing in community with other parents who “get it”.  Connect with Dr. Rita Eichenstein www.drritaeichenstein.com  Not What I Expected Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
26/04/202236 minutes 20 seconds
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204: How to Establish Clinical Boundaries with Kapp Ed Therapy Group’s Maria Eliades (Business Practices Series)

Kapp Educational Therapy Group’s Maria Eliades joins Rachel and Steph today to talk about how establishing boundaries has been revolutionary for her. She talks about how time blocking and establishing boundaries early in relationships has led to rapport. Maria also shares about how porous boundaries lead to ripple effects and how identifying her ideal clients has helped her to love the work she does even more. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:  Ep 94: The Business of Educational Therapy
19/04/202242 minutes 40 seconds
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203: Beyond The Label with Dr. Karen Schiltz and Dr. Amy Schonfeld (Author Series)

Dr. Karen Schiltz and Dr. Amy Schonfeld join Rachel and Stephanie to talk about their book, Beyond the Label: A Guide to Unlocking a Child’s Educational Potential. They discuss the value of parents trusting and valuing their own instincts, the challenges of parenting and how intervention has to be insistent, persistent, and consistent to be effective. They also delve into a conversation about emotional functioning.  Connect with Dr. Karen Schiltz and Dr. Amy Schonfeld:Golden State Neuropsychology  Beyond the Label: A Guide to Unlocking a Child’s Educational Potential Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
12/04/202229 minutes 48 seconds
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202: Why We Left the Classroom with MET’s Eric and KETG’s Katie (Business Practices Series)

My Ed Therapist’s Eric Kaufmann and Kapp Educational Therapy Group’s Katie Nolan join Rachel and Steph to chat about how and why they became Educational Therapists. They chat about the concerns they had about leaving the classroom and why they all love the work that they do.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 95: Comprehension Strategies & Tools with Katie Nolan (Local Professionals Series) Ep 191: The Why and How of Informal Assessment with Katie Nolan (ET Series) Ep 173: My Ed Therapist's Eric Kaufmann on Executive Functioning in Males (EF Series) Ep 192: The Formula For Effort: How to Tell if Your Learner is Trying with Eric Kaufmann (ET Series)
05/04/202227 minutes 54 seconds
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201: Executive Functioning Skills Master Class with Dr. Peg Dawson (Executive Function Series)

Dr. Peg Dawson, the author of several important Executive Function Skills books, joins Rachel & Steph on the podcast. She shares what led her to exploring Executive Function Skills, her framework for supporting executive skills, and the difference between foundational and advanced skills. Find out more about Dr. Dawson: Smart But Scattered Kids Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
29/03/202242 minutes 32 seconds
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200: Our Journey to Board Certification (Podcast Milestone)

Celebrate! Rachel and Steph celebrate 200 episodes of Learn Smarter: the Educational Therapy podcast. They pull back the curtain on what podcasting means to them and how the podcast has informed their role as clinicians and business owners. Also they announce some exciting news about their Board Certification. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 179: Classic ADHD: Avoidance and Lies with Annie (Success Stories)
22/03/202217 minutes 15 seconds
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199: How Business Coaching Leads You to What You Want with Denielle Adibi (Business Practices Series)

Educational Therapist and Dyslexia Specialist Denielle Adibi joins the podcast today to discuss her experience doing business coaching with Rachel. She talks about how her desire to create a bigger impact and have a higher level of satisfaction led to her decision to leave the classroom. She shares how coaching led to her understanding her ideal clients and boundaries. Rachel and Steph also coach Denielle a little because they can’t help themselves.  Connect with Denielle Adibi: [email protected] Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
15/03/202230 minutes 48 seconds
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198: Trusting Your Parental Instincts with Laura (Success Stories)

Laura is a parent of one of Stephanie’s clients and she joins Rachel and Stephanie for a discussion about her parenting journey. She shares how hard it has been to get her daughter the help she needed and what brought her family into Educational Therapy. Laura shares how Educational Therapy has not only impacted her daughter’s academic experience but also how it has improved family and home life and impacted her marriage for the better. Laura shares what she wishes all parents and clinicians knew and about how challenging conversations are validating conversations. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 151: Overcoming Dyslexia with Dr. Sally Shaywitz, Part 1 (Author Series) Ep 152: Overcoming Dyslexia with Dr. Sally Shaywitz, Part 2 (A
08/03/202231 minutes 59 seconds
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197: How to Exit out of Educational Therapy (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel and Steph share how they exit learners out of Educational Therapy. They share their thought processes and questions they ask to determine if learners are ready to mitigate or stop educational therapy.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 37: How Educational Therapy Works Ep 31: It’s Always Something Success Stories  
01/03/202214 minutes 36 seconds
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196: The How and Why of Your Learner’s Superpower with My Ed Therapist’s Laura Korman (Educational Therapy Series)

My Ed Therapist’s Laura shares her own learning story and how it has informed her teaching style. She shares her ability to reframe learning disabilities to “super abilities”. She talks about the importance of identifying their superpower and using it for good. She also digs into other superpowers that learners can have and Rachel, Steph and Laura also chat about their own individual superpowers.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 85: Twice Exceptional Learners with Seth Perler (Executive Function Series) Ep 95: Comprehension Strategies & Tools with Katie Cadigan (Local Professionals Series) Ep 191: The Why and How of Informal Assessment with Katie Nolan (ET Series)
22/02/202227 minutes 40 seconds
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195: Sensory Processing Disorder and the “Out of Sync Child” with Carol Kranowitz (Author Series)

We all are processing our senses all the time. Carol Kranowitz talks us through her story and explains Sensory Processing Disorder and how sensations come in. She talks about how the Central Nervous System is essential to our survival and why Sensory Processing Disorder is like a traffic jam in our brain. She talks about the differences between inside and outside senses, how to observe what your child is craving AND avoiding the modulation issues that result from those senses. She also talks about how this all plays out in the classroom. Connect with Carol: www.CarolStockKranowitz.com   Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist  
15/02/202252 minutes 34 seconds
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194: Why I Went to Ed Therapy School with Kapp Ed Therapy’s Nikkia Pannell (Educational Therapy Series)

Kapp Educational Therapy Group Learning Specialist and future Educational Therapist Nikkia Pannell joins today to share about her career journey. She shares what drew her into the Educational Therapy world and what she likes about the work that we do. She also shares some of the strategies she has learned in school and how she uses them in real life. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 95: Comprehension Strategies & Tools with Katie Cadigan (Local Professionals Series) Ep 191: The Why and How of Informal Assessment with Katie Nolan (ET Series) Books: Strategy Instruction for Students with Learning Disabilities The Clinical Practice of Educational Therapy How the Special Needs Brain Learns
08/02/202234 minutes 23 seconds
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193: Does My Learner Need a Diagnosis? (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel and Stephanie dig into how they feel about whether or not a learner “needs” a diagnosis. They discuss some of the reasons why parents avoid getting a diagnosis, why a diagnosis is NOT an excuse or crutch and how a diagnosis actually preserves a learner’s self-esteem or self-concept.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 31: It’s Always Something
01/02/202212 minutes 19 seconds
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192: The Formula For Effort: How to Tell if Your Learner is Trying with Eric Kaufmann (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel and Steph welcome back My Ed Therapist Clinic Director, Eric Kaufmann. Eric breaks down our formula for effort (Engagement + Problem Solving = Effort). They talk about how to see if a learner has engaged and problem solved their way through a challenging task. They also chat about how time and effort are not correlated.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast Other episodes mentioned: Ep 173: My Ed Therapist's Eric Kaufmann on Executive Functioning in Males (EF Series) Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram Ep 130: The 5 M's of Talent with Dr. Rishi Sriram (Author Series) How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
25/01/202223 minutes 3 seconds
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191: The Why and How of Informal Assessment with Katie Nolan (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel and Stephanie welcome back Katie Nolan, the Clinical Director of Kapp Educational Therapy Group. Katie breaks down why she loves formal AND informal assessment. She also explains how intentional informal assessments are flexible tools for progress monitoring, leading to more questions and increased curiosity. Informal assessment also highlights resilience and tolerance levels. Learn Smarter Pro is coming back! Listen to find out more and apply here! Ep 134: Learn Smarter Pro Ep 185: Announcements and Updates Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 95: Comprehension Strategies & Tools with Katie Cadigan (Local Professionals Series) Ep 127: Understanding Vision with Developmental Optometrist Dr. Elise Brisco (Local Professionals Ser
18/01/202242 minutes 9 seconds
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190: Emotionally Charged Task Avoidance (Educational Therapy Series)

The learners that Rachel and Steph work with at Kapp Educational Therapy Group and My Ed Therapist ALL have some emotional response to tasks that they avoid. Rachel and Steph dig into this–they talk about what it means, what it looks like, how to figure it out through getting curious, and some examples from their own experiences.    Learn Smarter Pro is back! Listen to find out more and apply here. Program begins February 1, 2022. Ep 134: Learn Smarter Pro Ep 185: Announcements and Updates Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
11/01/202219 minutes 53 seconds
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189: How to Set the Stage for Success

Ever wonder what Rachel and Stephanie think about at moments of transition? In this episode, they discuss what they do with clients at the start of a new semester or school year and share their principles for establishing success.    Learn Smarter Pro is coming back! Listen to find out more and join the waitlist here. Ep 134: Learn Smarter Pro Ep 185: Announcements and Updates Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:  Ep 16: Why Does Your Backpack Look Like That? Ep 38: How to set S.M.A.R.T. Goals Ep 44:  School Partnership & Comprehension Strategies with Evelize Ramos  Ep 129: Parent Coach Cheryl Hersh and the Ground Rules Playbook for Parenting (Parenting Series) Ep 136: Creating a Check-in/Check-Out of Work System (Executive Function Seri
04/01/202218 minutes 14 seconds
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188: Happy New Year

Rachel & Steph take the time to share a quick message of appreciation and some well wishes for all Smarties. Learn Smarter Pro is coming back! Listen to find out more and join the waitlist here. Ep 134: Learn Smarter Pro Ep 185: Announcements and Updates Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
28/12/202157 seconds
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187: Steph’s Favorite Games of 2021

It’s that time of year again! Stephanie shares her favorite games of 2021. If you’re on our email list, you already received her list in a freebie! If you’re not on the Learn Smarter email list, what are you waiting for? Join us on our website  www.learnsmarterpodcast.com. Learn Smarter Pro is coming back! Listen to find out more and join the waitlist here. Ep 134: Learn Smarter Pro Ep 185: Announcements and Updates Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 19: Steph’s Top Games and Apps (Reading Series) Ep 32: Our Favorite Apps and Games of 2018 Ep 64: Steph's Favorite Math Apps & Games for Elementary  Ep 80: Steph's Favorite Middle/High School Math Games (Math Series)  
21/12/202115 minutes 13 seconds
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186: All or Nothing Brain (Executive Function Series)

Understanding the “all or nothing brain” can be critical for learners. Rachel & Steph talk about what an “all or nothing brain” is, how it shows up in learning, school, and life. They discuss real world examples and why it is so important to understand the choices being made. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 82: Understanding Kids who are Rigid (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 83: How To Help Kids who are Rigid (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 166: How Time Perception Impacts Learners with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series)
14/12/202112 minutes 57 seconds
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185: Announcements and Updates

Rachel & Steph share 3 very exciting announcements! Rachel shares BIG NEWS and Rachel & Steph announce some new projects and Patreon updates! Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 134: Learn Smarter Pro Ep 94: The Business of Educational Therapy
07/12/202118 minutes 19 seconds
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184: Our Greatest Study Hack (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel and Steph are giving away their greatest study hack today. They deep dive into the 3 questions every learner should be asking on an ongoing basis, why it’s critical and what to do once your learner has implemented this strategy. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Ep 04: Creating a Study Plan Ep 126: How to Study for a Math Test Ep 140: The Secret to "Studying Harder" (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 160: Our #1 Study Hack (Tricks of the Trade Series)
30/11/202111 minutes 25 seconds
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183: Indecision and Procrastination with Arielle (Student Success Stories)

Today, Rachel’s client from Kapp Educational Therapy Group joins the podcast to discuss her growth. Arielle started educational therapy in the middle of 11th grade and continued through her first year of college. In this episode, she talks about her early experiences in educational therapy with Rachel, how her home life has changed as a result of intervention, and the impact that procrastination and indecision have had on her academic life (and what she does now to mitigate that impact).  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
23/11/202124 minutes 55 seconds
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182: The Principles of a Portal Audit (Educational Therapy Series)

In this critically important episode, Rachel and Steph go through why every learner needs to learn how to do a proper portal audit. They go through just some of the reasons portals are problematic (scroll back to Episode 123 for more on that) and deep dive into the principles of a portal audit and what each learner needs to do on a consistent and persistent basis and why. Support us on Patreon (New tier available!): https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:  Ep 123: Online Portal Pitfalls (Executive Functioning Series) Ep 02: How to calendar Ep 78: How to Calendar like a Pro (Executive Function Series) Ep 79: The 4 excuses kids have for not calendaring (Executive Function Series)
16/11/202117 minutes 37 seconds
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181: Re-Air: My Kid Isn’t Reading (Reading Series)

We want all kids to love reading, and that’s why we’re revisiting this important episode this week. Stephanie does a deep dive on how she works with students who find reading challenging. She teaches us about how reading is comprised of two main components (fluency and comprehension). She gives a million ideas on how to support struggling early readers and students who struggle with reading in middle school and high school. Steph also provides a ton of resources and ideas that are centered around cultivating a love of stories.  Support us on Patreon: We also have a new membership tier! Check it out and score access to new episodes one week early! https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
09/11/202137 minutes 40 seconds
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180: What Questions Should I Be Asking My Learner’s Teacher? (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel and Steph answer a frequently asked question they receive from parents in their practice and their Smarties audience: What questions should I be asking my learner’s teacher?  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
02/11/20217 minutes 57 seconds
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179: Classic ADHD: Avoidance and Lies with Annie (Success Stories)

Rachel and Steph welcome Annie, Rachel’s client from Kapp Educational Therapy Group. Annie impressively deep dives into her own learning profile, thoughtfully talking about her educational therapy journey. In this episode she talks about how her ADHD has impacted her ability to function and how she has grown through educational therapy. Annie discusses deeply understanding how her ADHD manifests itself and why that was so impactful for her. She also talks with Rachel and Steph about procrastination, avoidance, lying, the importance of auditing her portal, self-advocacy and time management. She catalogues her own growth and thoughtfully talks through her experience.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
26/10/202145 minutes 9 seconds
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178: Re-Air: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Part 2 (Author Series)

This week, Rachel & Steph re-air their second conversation with Dr. Rishi Sriram from Baylor University. In episode 109, Dr. Sriram begins the conversation about “learning how to learn.” That episode is linked below. In this episode, Dr. Sriram delves more deeply into his GHOSTRIVER to the SEA mnemonic that guides the conversation for how learning occurs. Through this master class conversation, they talk about how to use our knowledge of how learning works and what works best to teach and support the learning of the clients they work with. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Ep 04: Creating a Study Plan
19/10/202156 minutes 22 seconds
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177: Re-Air: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram (Author Series)

Today, Rachel & Steph are re-airing one of their all-time favorite episodes! They welcome Dr. Rishi Sriram from Baylor University to the podcast. In this episode, they chat with Dr. Sriram about how learning occurs in the brain, how important and normal forgetting is to learning and the importance of interleaving, spacing and mindfulness. They have an amazing conversation about how essential productive struggle is to learning as a whole. Dr. Sriram also shares some fantastic tangibles--things we can immediately do impact the lives of the learners in our practices. He also shares some thoughts he and his wife have developed on parenting with high expectations while not linking their kids self-esteem to their learning. https://www.edutopia.org/article/neuroscience-behind-productive-struggle Timer Cube with up to 5 min Timer Cube with up to 30 min Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp
12/10/20210
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176: Why Learners Procrastinate (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel and Steph dig into the top 5 reasons why learners procrastinate.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Executive Functioning Series Client Success Stories Ep 172: Why Learners Lie (Part 1) (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 175: What to do About Learners Who Lie (Part 2) (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 63: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 166: How Time Perception Impacts Learners with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 167: How Processing Speed Impacts Social Skills with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 168: Processing Speed vs. Sluggish Cognitive Tempo with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series)
05/10/20210
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175: What to do About Learners Who Lie (Part 2) (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel and Steph continue the conversation from episode 172: Why Learners Lie and discuss what they do about learners who lie, avoid reality and avoid the truth. They share some tips and tricks they’ve learned along the way that have dramatically helped the learners in their practices. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 172: Why Learners Lie (Part 1) (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 153: Changing the Narrative for your Struggling Learner with Dr. Stacy Haynes (Professionals Series)
28/09/20210
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174: Re-Air 93: IEP 101 with Attorney Grace Clark (Local Professional Series)

This week, we’re re-airing an important episode we recorded with attorney Grace Clark. Grace leads us through a fascinating conversation about what education laws are, IEP vs. 504 plans, and what parents can expect (from deadlines to interventions to goals to collaboration). She also shares her personal story of parenting a child with learning differences and going through this process as a parent. This one is worth a re-listen! Connect with Grace Clark:  [email protected] Www.specialedattorney.org Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
21/09/202138 minutes 13 seconds
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173: My Ed Therapist’s Eric Kaufmann on Executive Functioning in Males (EF Series)

My Ed Therapist’s lead team member Eric Kaufmann joins Rachel and Steph today on the podcast to talk about executive function in boys. They chat about self-advocacy, goals, values, motivation, and how to not give up when faced with a difficult task. He also shares the “Eric EF Scale” with us and our audience.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 169: Improving Family Connections with Dr. Sharon Saline (Author Series) Ep 95: Comprehension Strategies & Tools with Katie Cadigan (Local Professionals Series)
14/09/20210
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172: Why Learners Lie (Part 1) (Educational Therapy Series)

 Rachel and Steph dig into the many reasons why learners lie in today’s episode. Be sure to listen in a few weeks when they talk about what to do about learners who lie.   Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 171: Girl ADHD with Dr. Julie Caplan (Professionals Series)
07/09/202115 minutes 25 seconds
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171: Girl ADHD with Dr. Julie Caplan (Professionals Series)

Dr. Julie Caplan joins Rachel and Stephanie on the podcast to discuss how ADHD manifests differently in boys and girls. Dr. Caplan explains ADHD, how it shows up differently from “traditional ADHD” in girls, and why it often gets missed in girls. She further discusses the insatiability of people with ADHD and what parents should look for in their learners if they suspect ADHD.  Connect with Dr. Julie Caplan: [email protected]  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
31/08/202131 minutes 27 seconds
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170: Re-Air: The Perfect Storm: Writing & Executive Functioning (Executive Functioning Series)

This week, we’re re-airing an oldie but goodie to help with the start of school and the anxiety that may be building around the challenging task of writing. Writing presents a challenge for ALL students--it doesn’t matter if they have a learning or medical diagnosis that interferes with their ability to function in the classroom. Writing. Is. Hard.  In today’s episode, Rachel & Steph do a deep dive into writing and explain why it is often the most challenging part of a child’s day. They (of course!) give a few tips and ideas on how to make it easier.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
24/08/202121 minutes 27 seconds
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169: Improving Family Connections with Dr. Sharon Saline (Author Series)

Dr. Sharon Saline, author of What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life, joins Rachel and Steph to discuss her goal of improving the connection between parents and learners with ADHD through improving conversation. She walks them through her 5C’s of parenting which are self-control, compassion, collaboration, consistency, and celebration. They also dive into a conversation about medication.  Connect with Dr. Sharon Saline: www.drsharonsaline.com  What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew ADHD Solution Card Deck  On Patreon, Rachel, Steph, and Sharon continue the conversation with Rachel asking some anecdotal questions she has about kids with ADHD. This leads to a broader conversation about kids who take human growth hormone and parenting twins and siblings who are drastically different.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educa
17/08/202148 minutes 52 seconds
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168: Processing Speed vs. Sluggish Cognitive Tempo with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series)

For the final episode of Dr. Braaten month, Dr. Braaten guides Rachel & Steph through a conversation about the differences between processing speed and sluggish cognitive tempo. She teaches that processing speed is related to performance and is measurable, often impacting academic performance. Sluggish cognitive tempo, on the other hand, is observed and reported by parents and teacher ratings and often is identified through problems with daily living activities. Other episodes mentioned: Ep 63: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 166: How Time Perception Impacts Learners with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 167: How Processing Speed Impacts Social Skills with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Connect with Dr. Braaten:  www.mghclaycenter.org Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @lear
10/08/202122 minutes 13 seconds
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167: How Processing Speed Impacts Social Skills with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series)

Dr. Braaten month continues as she, Rachel & Steph dig into the impact of processing speed on social skills. Dr. Braaten redefines processing speed and shares that 40% of kids with processing difficulties will report social difficulties. She highlights that processing speeds impact social life in that children with processing difficulties often are the last one to do something or children miss an opportunity or find themselves in a situation they didn’t mean to be in. She shares that the social impact of processing issues is a combination of the impact of self-knowledge and the environment they’re in. They strategize about how to help learners with processing difficulties mitigate the impact on their social world through preparation and building awareness. Other episodes mentioned: Ep 63: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 166: How Time Perception Impacts Learners with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Connect with Dr. Braaten:  www.mghclaycenter.org Suppor
03/08/202126 minutes 41 seconds
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166: How Time Perception Impacts Learners with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series)

Rachel & Steph welcome Dr. Ellen Braaten back for Dr. Braaten month! Dr. Braaten discusses how time perception is an incredibly important part of understanding processing speed and ADHD, and she shares some tips and hints to help respond to time perception issues. She explains meta-time blindness and has a discussion about when it is important to keep track of time and when it should be let go. She also chats with Rachel & Steph about how overscheduling actually feels. Other episodes mentioned: Ep 63: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Connect with Dr. Braaten:  www.mghclaycenter.org
27/07/202127 minutes 56 seconds
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165: Re-Air: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series)

We are revisiting this important episode we recorded with Dr. Ellen Braaten to kick off an entire month of episodes featuring her! Dr. Braaten is a leading expert on processing speeds and she joined Rachel & Steph to have a wide-ranging conversation about what processing speed is and how it impacts daily functioning. Her book Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up further explains what processing speed is and the effects slow processing can have on family life, school, and social life. Dr. Braaten also shared what we can do to help the people in our lives who have slower processing while also providing very reassuring and research-based parenting feedback. Connect with Dr. Braaten: www.MGHClayCenter.org Bright Kids Who Can't Keep Up How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 57: How to Create Free Time while Maint
20/07/20211 hour 1 minute 6 seconds
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164: Emotional Intelligence and FeelLinks with Marcelle Waldman (Professionals Series)

Marcelle Waldman joins Rachel and Steph on the podcast to discuss her company, FeelLinks, an intentional tool related to social/emotional learning for young children. Emotional intelligence is understanding, labeling, and managing feelings while knowing and understanding how others are feeling. Emotional intelligence builds responsible decision making, self-awareness, social awareness and empathy. Rachel, Steph, and Marcelle dig into how amazing FeelLinks is, how it can be used in a variety of ways (or explicitly as directed) and why it is so critical to have “feelings conversations” with your learners. Get 10% off for FeelLinks using code: learnsmarter Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist  
13/07/202132 minutes 14 seconds
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163: College Planning for Learners with Specialized Needs with Melanie Tasoff (Professionals Series)

College Counselor Melanie Tasoff specializes in helping neurodiverse learners and learners with specialized needs navigate the college process. She takes a well-rounded, whole child approach, talks extensively about best fit and what that means, and gives us the latest information on SAT/ACTs. She discusses the specific fears and concerns that parents are navigating through this process, the importance of independent living skills (like navigating transportation/cooking/managing finances/laundry) in assessing readiness and gap year alternatives that can be the right next step for learners.  Email Melanie Tasoff: [email protected]  Magellan Counseling Bio Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 131: Dispelling College Accommo
06/07/202137 minutes 13 seconds
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162: Navigating Post-Pandemic (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel and Steph dig into what re-entry into in-person school will look like and feel like. They discuss the fears, questions, and adjustments learners, parents, teachers, and educational therapists are experiencing as they navigate a slower re-entry into a post-pandemic world.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 123: Online Portal Pitfalls (Executive Functioning Series) Ep 02: How to calendar Ep 78: How to Calendar like a Pro (Executive Function Series) Ep 79: The 4 excuses kids have for not calendaring (Executive Function Series) Ep 89: Minimum Viable Product (Educational Therapy Series)
29/06/202120 minutes 11 seconds
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161: Understanding and Developing Motivation for Your Learner Part 2 (Author Series)

Rachel & Steph continue their conversation from episode 159 with co-authors Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson.  In the second half of their conversation, they dig into self-determination theory even more. They further discuss the parenting shift from helping kids feel safe to helping them learn to be brave. They talk about how figuring out who is responsible for what is critical, how to offer and not force help or our experience on learners and why giving control to kids to make decisions is essential in helping them learn to solve their own problems. Other episodes mentioned: Ep 159: Understanding and Developing Motivation for Your Learner Part 1 (Author Series) Connect with Ned and Bill:  www.selfdrivenchild.com    The Self-Driven Child
22/06/202118 minutes 23 seconds
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160: Our #1 Study Hack (Tricks of the Trade Series)

Rachel & Steph are giving away their number one study hack! Tune in to hear this easy, simple, and effective strategy that works across ages, grades and subjects! Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Ep 04: Creating a Study Plan Ep 126: How to Study for a Math Test Ep 140: The Secret to "Studying Harder" (Educational Therapy Series)
15/06/20219 minutes 47 seconds
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159: Understanding and Developing Motivation for Your Learner Part 1 (Author Series)

Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, the co-authors of The Self-Driven Child, join Rachel & Steph on the podcast. This important conversation is critical for all those invested in education--so everyone! In addition to talking about stress and why life is stressful, they discuss happiness and shared delusion disorder while further exploring how motivation and control are so linked. Rachel & Steph also chat with the authors about self-determination theory. Connect with Ned and Bill: www.selfdrivenchild.com    The Self-Driven Child Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
08/06/202148 minutes 24 seconds
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158: How to Avoid Wasting Time with Flashcards (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel & Steph chat again about active studying vs. passive studying. They talk about how flashcarding can be an incredibly useful tool for studying when done properly, thoughtfully and intentionally. They chat about how time spent on “studying” does not correlate with performance on an assessment. They further open up about what active flashcarding is and how to make it productive for learners.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Ep 04: Creating a Study Plan Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram Ep 115: Learning About Learning with Dr Rishi Part 2 (Author Series)
01/06/202110 minutes 51 seconds
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157: Anatomy of the Trigger with Diane Dempster (Parenting Series)

Parenting coach and trainer Diane Dempster of www.impactparents.com joins Rachel & Steph on the podcast to discuss the anatomy of a trigger. She takes us through the stages of triggers (aware, alert, alarm) and discusses how different people have different triggers. She talks about raising the level of consciousness and understanding the story that you have told yourself (and then the reaction you have to the story). She highlights the difference between ending an argument versus solving a conflict, how the key to helping someone recover is compassion, how bottom-lining is critical and how important it is to separate the trigger/reaction from problem solving. She also digs deeper into the difference between fake calm and real calm. On Patreon, Diane continues the conversation discussing what yelling works, the PINCH idea that attracts the ADHD brain, and not taking things personally. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast Connect with Diane:www.impactparents
25/05/202139 minutes 27 seconds
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156: Behind the Scenes: 3rd Anniversary Episode

Pierce Siebers, the sound engineer of Learn Smarter Podcast, joins Rachel and Steph on the podcast to celebrate their third anniversary of the Learn Smarter Podcast. In this wide-ranging conversation, they talk about the origin of educational therapy, how Rachel and Steph connected originally, and what it was like to launch our businesses and then launch this podcast. They also chat about what they would do if they weren’t educational therapists.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 54: One Year of Podcasting Ep 100: How to Set Up Homework Routines (Executive Functioning Series)
18/05/202137 minutes 58 seconds
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155: Parenting Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda’s with Penny Williams (Parenting Series)

Rachel & Steph welcome back Penny Williams for a retrospective on her parenting journey. She talks about what she wishes she knew, how she didn’t know what she didn’t know, and how the grass isn’t always greener. She also talks about the work she’s done on her own mindset to help her become the parent she wants to be.  Connect with Penny: www.Parentingadhdandautism.com  www.behaviorrevolution.com   The Parenting Collaborative The Happy Mama Retreat  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 91: Raising Complex Children with ADHD/Autism Coach Penny Williams (Author Series)
11/05/202138 minutes 59 seconds
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154: What to Expect from Educational Therapy (Educational Therapy Series)

After 153 episodes, Rachel & Steph still get asked what parents and learners can expect from educational therapy from their practices, Kapp Educational Therapy Group and My Ed Therapist. In this episode, Rachel & Steph dig into what to expect from the educational therapy process. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 37: How Educational Therapy Works Ep 30: The Magic Pill
04/05/202117 minutes 21 seconds
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153: Changing the Narrative for your Struggling Learner with Dr. Stacy Haynes (Professionals Series)

Dr. Stacy Haynes joins Rachel & Steph on the podcast to talk about the CPS (Collaborative and Proactive Solutions) model, the Plan B conversation, and how she shares Rachel & Steph’s fundamental belief that kids do well when they can. She talks about shifting the conversation from concerning behaviors to unsolved problems, how empathy plays a role in that shift, and how the Plan B conversation leads to a win-win solution for the adult and learner, realistic and mutually satisfactory. Dr. Haynes continues the conversation on Patreon with a discussion of how to get parents on the same page, how parent collaboration can be supported through modeling the Plan B, and her work on punishment disproportionality. https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast Website: www.livesinthebalance.org, www.thekidswelose.com, The Hope and Solutions Video Amazon: Explosive Child, Lost at School, Lost and Found, Raising Human Beings Facebook: The Plan B Facebook Group  How to connect with us: Join our FB Gro
27/04/202148 minutes 59 seconds
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152: Overcoming Dyslexia with Dr. Sally Shaywitz, Part 2 (Author Series)

Today, Rachel & Steph continue their conversation with Dr. Sally Shaywitz, author of Overcoming Dyslexia. In this episode, Dr. Shaywitz talks about the importance of evidence based interventions versus research based interventions, how parents can improve fluency with their children, why dyslexia is so often missed, and how critical accommodations are. She also gives examples of how dyslexic adults have emerged to be at the top of their field and shares why she believes parents and schools should not delay kindergarten.  Overcoming Dyslexia Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 151: Overcoming Dyslexia with Dr. Sally Shaywitz, Part 1 (Author Series)
20/04/202129 minutes 33 seconds
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151: Overcoming Dyslexia with Dr. Sally Shaywitz, Part 1 (Author Series)

Rachel and Steph welcome the incomparable Dr. Sally Shaywitz, author of Overcoming Dyslexia onto the podcast. She talks about her advocacy work with policymakers, the signs of dyslexia, the Sea of Strengths Model, the Connecticut Longitudinal Study and the Shaywitz Dyslexia Screening. Overcoming Dyslexia Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
13/04/202132 minutes 11 seconds
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150: How Cultivating Curiosity Transforms Writing (Writing Series)

Rachel & Steph dig into why cultivating curiosity transforms writing. They discuss why cultivating curiosity removes expectations and misunderstandings about how to answer a writing prompt, allows learners to move forward with a brain dump, and helps them figure out how to authentically add to their ideas and writing. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Writing series
06/04/202116 minutes 57 seconds
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149: How to Prioritize while Parenting with Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster (Author Series)

Rachel and Steph welcome (back) Elaine and Diane, the co-founders of ImpactParents.com. Elaine and Diane go into their origin story, explaining the way they have transformed the lives of hundreds of parents across the world who are raising complex children. They talk about the language that Elaine and Diane have given them over the years including the idea of taking aim, “getting curious not furious,” and so much more. On Patreon, we discuss mood management, the impact of worry, shame & fear and how different the child’s experience of mood is from the self-realized parent. They talk about making things matter of fact and removing judgment and having a calming toolbox. They also share the 4 steps to end the stress cycle.  More from Elaine & Diane: Elaine & Diane: www.Impactparents.com   Special gift: www.impactparents.com/learnsmarter  Sanity School for Parents Group Coaching Private Coaching Parenting ADHD Book Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids Support us on Patreon: https://ww
30/03/202136 minutes 29 seconds
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148: Why You Shouldn’t Wait for the Pandemic to End to Start Educational Therapy (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel and Steph dig into why virtual learning isn’t ALL bad and how it’s benefited some learners and been even harder for others. They talk about the lessons of the pandemic and why starting educational therapy NOW is absolutely the right step for families.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 87: Why Every Learner Needs a Living Strategies Document (Educational Therapy Series) Executive Functioning Series
23/03/202118 minutes 8 seconds
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147: Math and Executive Functioning Woes (Math Series)

Rachel & Steph dig into how executive functioning impacts math functioning and ability. They break down executive functioning when it comes to math and talk about frequent challenges of learners who struggle with math because of executive functioning. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Math series
16/03/202115 minutes 31 seconds
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146: How Graphic Novels Improve Reading with Author Raina Telgemeier (Author Series)

Graphic Novelist Raina Telgemeier joins Rachel & Steph on the podcast to talk about her books and stories that are inspiring a new generation of reluctant readers. They deep dive into a shared mutual love of The Babysitters Club, how Raina became associated with that series, how her work has changed over the years and how she got to be a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author. Raina relates to so many of the learners in educational therapy and her books cultivate a love of reading in reluctant readers. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
09/03/202136 minutes 44 seconds
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145: Auditory Processing with Dr. Bea Braun (Professionals Series)

Rachel & Steph welcome audiologist Dr. Bea Braun to the podcast. In this episode, Dr. Braun explains how layered and foundational auditory processing is, the way the brain processes auditory information, how it directly impacts learning (reading, writing, and school functioning), and what learners can do about impacted auditory processing. Connect with Dr. Bea Braun https://www.auditoryprocessingctr.com Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 63: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 127: Understanding Vision with Developmental Optometrist Dr. Elise Brisco (Local Professionals Series)
02/03/202141 minutes 39 seconds
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144: Understanding Twice Exceptionality (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel and Steph dig into twice exceptionality--what it is, what it means, and how to identify it in your world.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 23: The Highly Gifted Student Ep 85: Twice Exceptional Learners with Seth Perler (Executive Function Series) Ep 92: Plagued by the Burden of Potential (Parenting Series)
23/02/20219 minutes 23 seconds
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143: Problem Solving Expressive Language with listener Rachel (On-air coaching call)

Listen in as Rachel and Steph coach listener Rachel on how to support her 12 year old daughter. They discuss her learning profile and coach her to think more broadly about her daughter’s aversions. They dig into comprehension, auditory processing, honoring where her daughter is (her developmental age vs. her chronological age), and expressive language. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
16/02/202133 minutes 35 seconds
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142: Understanding Autism in Girls with Dr. Donna Henderson – Part 2 (Professionals Series)

Rachel and Steph continue their conversation with clinical psychologist Dr. Donna Henderson. They discuss the validation that families can feel from receiving a diagnosis, a framework for helping families to understand a diagnosis, and an in depth conversation about “context blindness” and context impacts our entire understanding of the world. To listen to the first part of this conversation: Ep 141: Understanding Autism in Girls with Dr. Donna Henderson Part 1(Professionals Series) Dr. Donna Henderson Mentioned:  BLOG Post: How to tell your child you they have ADHD or Autism Autism by Context Blindness by Peter Vermeulen Donna's New Book: Is This Autism? Blog Post about Donna's New Book   To hear the extended conversation with Dr. Donna Henderson (and to get access to all other extended conversations and previously shared freebies):  https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group websit
09/02/202125 minutes 22 seconds
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141: Understanding Autism in Girls with Dr. Donna Henderson Part 1 (Professionals Series)

Rachel and Steph welcome clinical psychologist Dr. Donna Henderson to the podcast. Dr. Henderson talks about the autism diagnosis and how it has shifted over the years. She talks about the benefits of diagnosis and when diagnoses can be helpful. She teaches how nuanced autism is, how it presents differently between males and females, and why girls are so often misdiagnosed. Connect with Dr. Henderson: Drdonnahenderson.com [email protected] Schedule an appt : The Stixrud Group (301-565-0534) TED Talk recommended by Dr. Donna Henderson  Donna's New Book: Is This Autism? Blog Post about Donna's New Book How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
02/02/202137 minutes 42 seconds
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140: The Secret to “Studying Harder” (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel & Steph discuss the secret to “studying harder”--and the truth may surprise you! They go into what studying harder means, why parents say it, and what effective studying looks like.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 38: How to set S.M.A.R.T. Goals Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram Ep 115: Learning About Learning with Dr Rishi Part 2 (Author Series) Ep 130: The 5 M's of Talent with Dr. Rishi Sriram (Author Series) Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Ep 04: Creating a Study Plan
26/01/202110 minutes 20 seconds
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139: Social Emotional Games with Tara Eddy (Professionals Series)

Stomp It Out creator and licensed educational psychologist, Tara Eddy, joins Rachel & Steph today to chat about her new game, Stomp It Out, that is perfect for parents, educators, educational therapists and psychologists. Stomp it Out is designed to promote feeling identification and emotional expression, build emotional vocabulary, perspective taking, body awareness and problem solving. In this episode she talks about the origin story of the game, how the game works and how the game has already impacted so many students. Rachel and Steph endorse this game wholeheartedly. Stomp It Out on Amazon For more information and extra resources:  www.stomp-it-out.com [email protected]    Learn Smarter Pro Application Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
19/01/202133 minutes 32 seconds
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138: Self-Advocacy and Savvy Studenting

Rachel & Steph dig into what self-advocacy truly is and how they cultivate it within their learners. They chat about the importance of people and social skills, why it’s important to understand the teacher’s perspective and point of view and how to use this understanding to ask to have their needs met. Learn Smarter Pro Application Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 02: How to calendar Ep 78: How to Calendar like a Pro (Executive Function Series) Ep 79: The 4 excuses kids have for not calendaring (Executive Function Series)
12/01/202125 minutes 56 seconds
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137: Perfectionism with Julie Skolnick (Professional Series)

Julie Skolnick joins the podcast today to talk about her areas of expertise: guiding parents, 2E adults and training teachers. She shares so many gems including the importance of finding verbs, responding not reacting, expectations, the interconnectedness of anxiety and perfectionism, comparing selves to self, and why sometimes good enough is good enough. Rachel & Steph also dig deep with Julie about internal motivations, finding joy in every day, and the importance of failure. Connect with Julie Skolnick:  www.withunderstandingcomescalm.com  [email protected]  Julieskolnick.youcanbook.me: 20 minute free consultation on Mondays  2Eresources.com  Letstalk2e.com  Books Recommended by Julie: Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome Blessing of a Skinned Knee Perfectionism: A Practical Guide to Managing “Never Good Enough” Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational
05/01/202146 minutes 27 seconds
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136: Creating a Check-In/Check-Out of Work System (Executive Function Series)

Rachel & Steph introduce their Check-in/Check-Out of Work System. With virtual learning, learners have had to be even more diligent with making sure they’re staying “on top” of their workloads. To help them reach their goals, Rachel & Steph created this framework and system to make sure they’re “on it.” Click here to access our Check In/Check Out System freebie! Thinking about joining Learn Smarter Pro? Apply here and we’ll be in touch! The group will be kept small by design so don’t wait to let us know you’re interested! Not sure you’re ready? Reply back and let us know so we can figure it out together! We’re also hosting a FREE Zoom call on Thursday, January 7th at 6:30pm PST to answer questions! Sign up at this link to join the call! Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @mye
29/12/202025 minutes 16 seconds
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135: Parenting your Complex Kid with Elaine Taylor-Klaus (Author Series)

Today, the amazing Elaine Taylor-Klaus joins Rachel and Steph to discuss her new book, The Essential Guide to Parenting Complex Kids  with ADHD, Anxiety, and More: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know to Empower Complicated Kids with Confidence and Calm. In this episode, Rachel and Steph explain how influential Elaine and her collaborator Diane were to their journey and have an engaging conversation about parenting complex kids, focusing on relationships not tasks, and understanding your parenting avatar. On Patreon: Rachel, Steph, & Elaine extend their conversation about the essential question: “Is it naughty or neurological?” while also chatting about a South African Restaurant in Atlanta and something called “hair sparkles." Connect with Elaine: www.impactparents.com  www.impactparents.com/guide  The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids with ADHD, Anxiety, and More: What Parents and Teachers Really Need to Know to Empower Complicated Kids with Confidence and Calm Support us on
22/12/202039 minutes 19 seconds
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134: Learn Smarter Pro

Learn Smarter Pro is back! You asked and we’re saying “yes!” Learn Smarter Pro is our 8 week coaching program for learning specialists and ed therapists in private practice who want to learn from the benefit of our experience. Wondering how we built thriving practices? That’s where we dig in and spill all the tea. Listen in to hear more and learn how to apply! Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
15/12/202028 minutes 47 seconds
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133: What Your Assessor Wants You to Know with Dr. Jeremy Sharp (Professionals Series)

Rachel and Steph welcome psychologist Dr. Jeremy Sharp to the pod for a behind the scenes chat between educational therapists and psychologists. They talk about the parenting experience of testing and assessment, why the evaluation process is long and thorough, and how labeling is not such a bad thing. Patreon: In their extended conversation, Rachel & Steph deep dive with Dr. Jeremy Sharp about collaboration with assessors and why some families follow through with recommendations and some don’t. www.thetestingpsychologist.com  [email protected]  The Testing Psychologist  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 30: The Magic Pill Ep 86: The Testing Psychologist Interview Ep 125: Learning at Home--Testing Psychologist Inter
08/12/202039 minutes 25 seconds
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132: ADHD Expert Dr. Thomas Brown (Author Series)

Rachel & Steph are THRILLED to welcome ADHD expert Dr. Thomas Brown to the podcast today. Dr. Brown teaches all of us how he defines ADHD, shares several stories that help all of us to understand ADHD and how it works and how we all struggle with executive functioning at different moments. He further highlights that ADHD is NOT a struggle of willpower but rather a disorder of motivation. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
01/12/20201 hour 7 minutes 32 seconds
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131: Dispelling College Accommodations Myths with Elizabeth Hamblet, LDT-C, M.S. Ed. (Author Series)

Elizabeth Hamblet joins Rachel & Steph to chat about:  accommodations for college learners the biggest misconceptions about accommodations what learners can do to prepare for college in high school how you get accommodations what the laws are What are typical accommodations  How asking doesn’t always lead to accommodations On Patreon: Elizabeth joins Rachel & Steph for an extended conversation about how the field of college accommodations has shifted in recent years, whether or not you should disclose diagnoses in the college application process and if there are specific schools that are better for learners with diverse learning needs or ADHD. Connect with Elizabeth: www.ldadvisory.com  Facebook Group: LD Advisory From High School to College: Steps to Success for Students with Disabilities   Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed The
24/11/202041 minutes 59 seconds
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130: The 5 M’s of Talent with Dr. Rishi Sriram (Author Series)

Dr. Rishi Sriram joins Rachel & Steph again on the podcast to discuss the 5 M’s of Talent. He digs into the old question of nature vs. nurture and explains what the research is showing in that age-old debate. He also explores his 5 M’s of Talent which are: mindset, myelin, mastery, motivation and mentorship. Mindset by Carol Dweck Connect with Dr. Rishi Sriram 5 M's of Talent Infographic In their extended conversation on Patreon, Rachel, Steph and Dr. Sriram dig further into myelin, the importance of setbacks, effort as a sign of weakness, and a different framework for understanding strengths and weaknesses. To hear our extended conversation on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram Ep 115: Learning
17/11/202048 minutes 57 seconds
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129: Parent Coach Cheryl Hersh and the Ground Rules Playbook for Parenting

Rachel and Steph welcome Parent Coach Cheryl Hersh. As you’ll hear, Cheryl will share what a parent coach is, what a parent coach isn’t and who would benefit from a parent coach. They also dig into her Ground Rules Playbook for parenting. You’ll hear how Cheryl is so aligned with our mission here on the podcast. And bonus--Cheryl has known Rachel for a long time so you’ll get a little dirt on her too.  Take Care of You Worksheet [email protected]  www.hershparentcoaching.com Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 63: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 124: When Processing Speed Doesn't Match (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram Ep 115: Learning About
10/11/202037 minutes 43 seconds
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128: What are Graphic Organizers and How They Help Writers (Writing Series)

 Rachel & Steph dig into what graphic organizers are, who they are good for, and how they help. Oreo Graphic Organizer Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Writing Series Episodes Ep 121: The Most Common Executive Functioning Hazards (Executive Functioning Series)
03/11/202017 minutes 45 seconds
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127: Understanding Vision with Developmental Optometrist Dr. Elise Brisco (Local Professionals Series)

Today, Rachel & Steph welcome Dr. Elise Brisco, a developmental optometrist in Los Angeles. She shares her personal vision story and talks about the differences between optometry and developmental optometry. She also digs into what vision therapy is, addresses a common critique of vision therapy and talks about how vision issues deeply impact reading, learning, and academic functioning. Connect with Dr. Brisco: www.hollywoodvision.com IG/Facebook: @hollywoodeyes More about Developmental Optometry:  COVD.org OEPF.org Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
27/10/202041 minutes 47 seconds
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126: How to Study for a Math Test

Today, Rachel, our resident math guru, digs into why students don’t think they have to study for math. She also talks about how to create a study plan for math that your learner can follow.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 116: Why You Shouldn’t Correct Your Student’s Homework (Parenting Series) Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Ep 04: Creating a Study Plan Math Series Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram Ep 115: Learning About Learning with Dr Rishi Part 2 (Author Series)
20/10/202019 minutes 31 seconds
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125: Learning at Home–Testing Psychologist Interview 2

Today, Rachel & Steph are interviewed again by Dr. Jeremy Sharp of The Testing Psychologist podcast. Listen in as they discuss the challenges families are facing during distance learning from an educational therapy perspective. Rachel & Steph chat with Dr. Sharp about the need for parent expectations to shift and how navigating conflicts at home around learning can be addressed. Tune in for a rich conversation! If you would like to learn more about Dr. Sharp you can visit his website: http://www.thetestingpsychologist.com/   Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 86: The Testing Psychologist Interview
13/10/20201 hour 2 minutes 19 seconds
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124: When Processing Speed Doesn’t Match (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel and Steph dig into the impact that processing speed has on interpersonal relationships. Rachel and Steph review what they mean by processing speed, describe the differences between fast and slow processors, and explore how the gap can be bridged interpersonally between different processing speeds.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 63: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 84: How to Support Slow Processors (Educational Therapy Series)
06/10/202011 minutes 12 seconds
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123: Online Portal Pitfalls (Executive Functioning Series)

Online portals have long been a sore subject for educational therapists. Online portals are not perfect systems and have so much potential to benefit the life of learners. Today, Rachel & Steph dig into the pitfalls of online portals that parents, teachers, and students experience.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 79: The 4 excuses kids have for not calendaring (Executive Function Series)
29/09/202018 minutes 16 seconds
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122: Email Management (Executive Functioning Series)

Rachel & Steph feel healthy email habits are more important than ever. Whenever they work with a client, they are all about simplifying systems and increasing free time. Rachel & Steph dig into why healthy email management is so important, what healthy email management looks like, and how they do it quickly with their learners. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 15: School Supplies Ep 16: Why Does Your Backpack Look Like That?  Ep 70: How "Organization" Leads to Disaster (Executive Function Series) Ep 120: Executive Functioning for Parents During Homeschool with Mary (On-Air Coaching Call) Ep 02: How to calendar  Ep 78: How to Calendar like a Pro (Executive Function Series) Ep 79: The 4 excuses kids have for not calendaring (Executi
22/09/202016 minutes 54 seconds
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121: The Most Common Executive Functioning Hazards (Executive Functioning Series)

Rachel & Steph have been working with students for so many years that they have seen it all. Today, they share some of the most common Executive Functioning pitfalls and trends they’ve seen over the years. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 89: Minimum Viable Product (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 87: Why Every Learner Needs a Living Strategies Document (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram Ep 115: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Part 2 (Author Series) Writing Series: Ep 20: The Perfect Storm: Writing & Executive Functioning Ep 21: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing (Part 1) Ep 22: Executive Functioning Strategies for Wr
15/09/202018 minutes 10 seconds
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120: Executive Functioning for Parents During Homeschool with Mary (On-Air Coaching Call)

Rachel & Steph welcome their friend and fellow business owner, Mary, to the podcast to discuss how to executive function her life for the fall. She and her husband have made the decision to homeschool their kids during this period of pandemic uncertainty and she had many questions about how to set herself and her family up for the greatest success. They covered topics including physical organization of space, schedule, curriculum, email management, games, after school activities and how to coach the teacher she’s hired to report back to her. Wobbly chairs Small dry erase boards Pencils  Composition notebooks Throw Throw Burrito Game Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 19: Steph’s Top Games and Apps (Reading Series) Ep 64: Steph's Fav
08/09/202035 minutes 23 seconds
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119: Books for Reluctant Readers with Dustin Brady (Author Series)

Rachel & Steph are huge fans of the books author Dustin Brady has written. Today, he joins us on the podcast to discuss his books and chat about why they are so perfect for reluctant readers. He talks about writing for the 10-year old he used to be and how he loves connecting with his readers and audience in person and online. Connect with Dustin: www.dustinbradybooks.com  Discount Code for Escape from a Video Game: 5ESCAPE Trapped in a Video Game 1-5 Rachel & Steph continue the conversation with Dustin on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
01/09/202024 minutes 30 seconds
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118: At-Home Learning Environments (Educational Therapy Series)

Today Rachel & Steph go over the framework of questions that parents should ask themselves before they ask their learner to make a change to their systems. They also share a bunch of their pro tips to setting up a successful at-home learning environment. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 68: Back to School  Webinar: How to Make Schooling at Home Work for Your Family Ep 70: How "Organization" Leads to Disaster (Executive Function Series)
25/08/202010 minutes 20 seconds
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117: “ADHD, School Refusal & Strategic Next Steps” with Tracy (On-Air Coaching)

Rachel & Steph welcome Tracy for her on-air coaching call. Tracy gets coaching help for her son, who just completed the 10th grade and is extremely emotionally disconnected from learning, school, and his own learning profile. She shares the story of her son’s academic journey, what ultimately brought them to an ADHD diagnosis and asks for Rachel & Steph’s help in figuring out how to help her son move forward. Rachel & Steph highlight what strategic next steps Tracy can take to help her son get to the next level.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 91: Raising Complex Children with ADHD/Autism Coach Penny Williams (Author Series) Ep 92: Plagued by the Burden of Potential (Parenting Series)
18/08/202044 minutes 24 seconds
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116: Why You Shouldn’t Correct Your Student’s Homework (Parenting Series)

Rachel and Steph dig into the many reasons why you should think twice about correcting your child’s homework. They talk about how teachers use homework to inform their teaching, anxiety, perfectionism, and learned helplessness. They also dig into knowing what’s best for your kid (versus what you want) and how collaboration with teachers can be so powerful. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 20: The Perfect Storm: Writing & Executive Functioning Ep 21: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing (Part 1) Ep 22: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing (Part 2) Ep 43: Why Spelling Doesn’t Matter as Much as You Think  Ep 51: Differentiated Writing Instruction with Master Teacher Pam Olivieri Ep 66: Strategies for the Writing Proce
11/08/20209 minutes 19 seconds
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115: Learning About Learning with Dr Rishi Part 2 (Author Series)

Rachel & Steph welcome back Dr. Rishi Sriram from Baylor University to the podcast. In episode 109, Dr. Sriram begins the conversation about “learning how to learn”. That episode is linked in our show notes. In this episode, Dr. Sriram delves more deeply into his GHOSTRIVER to the SEA mnemonic that guides the conversation for how learning occurs. Through this master class conversation, they talk about how to use our knowledge of how learning works and works best to teach and support the learning of the clients in they work with. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi SriramEp 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of StudyingEp 04: Creating a Study Plan
05/08/202055 minutes 57 seconds
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114: The Educational Therapy Timeline (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel & Steph walk Smarties through each month of the year and what educational therapists are thinking each month.  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 37: How Educational Therapy Works Ep 15: School Supplies Ep 70: How "Organization" Leads to Disaster (Executive Function Series) Ep 02: How to calendar Ep 78: How to Calendar like a Pro (Executive Function Series) Ep 38: How to set S.M.A.R.T. Goals Ep 87: Why Every Learner Needs a Living Strategies Document (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 16: Why Does Your Backpack Look Like That? Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Ep 04: Creating a Study Plan Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram  Ep 09: What to do with your child over the summer Ep 112: EF Summer Projects (EF
28/07/202020 minutes 20 seconds
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113: Action Plan for a Struggling Reader (on air coaching) Tanya

Rachel & Steph welcome Tanya onto the pod. Tanya is a mother of two in Washington State. Tanya shares some of the wins she’s had recently with her older daughter. Rachel & Steph also coach her through some questions she’s having about her younger daughter, who is a delayed reader. Rachel & Steph coach Tanya on next best steps. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 02: How to calendar Webinar: How to Make Schooling at Home Work for Your Family Resources: Summer Bridge Activities
21/07/202042 minutes 28 seconds
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112: EF Summer Projects (EF series)

The team’s of Kapp Educational Therapy Group and My Ed Therapist inspired this episode! Nearly every daily activity can be turned into an executive functioning episode. Rachel & Steph dig into all the executive functioning projects they like to do over summer with their learners. They also share how to use metacognition and frameworks to bolster executive functioning. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us:Join our FB GroupJoin our e-mail listRachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group websiteSteph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:Ep 09: What to do with your child over the summerEp 56: Why You Should Do Educational Therapy Over The Summer
14/07/202019 minutes 42 seconds
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111: The Intersection between Twice Exceptional and Executive Functioning with Lolly Nelson (On Air-Coaching Call)

Today, Rachel & Steph welcome fellow educational therapist Lolly Nelson for an on-air coaching call. They dig into a challenging case on her caseload. Johnny, a 6th grader who’s twice-exceptional with a high IQ & ADHD. They talk to Lolly about some new tips and tricks of calendaring that they’ve never shared before, managing expectations through parent coaching and realistic goals, how to think about a learner who isn’t an accurate reporter of their day and how to pick battles that will get you closer to your goals. Lolly Contact: [email protected] Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us:Join our FB GroupJoin our e-mail listRachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group websiteSteph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:Ep 37: How Educational Therapy WorksEp 79: The 4 excuses kids have for not calendaring (Executive Function Series)Ep 41: The One Thing We
07/07/202049 minutes 19 seconds
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110: Why we can’t Ignore Math Vocabulary (Math Series)

Today Rachel & Steph dig into math vocabulary and how “ignoring” it by omission in the early learning years of learners often is part of the reason learners are so resistant to math as they grow. Rachel coaches today on why it’s so important to think about math vocabulary early and often. Rachel & Steph offer up some ideas and strategies on how to highlight math vocabulary for learners. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapistOther episodes mentioned: Ep 11: Math is a Four Letter Word Ep 45: Word Problems Ep 64: Steph's Favorite Math Apps & Games for Elementary  Ep 80: Steph's Favorite Middle/High School Math Games (Math Series) Ep 41: The One Thing We Wish Learners Wouldn't Do  Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram110: Why we can't Ignore Math Vocabu
30/06/202022 minutes 25 seconds
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109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram (Author Series)

Rachel & Steph welcome Dr. Rishi Sriram from Baylor University to the podcast. In this episode, they chat with Dr. Sriram about how learning occurs in the brain, how important and normal forgetting is to learning and the importance of interleaving, spacing and mindfulness. They have an amazing conversation about how essential productive struggle is to learning as a whole. Dr. Sriram also shares some fantastic tangibles--things we can immediately do impact the lives of the learners in our practices. He also shares some thoughts he and his wife have developed on parenting with high expectations while not linking their kids self-esteem to their learning. https://www.edutopia.org/article/neuroscience-behind-productive-struggle Timer Cube with up to 5 minTimer Cube with up to 30 min Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us:Join our FB GroupJoin our e-mail listRachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group websiteSteph’s My Ed Therapist website @lear
23/06/202048 minutes 5 seconds
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108: Feeling Time: Part 2 (Executive Function Series)

Rachel & Steph continue the conversation from episode 104. In this episode, they chat about several strategies that work to increase awareness of time. They dig deep into the differences between kids who feel time quickly and learners who feel time slower. LEARN SMARTER PRO APPLICATION Support us on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us:Join our FB GroupJoin our e-mail listRachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group websiteSteph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:EP 104: Feeling Time: Part 1 (Executive Function Series)Ep 37: How Educational Therapy Works
16/06/202023 minutes 55 seconds
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107: Psychotherapy Expectations with Barrie Sueskind, LMFT (Local Professionals Series)

Connect with Barrie: https://www.barriesueskindtherapy.com https://www.instagram.com/psycho_therapist_confessions/ https://m.facebook.com/BarrieSueskindTherapy/   LEARN SMARTER PRO APPLICATION   Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
09/06/202030 minutes 30 seconds
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106: Parenting Very Different Learners with Janice (On-Air Coaching Call Series)

LEARN SMARTER PRO APPLICATION Support us on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB GroupJoin our e-mail listRachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group websiteSteph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:Ep 94: The Business of Educational TherapyEP 103: Youtube Learning with Mr. DeMaio (Author Series)Ep 32: Our Favorite Apps and Games of 2018Ep 64: Steph's Favorite Math Apps & Games for Elementary (Math Series)Ep 80: Steph's Favorite Middle/High School Math Games (Math Series)Ep 19: Steph’s Top Games and Apps (Reading Series)
02/06/202042 minutes 3 seconds
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105: Revisiting Screen Time During Quarantine with Dr. Joe Dilley (Local Professional Series)

Dr. Joe Dilley returns! He shares frameworks for thinking about screen time during quarantine, highlights the importance of what happens before and after screen time and questions we can all be asking ourselves. Rachel & Steph also announce the return of Learn Smarter Pro, their 6-week program for professionals. LEARN SMARTER PRO APPLICATION How to connect with Dr. Dilley:http://synergypsychological.com/about-dr-joe-dilley/www.dontgetplayed.com (follow the icon for redeeming your coupon code): LEARNSMARTER 20% off a copy of the book) Support us on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us:Join our FB GroupJoin our e-mail listRachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group websiteSteph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 65: Screen Time with Dr. Joe Dilley (Author Series)EP 104: Feeling Time: Part 1 (Executive Function Series)
26/05/202032 minutes 36 seconds
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104: Feeling Time: Part 1 (Executive Function Series)

Today is Part 1 of Feeling Time. In a few weeks, Part 2 will come out with even more strategies to think about.
19/05/202018 minutes 39 seconds
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103: Youtube Learning with Mr. DeMaio (Author Series)

Today was an exciting interview for Rachel & Steph. Both of them have been using Mr. DeMaio’s youtube videos for years. His videos are engaging, fun, interactive, and MEMORABLE. Today, Rachel & Steph interview Mr. DeMaio about how and why he started his channel and the behind-the-scenes process of making videos. Don’t forget to tune into Patreon to learn more about what his future projects are. You can sign up for Patreon at www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast.  Support us on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast Connect with Mr. DeMaioYouTubePatreon How to connect with us:Join our FB GroupJoin our e-mail listRachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group websiteSteph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:Ep 11: Math is a Four Letter WordEp 45: Word ProblemsEp 64: Steph's Favorite Math Apps & Games for Elementary Ep 80: Steph's Favorite Middle/High School Math Games (Math Series)
12/05/202029 minutes 2 seconds
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102: How Questions can Transform Reading & Writing (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel & Steph share one of their favorite strategies: using questions to direct learning. With so many learners out there who avoid reading and writing, this can be an effective tool for increasing engagement through planning, making connections, and clarifying the purpose of any given task. Listen in for their tips! Support us on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us:Join our FB GroupJoin our e-mail listRachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group websiteSteph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:Ep 17 Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 1) Ep 18: Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 2) Ep: 12 My Kid Isn’t Reading Ep 41: The One Thing We Wish Learners Wouldn't Do Ep 66: Strategies for the Writing Process (Writing Series) Ep 20: The Perfect Storm: Writing & Executive Functioning
05/05/202021 minutes 27 seconds
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101: Why Writing is Hard for Elementary Learners (Writing Series)

Writing is one of the most common concerns for families with elementary-aged learners. Today, Rachel & Steph dig into the many reasons it is so difficult and what parents and educators can do to alleviate the burden. Unjournaling Graphic organizer book for elementary Graphic organizer book for middle and high school Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Writing Series  EF series
28/04/202019 minutes 51 seconds
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100: How to Set Up Homework Routines (Executive Functioning Series)

Rachel & Steph celebrate 100 episodes!!! As educational therapists, one of the many things Rachel & Steph teach learners is how to set up their workspaces. Today, they bring that coaching to their audience. They chat about which space to use and why, picking battles and using tech for its greatest good. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist How to work with us: Our practices both offer virtual sessions.  VIP Days: We’ve actually been doing these for a while but if you’re interested in spending 1:2 time with us, reach out to us to learn more about what this experience is like. 1:1: Coaching or both of us Learn Smarter Pro is our 6 week program for professionals where there will be professional and individualized support, behind-the-scenes business trainings, group
21/04/202022 minutes 39 seconds
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99: How to Explain Educational Therapy to Your Child (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel & Steph dig into how they coach parents to explain educational therapy to their kids. Through buy in, metaphors, realistic goals and reasonable expectations, Rachel & Steph share their favorite strategies.  How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Success stories series
14/04/202019 minutes 16 seconds
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98: Mia’s Educational Therapy Journey (Student Success Stories)

Last week, we heard from Jacqui, a mom in Rachel’s practice (Kapp Educational Therapy Group in Beverly Hills, CA) about her journey parenting her daughter. Today, we followed up with Jacqui’s daughter, Mia. You’ll hear from Mia what brought her to educational therapy, her self-esteem and mindset journey, and how she feels about her own progress and growth. How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Math is a Four Letter Word Success Stories with Jacqui (Mia's Mom)
07/04/202035 minutes 7 seconds
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97: Success Stories with Jacqui

Rachel & Steph welcome Jacqui to the podcast. Jacqui is a parent in Rachel’s practice, Kapp Educational Therapy Group, in Beverly Hills, CA. She talks about what brought her family to educational therapy and the progress her daughter, Mia, has made. Next week, Mia will join us on the podcast to talk about her perspective of the last few years. How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist  
31/03/202028 minutes 44 seconds
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Webinar: How to Make Schooling at Home Work for Your Family

Rachel & Steph hosted their first live webinar on 3/20/2020 to help families respond to self-isolation and schooling at home during the coronavirus pandemic. Today’s podcast is an audio version of Friday’s webinar and in it, you’ll hear Rachel & Steph’s tips for families that will set them on the path toward success. Rachel & Steph dive deep into goal-setting, managing and setting realistic expectations, screen time and supporting learners who struggle with sustained attention. 
24/03/202044 minutes 7 seconds
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96: The Simplest Writing Strategy Ever (Writing Series)

Today, Rachel shares a story about one of her clients and the writing strategy that changed everything for her. Rachel & Steph take the opportunity to catch up with one another and update Smarties on their lives. How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 94: The Business of Educational Therapy Ep 11: Math is a Four Letter Word Ep 45: Word Problems Ep 64: Steph's Favorite Math Apps & Games for Elementary  Ep 80: Steph's Favorite Middle/High School Math Games (Math Series)
17/03/202018 minutes 12 seconds
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95: Comprehension Strategies & Tools with Katie Cadigan (Local Professionals Series)

For the first time ever, Rachel & Steph welcome fellow educational therapist and Kapp Educational Therapy Group team member, Katie Cadigan, to the podcast. Katie shares a recent training she did for the team and digs into her favorite comprehension strategies and some AMAZING online tools that can be a game changer for many learners.  How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 12: My Kid Isn’t Reading Ep 17 Our Top Ten Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 1) Ep 18: Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 2) Ep 19: Steph’s Top Games and Apps (Reading Series) Ep 60: How to know if your kid is understanding what they're reading  Ep 71: The Secret to Increasing Reading Comprehension (Reading Series) Ep 74: How to Increase Reading Comprehension (Reading Series)
10/03/202025 minutes 20 seconds
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94: The Business of Educational Therapy

For the first and only time on the podcast, Rachel & Steph dig into the challenges of having their own educational therapy practice. They chat about the fears, mindset, isolation, lack of business training, and other challenges they have faced in private practice. Also, Rachel & Steph share more about their new group coaching program, Learn Smarter Pro. Learn Smarter Pro is a 6-week group coaching program designed to address the growing need for business coaching, professional support, individualized caseload coaching and more.  Click here to apply Learn Smarter Pro!! How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist How to work with us: Our practices both offer virtual sessions.  VIP Days: We’ve actually been doing these for a while but if you’re interested in spending 1:2 time with us, reach out to us to learn more about what this experie
03/03/202019 minutes 30 seconds
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93: IEP 101 with Attorney Grace Clark (Local Professional Series)

For the first time, Rachel & Steph welcome attorney Grace Clark. Grace leads them through a fascinating conversation about what the education laws are, IEP vs. 504 plans, and what parents can expect (from deadlines to interventions to goals to collaboration). She also shares her personal story of parenting a child with learning differences and going through this process as a parent.  How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Connect with Grace Clark:  [email protected] Www.specialedattorney.org
25/02/202030 minutes 12 seconds
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92: Plagued by the Burden of Potential (Parenting Series)

Educational therapy can be magical in that it allows students to tap into their potential. Often times, the potential parents and teachers see in a learner is a heavy burden and source of conflict in family homes. In today’s episode, Rachel & Steph talk about potential from the perspective of parents, students and educational therapists.  How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist How to work with us: Our practices both offer virtual sessions.  VIP Days: We’ve actually been doing these for a while but if you’re interested in spending 1:2 time with us, reach out to us to learn more about what this experience is like. 1:1: Coaching or both of us Learn Smarter Pro is our 6 week program for professionals where there will be professional and individualized support, behind-the-scenes business trainings, group coaching and more. We will be
18/02/202015 minutes 7 seconds
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91: Raising Complex Children with ADHD/Autism Coach Penny Williams (Author Series)

Penny Williams, the host of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, joins Rachel & Steph on today’s podcast. Penny shares why labeling is a good thing, how to break cycles, not letting ADHD take over your lie and how to define success on your own. She also shares the impact of stress on family life. How labeling informs direction and prevents labeling by misinformation and labeling helps people understand their child Asking “why” breaks the cycle  Not letting ADHD take over your life and shifting their definitions of success Managing stress doesn’t mean ending stress “everything can’t matter the same” How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Connect with Penny: www.parentingadhdandautism.com
12/02/202045 minutes 43 seconds
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90: Academic Emergencies (Educational Therapy Series)

Newsflash: there is no such thing as an academic emergency. In this episode, Rachel & Steph share:   what an academic emergency is how parents can respond to an academic emergency strategies for learners to prevent academic emergencies Keeping long-term goals in mind.   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned:   Ep 89: Minimum Viable Product (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 41: The One Thing We Wish Learners Wouldn't Do  Ep 02: How to calendar Ep 25: (EF Series) All in good time how to manage time and get going Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Ep 04: Creating a Study Plan
04/02/202017 minutes 3 seconds
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89: Minimum Viable Product (Educational Therapy Series)

Minimum Viable Product is an important idea that we are “borrowing” from product businesses. In this episode, Rachel & Steph chat about how MVP impacts both sides of the bell curve, how the 5% Challenge can be adapted and how important being imperfect is.   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned:   Ep 57: How to Create Free Time while Maintaining Grades and Minimizing Anxiety with Nikki
28/01/202017 minutes 12 seconds
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88: Pick Progress over Perfection (Parenting Series)

Picking progress over perfection is an incredibly challenging but an important part of the work educational therapists do. In this episode, Rachel & Steph chat about why we shouldn’t focus on perfection, why and how to focus on progress.  How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:   Ep 87: Why Every Learner Needs a Living Strategies Document (Educational Therapy Series)
21/01/202012 minutes 46 seconds
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87: Why Every Learner Needs a Living Strategies Document (Educational Therapy Series)

 In this episode, Rachel & Steph share an idea that has transformed the way they do educational therapy. They chat about what a Living Strategies Document is, how to do it, and why it is so important. How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 38: How to set S.M.A.R.T. Goals Ep 76: Thinking About Thinking (Educational Therapy Series)
14/01/202017 minutes 29 seconds
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86: The Testing Psychologist Interview

This is a very special episode that was jointly produced by The Testing Psychologist and Learn Smarter: the Educational Therapy podcast. Tune in to hear Rachel & Steph be interviewed by Dr. Jeremy Sharp discuss all things educational therapy. Dr. Sharp, Rachel & Steph chatted about what educational therapy is, the best ways to support students struggling with executive functioning, how to deal with rigid learners, and how Rachel & Steph like to partner with assessors. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Sharp you can visit his website: http://www.thetestingpsychologist.com/
07/01/20201 hour 7 minutes 25 seconds
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Happy Holidays!

We both wanted to take a minute and thank you for listening to our podcast.  We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
24/12/201956 seconds
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85: Twice Exceptional Learners with Seth Perler (Executive Function Series)

Seth Perler is an executive functioning and twice exceptional coach. His passion for supporting learners who struggle is obvious and in this episode, he joins Rachel & Steph to chat about the different kinds of twice exceptionalities, executive functioning and the importance of relationships. He highlights the goal of securely attached, independent and successful adults who use their gifts and affinities to thrive. He further chats about emotional and physical regulation.    Connect with Seth: www.sethperler.com How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist  
17/12/201944 minutes 53 seconds
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84: How to Support Slow Processors (Educational Therapy Series)

  Rachel & Steph dive into some of their favorite strategies to support slow processors. Tune in to hear their discussion that ranges from talking about a “thinking minute” to previewing to subvocalization and more!   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 63: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 76: Thinking About Thinking (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 25: All in good time how to manage time and get going Timers:  https://amzn.to/2PqSbEm https://amzn.to/2PSh4b3
10/12/201922 minutes 35 seconds
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83: How To Help Kids who are Rigid (Educational Therapy Series)

: In last week’s episode (episode 82), Rachel and Steph dig into just some of the reasons kids are rigid in their approach. Today, they chat about the skills and strategies they use to support kids who are rigid. They talk about the importance of flexibility, metacognition and growth mindset as well as modeling and rewarding moments of flexibility.   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 39: Growth Mindset Ep 77: Autism with Dr. Albert Knapp (Local Professionals Series) Ep 82: Understanding Kids who are Rigid (Educational Therapy Series)
03/12/201922 minutes 2 seconds
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82: Understanding Kids who are Rigid (Educational Therapy Series)

Happy Thanksgiving, Smarties! Rachel & Steph dig into one of their most requested topics today--kids who are rigid. They chat about how often this comes up for them in their practices and why some kids are rigid. They chat about the ways rigidity can show up in the day-to-day life of learners and the two important things that are important to remember when working with kids who are rigid.   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 73:  A Parenting Evolution with Karen (Student Success Stories)
26/11/201918 minutes 34 seconds
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81: Getting your Body Ready for Learning with Annie Mori (Local Professionals Series)

Today, Annie Mori joins Rachel & Steph to discuss occupational therapy. She talks about when it’s appropriate to make a referral to occupational therapy. She takes them through a conversation about penmanship and the overarching systems at play that can lead to poor penmanship. She digs into the difference between sensory processing & integration and sensory meltdowns & tantrums.   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   How to connect with Annie: IG: @PlaySenseKids Email: [email protected] Facebook: Playsensekids Website: playsensekids.com
19/11/201938 minutes 1 second
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80: Steph’s Favorite Middle/High School Math Games (Math Series)

Today’s episode is a complimentary episode to episode 64. Steph, the game guru, shares her favorite middle and high school math games. Steph breaks them all down, explains why she loves them and how she differentiates each game for each learner. Here's the links to the games: Prime club   Proof Zero Absolute Zero Skyjo Mind your numbers Fraction Fortress  Fraction Formula Dino tracks math Kakooma Sequence numbers How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 64: Steph's Favorite Math Apps & Games for Elementary (Math Series)
12/11/201918 minutes 16 seconds
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79: The 4 excuses kids have for not calendaring (Executive Function Series)

Building a calendar can be met with a lot of obstacles. In this episode, Rachel & Steph go over the 4 excuses kids have for not calendaring. Of course, they dig deep into the objections and chat about how they respond to the excuses.   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned:  Ep 02: How to calendar Ep 78: How to Calendar like a Pro (Executive Function Series)
05/11/201916 minutes 46 seconds
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78: How to Calendar like a Pro (Executive Function Series)

Today, Rachel & Steph dive back into a favorite topic at Learn Smarter: calendaring! They give an update on Rachel’s calendaring experiment and talk about the goals of a calendar. Then they share their favorite pro-tips for Google Calendar (their calendar of choice).   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 70: How "Organization" Leads to Disaster (Executive Function Series) Ep 02: How to calendar
29/10/201926 minutes 58 seconds
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77: Autism with Dr. Albert Knapp (Local Professionals Series)

Rachel & Steph welcome Autism expert Dr. Albert Knapp to the podcast. Dr. Knapp talks about the changes to the DSM recently. They chat about the shame associated with the diagnosis.  Dr. Knapp talks about the differences in diagnoses between boys and girls and shares what interventions he always recommends to parents. He also shares several strategies to help learners with autism learn.   Connect with Albert Knapp: Phone: 310 376 2468 Email: [email protected]   Services at Albert Knapp & Associates include play therapy, CBT Therapy, ABA Therapy, psychological testing, and Special Education Advocacy Services. AKA is an in-network provider with all major insurance companies.   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 44:  School Partnership & Comprehension Strategies with Evelize Ramos
22/10/201934 minutes 7 seconds
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76: Thinking About Thinking (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel & Steph tackle metacognition today! Metacognition or “thinking about thinking” is critical to the success of educational therapy. Rachel & Steph talk about what metacognition means for educational therapists and why it’s important. They dive into how to talk about metacognition with learners of different ages. Of course, they also give some strategies for how to think about thinking.   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Apply to work for My Ed Therapist   Apply to work for Kapp Educational Therapy Group   Other episodes mentioned:   Educational Therapy Series   Ep 06: (Dreaded) Homework Ep 07: Educational Therapy vs Tutoring Ep 23: The Highly Gifted Student Ep 24: Respecting the POP Ep 25: (EF Series) All in good time how to manage time and get going Ep 26: What kind of learner is your child? Ep 29: Frequently Asked Q
15/10/201922 minutes 34 seconds
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75: Being on the Same Team with Ezra Werb (Author Series)

Rachel & Steph are thrilled to welcome the first member of their cohort onto their podcast, Ezra Werb. The three of them met in graduate school when they were becoming educational therapists. Ezra is the author of a new book titled “Teach for Attention”. They chat about the book and how it can be used to support the goals of classroom teachers and parents.   www.teachforattention.com [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/TeachForAttentionBook   For 25% off, use the code WERB: https://www.freespirit.com/gifted-and-special-education/teach-for-attention-ezra-werb How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 63: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 65: Screen Time with Dr. Joe Dilley (Author Series)
08/10/201947 minutes 49 seconds
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74: How to Increase Reading Comprehension (Reading Series)

In this follow up episode, Rachel and Steph dig deeper into how to increase reading comprehension with their learners. This episode is a partner episode to episode 71 where they dig into the biggest secret of reading comprehension. In this episode, Rachel and Steph give 8 examples of how to use the strategies taught in episode 71 to your advantage. This is a meaty episode and remember what Rachel & Steph say--don’t do everything at once! Try one strategy at a time!   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 71: The Secret to Increasing Reading Comprehension (Reading Series) Ep 17 Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 1) Ep 18: Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 2)
01/10/201917 minutes 50 seconds
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73: A Parenting Evolution with Karen (Student Success Stories)

In this episode of the Student Success Stories series, Steph introduces us to Karen, who is a parent in her practice, My Ed Therapist in Redondo Beach, CA. Karen shares her parenting journey, what brought her family to educational therapy, and the important foundational work that Steph and Karen’s daughter, Riley, are doing together. Karen shares what she wishes she had known earlier and what she wishes teachers knew. Families with Tourette feel so despiritely alone until they connect with others: If you would like more information about Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders visit the website of the Tourette Association of America at https://tourette.org/. There is excellent information about the diagnosis, treatment, frequently co-occurring conditions, and how to work with schools.   For information about support and activities in Southern California, we encourage you to visit https://tourette.org/chapter/ca-so/. The chapter has an active FB group for both adults with Tourette, and pare
24/09/201948 minutes 53 seconds
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72: P.O.P. Academy (Executive Function Series)

Rachel & Steph are excited to announce P.O.P. Academy. This new program is the newest launch from Kapp Educational Therapy Group and My Ed Therapist. Rachel & Steph discuss how and why this program came about and the impact that it will have on the lives of the learners in their practice. They discuss the “Sunday Night Struggle of Studenting” and how P.O.P. Academy helps mitigate family life stress. Welcome to the P.O.P.!   APPLY to work for My Ed Therapist   APPLY to work for Kapp Educational Therapy Group   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 24: Respecting the POP Ep 70: How "Organization" Leads to Disaster    Executive Functioning Series: Ep 02: How to calendar Ep 5: Executive Functioning and Why Everyone Is Talking About It.  Ep: 10 ADHD AND EF Ep 16- Why Does Your Backpack Look Like That? Ep
17/09/201916 minutes 15 seconds
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71: The Secret to Increasing Reading Comprehension (Reading Series)

Rachel & Steph dive into what they think is one of the biggest secrets to increasing reading comprehension. They chat about how to use books effectively and how to prepare in advance FOR reading. They also discuss that it is important to mitigate expectations of books that are assigned for school. Be sure to listen to episode 74 to learn more tips about increasing reading comprehension. APPLY to work for My Ed Therapist   APPLY to work for Kapp Educational Therapy Group   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 11: Math is a Four Letter Word Ep: 12 My Kid Isn’t Reading
10/09/201918 minutes 41 seconds
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70: How “Organization” Leads to Disaster (Executive Function Series)

Rachel & Steph discuss the terrible ways they’ve seen learners organize themselves over the years. They talk about all the easy ways they help modify systems so that learners can be successful. Rachel & Steph also go into specifics about physical systems--and why they have learners do certain things.   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 16: Why Does Your Backpack Look Like That? Ep 02: How to calendar Ep 15: School Supplies Ep: 12 My Kid Isn’t Reading Ep 47: Note Taking Ep 37: How Educational Therapy Works
03/09/201933 minutes 20 seconds
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69: “Should I become an Educational Therapist?” (On-Air Coaching with Kylee Yates)

Today, Rachel & Steph coach Kylee Yates, a long-time public school teacher who is considering making a career change and expanding into educational therapy. Rachel & Steph share their pathways into the field, advise her on what to explore next, talk about licensure, and the different career options within educational therapy.   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 00: Who we are and how we got here
27/08/201942 minutes 14 seconds
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68: Back to School

Today, Rachel & Steph re-share how to best prepare for going back to school. In this episode, they talk about how to prevent “academic emergencies” by properly preparing, setting achievable goals, calendaring for success, and partnering with your child’s teacher. Rachel & Steph also do a deep dive into big academic transitions (the leaps that occur from elementary school to middle school, middle school to high school, or high school to college). Be sure to scroll back and listen to Episode 15 (the companion to this episode) where Rachel & Steph reveal their secrets about school supplies. How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 15: School Supplies Ep 37: How Educational Therapy Works Ep 38: How to set S.M.A.R.T. Goals Ep 02: How to calendar Ep 05: Executive Functioning and Why Everyone Is Talking About
20/08/201952 minutes 25 seconds
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67: Psychiatrist Dr. Elisa Newman (Local Professionals Series)

Today, Rachel and Steph  are fortunate to welcome Psychiatrist Dr. Elisa Newman to the podcast. We’ll let her explain her credentials but we were excited to have her come on and have this in depth conversation about medication and the emotional impact of a diagnosis. She also did a deep dive on what she has coined as “thoughtful parenting”, sharing anecdotes from her practice and her life.   How to connect with Dr. Newman: https://www.semel.ucla.edu/profile/elisa-newman-md How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 01: You’re Not Alone Ep 63: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 61: The Assessment Process with Dr. Karen Wilson (Local Professionals Series)   How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & How to Listen so Kids Will Talk
13/08/201953 minutes 37 seconds
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66: Strategies for the Writing Process (Writing Series)

So many of the learners Rachel & Steph work with struggle with getting started with writing. In this episode, Rachel & Steph discuss why getting started is so hard and share many strategies that they use in their sessions with their clients. They also share some unhelpful strategies that they’ve seen learners use over the years.   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep: 10 ADHD AND EF Ep 20: The Perfect Storm: Writing & Executive Functioning Ep 47: Note Taking Ep 45: Word Problems Ep 55: How to Think Small to Get Big Wins with Jenny Crandall  Resources: Big Book of Graphic Organizers for Elementary Big Book of Graphic Organizers for Middle and High School
06/08/201933 minutes 20 seconds
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65: Screen Time with Dr. Joe Dilley (Author Series)

Today, Rachel and Steph welcome Dr. Joe Dilley, a clinical psychologist in Pasadena, CA, who authored The Game is Playing Your Kid. In this wide-ranging conversation, they explore boundaries and limit-setting in the context of the modern age. Dr. Dilley explains his framework for guiding children and families towards desirable behaviors through rewards and response costs. He also explains his Triangle Defense approach which takes a scaffolded approach to parental reactions in the family home.   How to connect with Dr. Dilley: http://synergypsychological.com/about-dr-joe-dilley/ www.dontgetplayed.com (follow the icon for redeeming your coupon code): LEARNSMARTER 20% off a copy of the book) How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 49: What to do when grades suddenly plummet Ep 37: How Educational Therapy
30/07/20191 hour 1 minute 20 seconds
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64: Steph’s Favorite Math Apps & Games for Elementary (Math Series)

Today, our game guru, Steph, gives us several of her favorite math games and apps. In this episode, she explains when, why, and how she uses each game. Rachel also chimes in with how she uses certain games and it’s always fun to hear how Rachel and Steph use games differently.   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: 32: Favorite games and apps of 2018 11: Math is a Four Letter Word
23/07/201927 minutes 57 seconds
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63: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series)

Dr. Ellen Braaten is a leading expert on processing speeds and today she joins Rachel & Steph to have a wide-ranging conversation about what processing speed is and how it impacts daily functioning. Her book Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up further explains what processing speed is and the effects slow processing can have on family life, school, and, social life. Dr. Braaten also shares what we can do to help the people in our lives who have slower processing while also providing very reassuring and research-based parenting feedback.    Connect with Dr. Braaten: www.MGHClayCenter.org Bright Kids Who Can't Keep Up   How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 57: How to Create Free Time while Maintaining Grades and Minimizing Anxiety with Nikki  Ep 61: The Assessment Process with Dr. Karen Wilson (Local Profe
16/07/20191 hour 40 seconds
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62: Manager vs. Consultant (Parenting Series)

What’s the difference between managing your student versus consulting with your student? In this episode, Rachel & Steph talk about this parenting framework and how it impacts educational therapy. Rachel & Steph spend quite a bit of time in their private practices talking to parents about how to help parents make this (not-so-smooth) transition. How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 56: Why You Should Do Educational Therapy Over The Summer Ep 36: How To Stop Doing the Executive Functioning for Your Learner with Christine Walsh Ep 40: How to Start Fostering Independence with Your Learner with Meg Cunningham Ep 44:  School Partnership & Comprehension Strategies with Evelize Ramos  Ep 55: How to Think Small to Get Big Wins with Jenny Crandall  Ep 37: How Educational Therapy Works Ep 49: What to do wh
09/07/201919 minutes 48 seconds
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61: The Assessment Process with Dr. Karen Wilson (Local Professionals Series)

Today, Rachel & Steph continue their local professionals series with Dr. Karen Wilson, who is a neuropsychologist in Los Angeles. She breaks down: ✅the difference between types of assessments ✅how to know when to get your learner tested ✅what makes the transition from high school to college difficult ✅what parents need to know about students heading to college ✅navigating the college accommodations process Find our article on ChildNexus: The Intersection of Executive Functioning, ADHD, and Other Learning Differences How to connect with us: How to connect with Dr. Karen Wilson: [email protected]/DrKarenIWilsonwww.linkedin.com/in/drkareniwilson https://www.childnexus.com/ Other episodes mentioned: 01: You’re Not Alone
02/07/201959 minutes 20 seconds
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60: How to know if your kid is understanding what they’re reading (Reading Series)

This episode is a deep dive into one area of reading that can be tricky. Readers can often beautifully decode without fully comprehending what they’re reading. This episode is full of practical advice on how to figure out if your reader is understanding. Rachel and Steph talk about the importance of deeper and meaningful connections to stories and text as well. How to connect with us:Join our FB GroupJoin our e-mail listRachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group websiteSteph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:Ep 56: Why You Should Do Educational Therapy Over The SummerEp 12: My Kid Isn’t ReadingEp 17: Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 1Ep 18: Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 2)Ep 19: Steph’s Top Games and Apps (Reading Series) Sign up below to get all our reading freebies in one. 
25/06/201919 minutes 13 seconds
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59: Communication & Limiting Beliefs with Rachel Madel

Rachel & Steph are thrilled to welcome longtime Smartie and their dear friend, Rachel Madel to the podcast. Rachel is a Speech-Language Pathologist with a practice in Los Angeles. She is a communication expert and today she shares her expertise with. Rachel defines what communication is and we have a conversation about limiting beliefs. How to connect with Rachel: www.rachelmadel.comTalking with Tech Podcast @RachelMadelSLP How to connect with us:
18/06/201940 minutes 36 seconds
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58: Top 5 Reasons Learners Don’t Want to Make Changes

Rachel & Steph have a conversation about resistance from learners and how difficult change can be for some of their clients. Push back forces Educational Therapists to be creative, flexible and intentional. Today, we share the framework for how we know when to introduce changes to our learners. We also share the top 5 reasons learners DON’T want to make changes (and how we collaborate with our learners to work through their resistance). How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 55: How to Think Small to Get Big Wins with Jenny Crandall Ep 53: Alex's Educational Therapy Journey Ep 23: The Highly Gifted StudentEp 39: Growth MindsetEp 01: You’re Not Alone
11/06/201927 minutes 59 seconds
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57: How to Create Free Time while Maintaining Grades and Minimizing Anxiety with Nikki

Rachel & Steph are bringing you another episode in their Student Success Story Series! Today, you’ll meet Nikki, who is a client of Steph’s at My Ed Therapist in Redondo Beach, CA. Nikki has always been a high achieving student but came to Steph when her mom recommended she try different strategies to increase her efficiency and output. You’ll hear how Nikki learned to have free time, while maintaining her grades. Through intentionality and support from Steph, Nikki has also mitigated her anxiety and increased her quality of life
04/06/201930 minutes 24 seconds
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56: Why You Should Do Educational Therapy Over the Summer

Summer is the perfect time to start educational therapy. Today, Rachel & Steph both share their summer plans and why they love starting with new clients over the summer. Also, they chat about some of the great and creative ways educational therapy can be done over the summer and why it feels so freeing for educational therapists, learners, and parents alike. How to connect with us: Other episodes mentioned:
28/05/201920 minutes 4 seconds
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55: How to Think Small to Get Big Wins with Jenny Crandall

On today’s episode, we welcome Jenny Crandall in Idaho! Jenny shares her family’s story as they navigate her son’s Carson’s struggle with school and ultimate decision to homeschool. She talks about the benefits of having flexibility in Carson’s schedule and taking the pressure off while she remediates Carson’s challenges herself. We also coach her on how to think small to get big wins.How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapistOther episodes mentioned: Writing episodes 20: The Perfect Storm: Writing & Executive Functioning 21: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing Part 1 22: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing Part 2 51:  Differentiated Writing Instruction with Master Teacher Pam OlivieriReading comprehension episodes 17: Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 1) 18: (Reading
21/05/20191 hour 18 seconds
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54: One Year of Podcasting

Happy podcastaversary, Smarties! Cory Zacker, who is a longtime Smartie, interviews Rachel & Steph today to mark their first year of podcasting anniversary. Rachel & Steph pull back the curtain on the origins of Learn Smarter and how it gets produced each week and what has happened to them, professionally and personally, as a result of the podcast.Most important, though, Rachel & Steph want to thank you, Smarties for being on this journey with them. How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
14/05/20191 hour 4 minutes 19 seconds
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53: Alex’s Educational Therapy Journey

Today, we welcome a graduate of Rachel’s from Kapp Educational Therapy Group, Alex. Alex worked with Rachel for a little less than 2 years and you’re about to be wildly impressed by Alex’s own explanation of his academic journey and the skills and strategies he still uses. Alex discusses the goal-setting process, explains how school and home life are different after educational therapy. He’s also able to speak the language of educational therapy. Resource: Unjournaling How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Success Story Series 46: Dispelling the Stigma of Educational Therapy with Ari Sokolov 48: Success Stories with Kathryn Schnabel AKA Milkshake Girl’s Mom
07/05/201944 minutes 48 seconds
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52: Anxiety with Dr. Deanie Eichenstein

We love Dr. Deanie over here at Learn Smarter Podcast! Today, Dr. Deanie shares her insights into how anxiety impacts the learners that Rachel & Steph work with. One of Dr. Deanie’s superpowers is to take complex issues and simplify them so we can understand how best to help our learners help their anxiety. Connect with Deanie: Dr. Deanie's Website @DrDeanie on Instagram How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: 48: Success Stories with Kathryn Schnabel AKA Milkshake Girl’s Mom 49: What to do when grades suddenly plummet 20: The Perfect Storm: Writing & Executive Functioning 21: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing Part 1 22: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing Part 2 37: How Educational Therapy Works 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying
30/04/201935 minutes 33 seconds
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51: Differentiated Writing Instruction with Master Teacher Pam Olivieri

Today, Rachel & Steph welcome Pam Olivieri, master teacher, and writing expert. Pam shares her personal and parenting journey with us (and we think you’ll all be fascinated to hear what she recently discovered) and shares her top tips for differentiated writing instruction. She also shares a mnemonic that we love! How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Connect with Pam: Free Download! Facebook Instagram Website Other episodes mentioned: 20: The Perfect Storm: Writing & Executive Functioning 21: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing Part 1 22: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing Part 2 26: What kind of learner is your child? 47: Note Taking
23/04/201958 minutes
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50: ADHD Expert Dr. Thomas Brown

Rachel & Steph are THRILLED to welcome ADHD expert Dr. Thomas Brown to the podcast today. Dr. Brown teaches all of us how he defines ADHD, shares several stories that help all of us to understand ADHD and how it works and how we all struggle with executive functioning at different moments. He further highlights that ADHD is NOT a struggle of willpower but rather a disorder of motivation. Brown EF/Attention Scales Scales (3 years old-adults) www.brownadhd.com 310-590-7181 How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 5: Executive Functioning (and why everyone is talking about it)   Ep 28: Motivating the Unmotivated
16/04/20191 hour 6 minutes 20 seconds
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49: What To Do When Grades Suddenly Plummet

Learners are constantly calibrating in educational therapy. We try sometimes, we see if it works and we adjust from there. Today, Rachel & Steph talk about why backsliding happens, how normal and functionally important it is to the educational therapy process and how to move forward. How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: 37: How Educational Therapy Works 02: How to calendar 06: (Dreaded) Homework 41: The One Thing We Wish Learners Wouldn't Do 42: How to Always Have a Backup Plan
09/04/201923 minutes 7 seconds
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48: Success Story with Kathryn Schnabel AKA Milkshake Girl’s Mom

What an exciting day at Learn Smarter Podcast! Today, you’ll get to meet Milkshake Girl’s mom! She joins us to discuss the academic journey of her daughter, Erin (aka Milkshake Girl). Baby steps are important for this family and having another adult (Steph) to partner with has been transformative for Kathryn. How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: 37: How Educational Therapy Works 2: How to Calendar 28: Motivating the Unmotivated 36 : On Air Coaching Call with Christine Walsh 40: On Air Coaching with Meg Cunningham 44:  School Partnership & Comprehension Strategies with Evelize Ramos
02/04/201947 minutes 52 seconds
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47: Note Taking

In this episode, Rachel & Steph deep dive into note-taking. They chat about why it is so difficult, the various types of notes that teachers require and several of their favorite strategies. How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: 17: Reading Comprehension Part 1 18: Reading Comprehension Part 2 20: The Perfect Storm: Writing & Executive Functioning Educated The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
26/03/201936 minutes 43 seconds
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46: Dispelling the Stigma of Educational Therapy with Ari Sokolov

Today you’ll meet Ari Sokolov, who is a former client of Rachel’s in Kapp Educational Therapy Group. Ari shares her educational journey today and you’ll be incredibly impressed by her admirable growth mindset. She’s impressive, articulate, generous and VERY tech savvy. She shares some of her tech genius, as well, when she highlights her favorite ways to integrate technology and learning. Here's a list of the apps Ari shared with us: ⁃Trello — Trello is a collaboration tool that organizes your projects into boards ⁃Tiny cards — flashcard app created by dulingo which simplifies flash card process ⁃Evernote- Evernote is a mobile app designed for note taking, organizing, task lists, and archiving. ⁃Skitch —snap, mark. Send ⁃Penultimate ⁃Scalable ⁃Time: defeat distraction  (iOS)- App that organizes todo lists into cards and shows your progress using colors ⁃iStudiez pro  — planner that keeps track of school work, grades, and contacts ⁃Wolfram Alpha — helps you
20/03/201941 minutes 2 seconds
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45: Word Problems

Word problems are HATED by a lot of the students we serve in educational therapy. Today, our resident math guru, Rachel, teaches all of us why word problems create such resistance in our learners. She also guides us on how to approach and solve word problems mindfully and intentionally. www.Math-aids.com How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: 11: Math is a Four Letter Word 17: Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 1) 18: (Reading Series) Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 2)
12/03/201927 minutes 48 seconds
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44: School Partnership & Comprehension Strategies with Evelize Ramos

During this on air coaching call, Rachel & Steph coach Evelize on how to navigate and cultivate the relationship she has with her son’s school. School partnership is critical to the success of learners and can be tricky and emotional. We also give Evelize some very specific, tangible reading comprehension strategies. How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: 04: Creating a Study Plan 17: Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 1) 18:Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 2) 39: Growth Mindset
05/03/20191 hour 2 minutes 36 seconds
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43: Why Spelling Doesn’t Matter as Much as You Think

Rachel & Steph help shape the conversation about spelling. Spelling is hard and it’s also a weakness that parents readily notice. In this episode Rachel & Steph discuss why spelling is so hard for some learners and delve into a discussion about what matters the most when it comes to learning. Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: 27: (EF Series) How to Make Memory Work
26/02/201920 minutes 22 seconds
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42: How to Always Have a Backup Plan

Plan for the best, expect the worst. In educational therapy, Rachel & Steph teach “academic insurance policies” and build in redundancies so student’s know how to rebound when a plan doesn’t work out the way it was supposed to. Rachel & Steph share 5 of their favorite backup plans. Having a backup plan for backup plans (or knowing how to rebound when a plan fails) is really critical to the success of our students. Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: 37: How Educational Therapy Works 02: How to calendar 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying 04: Creating a Study Plan 40: On Air Coaching with Meg Cunningham
19/02/201934 minutes 34 seconds
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41: The One Thing We Wish Learners Wouldn’t Do

In this episode, Rachel & Steph talk about the one thing they wish all learners would stop doing: LATE WORK. Rachel & Steph talk about why late work happens, why it’s such a problem. They explain all the different steps that a student has to go through to counteract/solve a late assignment. This is one of the first things Rachel & Steph work on in educational therapy (it’s part of the Assessment phase) and they talk about building in strategies to prevent late work (in the Building phase). How to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: 37: How Educational Therapy Works 02: How to calendar
12/02/201932 minutes 20 seconds
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40: How to Start Fostering Independence in Your Learner with Meg Cunningham

Rachel & Steph welcome Meg Cunningham to the podcast to have a discussion about how to begin cultivating independence in her 6th-grade middle school student. They explore how tricky the middle school transition is for parents and dig into how Meg and her husband can start helping their son to start organizing his time. They also delve into a discussion about whether or not an incident or academic failure is actually a singular event or a larger trend. Finally, they coach Meg on how to start including her son when she’s advocating for him with the eventual goal of self-advocacy. Ways to connect with us: Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: 37: How Educational Therapy Works 02: How to calendar 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying 04: Creating a Study Plan 38: SMART Goals 36: On Air Coaching
05/02/20191 hour 13 minutes 31 seconds
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39: Growth Mindset

Struggling learners are very emotionally vulnerable. Rachel & Steph dive into the mindset of struggling learners and examine the differences between a growth mindset and fixed mindset. Mindset is critical to student success and they discuss how educational therapy transforms the mindset of their learners. Join our e-mail list Join our FB Group Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: 11: Math is a Four Letter Word 28: Motivating the Unmotivated 31: It’s Always Something 38: How to set S.M.A.R.T Goals 37: How Educational Therapy Works Sign up to get our list of book recommendations about growth mindset!
29/01/201928 minutes 50 seconds
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38: How to Set SMART Goals

Rachel & Steph bring you SMART goals today! Listen in to learn why it’s important to set SMART goals and how to do it. Also, Steph coaches Rachel about an issue with one of her clients. At the end, Rachel ends up shifting what the SMART goal acronym means to help make it even easier for you, your learner and your families to establish them. Alarmed Kapp Educational Therapy Group is hiring! My Ed Therapist is hiring! Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 37: How Educational Therapy Works Ep 13: Back to School Part 1 Ep 36: On Air Coaching Call with Christine Walsh
22/01/201928 minutes 53 seconds
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37: How Educational Therapy Works

Today, Rachel and Steph introduce to you the 3 phases that our clients experience when they work with us. This episode explains how educational therapy works in the real world. Educational therapy is a long-term play. This framework highlights the ABC’s of the Educational Therapy journey. The “A” phase is Assessment. The “B” phase is Building and the “C” phase is Competency. Today we’ll dig into the phases of our unique framework and discuss the transformation that happens during each phase and how long it “usually” takes. This episode is meant to help elaborate the experience of learners in our private practices. For more information on how to start educational therapy, click the links below. Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 36: On Air Coaching Call with Christine Walsh Ep 02: How to Calen
15/01/201931 minutes 54 seconds
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36: How to Stop Doing the Executive Functioning for your Learner with Christine Walsh

Welcome to our new series! Rachel & Steph are delighted to welcome Christine Walsh as their very first guest of Learn Smarter: the Educational Therapy podcast. Listen to how they coach Christine to some big “ah-ha” moments. They discuss Christine’s role as the executive functioning brain of her two adult children and help her create an action plan to guide them towards independence and autonomy. If you are interested in doing an on-air coaching call on the podcast--you can be an educational therapist or teacher or learner or parent--we would be excited to figure out if it would be a good fit for all of us. You can e-mail us at [email protected] or even DM us on IG @learnsmarterpodcast. Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 2: How to calendar
08/01/201947 minutes 42 seconds
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35: (Best of) ADHD and Executive Functioning

Happy New Year! Rachel & Steph do a deep dive on ADHD and how ADHD and executive functioning are connected. This episode is completely applicable to parents of all students this episode is totally applicable to your child and you will absolutely learn tips, tricks, and strategies on how to partner with your child in reading, writing, and math. They also discuss how executive functioning itself can be strengthened and the best ways to support your student. Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Episode 02 “How to Calendar” Episode 05 “Executive Functioning (and why everyone is talking about it)”
01/01/201948 minutes 13 seconds
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34: (Best of) Executive Functioning (and why everyone is talking about it)

Happy Holidays, Smarties! It is so critical to understand executive functioning because EVERYTHING that has to do with “doing” life is impacted by executive functioning. There are many different definitions of executive functioning (EF) and in this episode, Rachel & Steph discuss what executive functioning is in the context of educational therapy. They highlight 7 domains of executive functioning (organizing/planning/prioritizing, time, memory, motivation, stress management, self-knowledge/metacognition and sustaining effort/processing) that impact a person’s ability to function in school and life. Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 00: Who we are and how we got here Ep 2: How to Calendar Ep 5: Executive Functioning and (why everyone is talking about it) Ep 10: ADHD and Executive Func
25/12/201835 minutes 36 seconds
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33: Six Rules for Winter Break

Winter Break is coming! Listen to this episode to hear: How important it is to relax and WHYHow to practice and hone skills in a way that your child will think is funHow to get ready to start 2019 Both Kapp Educational Therapy Group (Rachel) and My Ed Therapist (Steph) are hiring! To be considered to join Rachel’s team, click here. To be considered to join Steph’s team, click here. Minimize With Purpose- our friend Caitlin who is the Konmari consultant Slow Burn Podcast Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 16 Why does your backpack look like that? Ep 02 How to Calendar Ep 03 The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Ep 04 Creating a Study Plan Ep 32 Our favorite Apps and Games of 2018
18/12/201818 minutes 26 seconds
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32: Our Favorite Apps and Games of 2018

Ever wonder what apps and games we love in session? Well, you all asked us so here you go! Rachel does her best to keep up with Steph’s game/app “guru-ness” and both women share their favorite games and apps of 2018! Both Kapp Educational Therapy Group (Rachel) and My Ed Therapist (Steph) are hiring! To be considered to join Rachel’s team, click here. To be considered to join Steph’s team, click here. Other episodes mentioned: 19: Steph’s Top Games and Apps 24: Respecting the POP 4: Creating a Study Plan Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
11/12/201845 minutes 32 seconds
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31: 2 Steps Forward 1 Step Back

Both Kapp Educational Therapy Group (Rachel) and My Ed Therapist (Steph) are hiring! To be considered to join Rachel’s team, click here. To be considered to join Steph’s team, click here. In this episode, Rachel & Steph dig into one of the more frustrating aspects of educational therapy--as soon as you start to make progress in one area, another one area of focus emerges. In this episode, they equate the educational therapy process to the old arcade game, Whack-A-Mole. Then they talk about the need to create moments of celebration and validation for the progress each learner has made (and why to sometimes create those moments artificially). Additionally, they talk about the impact of mindset in the context of educational therapy. Other episodes mentioned: 24: Respecting the POP Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
04/12/201819 minutes 21 seconds
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30: The Magic Pill

There is no quick fix. There is no silver bullet. There is no “magic pill” that will suddenly change everything for your child. Instant solutions simply don’t exist. This is why we, as educational therapists, work towards establishing positive, attainable and realistic goals--and why we always stress to tackle one goal at a time. We dig into all this in this episode and discuss medication for learners with ADHD. Biz Chix Podcast Join our FB Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
27/11/201824 minutes 24 seconds
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29: Frequently Asked Questions

We get the same questions all the time from new parents calling us to begin the process of educational therapy. In this episode, we answer all your frequently asked questions about educational therapy including: How long it takes What is a typical session like Insurance Ages of students we work with and our prior experiences How educational therapy is different from tutoring How to figure out if your child is a good fit We invite you to sign up for an introductory call with Rachel (schedule at www.kappedtherapy.com) or Stephanie (schedule at www.myedtherapist.com) if you’re interested in working one-on-one with us or our team. We both work virtually and would be honored to guide you through this process. We also invite you to do a one-time coaching call with BOTH of us. E-mail us at [email protected] to get that booked. Other episodes mentioned: 8:  A Session in the Life 7: Educational Therapy vs. Tutoring
20/11/201818 minutes 16 seconds
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28: Motivating the Unmotivated

Rachel and Steph do a deep dive on motivation. Hear why they don’t believe any student is ever “lazy” and what language they use instead. Also, they talk about why motivation suddenly stops for students who struggle in school. Then they dissect the differences between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation and the parallels between growth and fixed mindset that they’ve observed. Of course, they give you their tips and tricks for promoting motivation as well! Other episodes mentioned: 20: The Perfect Storm: Writing & Executive Functioning 21: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing Part 1 22: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing Part 2 24: Respecting the POP 25: How To Make Memory Work 27: How to Make Memory Work Books: I Can’t Do That, Yet Mindsets For Parents Phrases For Growth Mindset Mathematical Mindsets Mindset Mathematics Books Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6
13/11/201828 minutes 38 seconds
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27: How to Make Memory Work

Today, Rachel & Steph demystify memory. They talk all about short term, working (the most important for school) and long term memory.  We talk about how school is truly set up to reward those with good memory, challenges those with weaker memory and the strong link between memory and learning. Of COURSE, you’ll get to hear some of their favorite strategies as well.  Educated Other episodes mentioned: Ep 23: The Highly Gifted Student Ep 4: Creating a Study Plan Ep 26: What kind of learner is your child? Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Facebook group
06/11/201830 minutes 44 seconds
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26: What kind of learner is your child?

Understanding your learners learning profile is essential when making decisions about what school to attend or helping cultivate a relationship of understanding with your child’s teacher. The natural styles and affinities of different learners directly impact the type of instruction, strategies, tips, and tricks we give to a student. In this episode, Rachel & Steph only talk about 3 different learning styles: auditory, kinesthetic and visual learners. They describe what they mean, how to know which type of learner is YOUR learner and how to connect their learning style with their current academic experience. Other episodes mentioned: Ep 24: Respecting the POP Ep 25: All in Good Time: How to manage time and get going
30/10/201823 minutes 56 seconds
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25: All in Good Time: How to manage time and get going

All human beings--no matter who you are or your learning style or profile--struggle with time. We all feel like we don’t have enough time. In this episode, Rachel & Steph talk about task initiation (which is their fancy way of saying “getting started” with a task), time management and the importance of accountability. Some of what they say may surprise you (including why instituting consequences for late work is as important as turning in an assignment on time). Listen to this episode as they share their insider secrets and what they do to help their students manage their time. Have you joined the Facebook group yet? This is where all the Smarties are connecting and supporting one another. Rachel & Steph would love to see you there. Other episodes mentioned: 24: Respecting the POP 21: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing Part 1 22: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing Part 2 4: Creating a Study Plan 2: How to Calendar
23/10/201837 minutes 37 seconds
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24: Respecting the POP: Prioritizing, Organizing, & Planning

In this episode, Rachel & Steph are super excited to reveal their POP approach in this episode. They remind you of the importance of respecting all aspects of executive functioning and in this episode, they detail ways it is important to respect the POP (prioritizing, organizing and planning). They reveal the many different ways student can improve their prioritizing, organizing and planning skills. Other episodes mentioned: 02 “How to Calendar” 03 “The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying” 04 “Creating a study plan” 15 “School Supplies” 16 “Why does your backpack look like that”
16/10/201827 minutes 10 seconds
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23: The Highly Gifted Student

As educational therapists, Rachel & Steph also work with highly gifted students, who have a very specific academic experience and journey. The often rely on their intellect and don’t “need” to learn academic coping skills--until they suddenly do! Rachel & Steph also discuss the close connection of self-esteem and grades for highly gifted students and the specific challenges that arise. They also highlight the importance of demystifying and explaining their learning profile to highly gifted students. This was a listener requested episode. If you have a question for Rachel & Steph, connect with them at www.learnsmarterpodcast.com and you never know--they could answer it on the podcast for all the Smarties. Other episodes mentioned: Ep 02: How to calendar
09/10/201826 minutes 35 seconds
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22: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing Part 2

Adding to their conversation from last week, Rachel & Steph continue their deep dive into writing strategies. In this episode, they chat about how spelling, syntax, and grammar are secondary concerns to the larger task of communicating ideas. They also talked about the importance of being prepared for writing and how to take action while reading the book (be sure to listen to Episodes 17 and 18, linked below, to learn more about this). Also, Rachel and Steph go through the process of breaking down a prompt and explains how to take sentences and turn them into questions for the writer to answer. They also talk about analysis and some simple tricks to make it easier. Episodes 21 and 22 have been a complete survey of various writing strategies that can tremendously improve the experience of a struggling or avoidant writer. There is so much more to dissect and talk about so be sure to listen to future episodes of Learn Smarter: the Educational Therapy podcast to learn more. You can also c
02/10/201822 minutes 9 seconds
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21: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing Part 1

Being able to express yourself in the written word is critical--in the “real world”, students need to know how to properly write an e-mail or quickly and politely express themselves on paper. As school progresses, the complexities of writing become increasingly demanding and burdensome. Today, Rachel & Steph give you some of their favorite strategies including graphic organizers, the value of high-interest subject matter, “brain dumps” (they should trademark this!), and the power of talking it out. Be sure to tune in next week when Rachel & Steph continue this conversation and give you even more strategies. Also, they tangentially dive into their Spaghetti Philosophy and discuss again why it’s so helpful to only try one new strategy at a time. If you’d like to connect with us on Instagram, we’d love to see you at @learnsmarterpodcast. If you’d like more information on our strategy sessions, please go to www.learnsmarterpodcast.com and click the “work with us” tab. Big Book of Graphi
25/09/201824 minutes 33 seconds
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20: The Perfect Storm: Writing & Executive Functioning

Writing presents suggest a challenge for ALL students--it doesn’t matter if they have a learning or medical diagnosis that interferes with their ability to function in the classroom. Writing. Is. Hard. In today’s episode, Rachel & Steph do a deep dive into writing and explain why it is often the most challenging part of a child’s day. They (of course!) give a few tips and ideas on how to make it easier. Be sure to listen to next week’s episode, where Rachel & Steph give away even more of their strategies and ideas.
18/09/201821 minutes 22 seconds
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19: Steph’s Top Games and Apps

Steph is back to teach us about all her favorite games and apps for reading (decoding). Steph has really earned her nickname as the game guru over the years and in this episode, she tells us her top 5 favorite games and top 5 favorite apps for reading. Be sure to go to learnsmarterpodcast.com to get our freebie list so you can buy some games and apps for your struggling decoders (readers). Steph's top games and apps Other episodes mentioned: 12: (Reading Series) “My kid isn’t reading.” 17: (Reading Series) Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies Part 1 18: (Reading Series) Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies Part 2
11/09/201822 minutes 49 seconds
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18: Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 2)

Reading comprehension is critical--even if your student is the most fluid out loud reader...are they really understanding what they’re reading? Reading comprehension weaknesses can be sneaky because it can be difficult to identify. In last weeks episode, Rachel & Steph dug in to why students can pretend they understand what they’re reading (when they don’t) and give you some of their favorite reading comprehension strategies. This week, they’ll share the rest of the strategies and the Key Takeaways they want to make sure you know. The first four strategies from last week: Knowing what the story is about in advance using images in the book and Sparknotes Prefilling a book with sticky notes that have questions on them Using visualization Audiobooks Strategies five through ten: 5. Make true life connections with the story 6. Reading for answers 7. When going through guided reading questions, restate the questions in your own words and identify how many questions you are resp
04/09/201822 minutes 35 seconds
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17: Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 1)

Reading comprehension is critical--even if your student is the most fluid out loud reader...are they really understanding what they’re reading? Reading comprehension weaknesses can be sneaky because it can be difficult to identify. In this episode, Rachel & Steph dig in to why students can pretend they understand what they’re reading (when they don’t) and give you some of their favorite reading comprehension strategies. Next week, they’ll share the rest of the strategies and the Key Takeaways they want to make sure you know. ----------------------------------------------------------- There are two major components of reading: decoding and comprehension. Decoding is sounding out and reading the words. Reading comprehension is understanding what you are reading. It is really apparent when a student is struggling with decoding because you can detect it when they read aloud. Reading comprehension struggles can fly under the radar. Before we move forward in giving you our ideas and stra
28/08/201823 minutes 41 seconds
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Ep 16: (Executive Function Series) “Why does your backpack look like that?”

  Rachel & Steph do a deep dive on backpacks in this episode. They talk about why backpacks become a black hole of papers, broken pencils and old food (yuck), what kind of backpacks actually help children NOT lose things, what should be in a backpack (and what shouldn’t) and backpack maps. They also talk about their system for “pruning the backpack” and why it is an essential component of educational therapy. Other Episodes mentioned: Episode 2: (Executive Function Series) How to Calendar Episode 5: (Executive Function Series) Executive Functioning (and why everyone is talking about it), Episode 06: (Dreaded) Homework Episode 10: (Executive Function Series) ADHD and Executive Function Episode 15: School Supplies (What you need and what you ABSOLUTELY don't need)  
21/08/201824 minutes 4 seconds
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Ep 15: School Supplies (What you need and what you ABSOLUTELY don’t need)

What Rachel and Stephanie have to say about school supplies may shock you--they both firmly believe in a “less is more” approach. Students do not need 50 pencils hidden in different parts of their backpack or 20 erasers scattered about. In this episode, Rachel & Steph get extremely specific about what school supplies are needed--and how little students actually need to be successful. Don’t forget to go to www.learnsmarter.com to join our mail list to connect! Sign up below to get our list of school supplies.
14/08/201832 minutes 27 seconds
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Ep 14: Back to School (Part 2)

Today, Rachel & Steph walk you through how to prepare for going back to school. It’s the beginning of August, which means you and your student are holding onto those last vestiges of summer with all your might--or you may have already started school. It also means that you may be feeling the anxiety that the unknown of a new year brings. Today, they talk about partnership with your child’s teacher and calendaring for success. They also do a deep dive on big academic transitions (the leap that occurs from elementary school to middle school, middle school to high school or high school to college). Be sure to listen next week to the companion to Back to School (Part 1 & 2), when Rachel & Steph reveal their secrets about school supplies. Other episodes mentioned: Episode 02: How to Calendar Episode 06: (Dreaded) Homework Episode 10: ADHD and Executive Function
07/08/201822 minutes 54 seconds
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Ep 13: Back to School (Part 1)

Today, Rachel & Steph walk you through how to prepare for going back to school. It’s the end of July which means you and your student are holding onto those last vestiges of summer with all your might. It also means that you may be feeling the anxiety that the unknown of a new year brings. In this episode, Rachel & Steph talk about how to prevent “academic emergencies” by properly preparing and achievable goal setting. and partnership with your child’s teacher. They talk about calendaring for success. They also do a deep dive into big academic transitions (the leap that occurs from elementary school to middle school, middle school to high school or high school to college). Other episodes mentioned: Episode 02: How to Calendar Episode 06: (Dreaded) Homework Episode 09: What to do with your child over the summer
31/07/201823 minutes 14 seconds
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Ep 12: “My kid isn’t reading.”

We want all kids to love reading. In this episode, Stephanie does a deep dive on how she works with students who find reading challenging. She teaches us about how reading is comprised of two main components (fluency and comprehension). She gives a million ideas on how to support struggling early readers and students who struggle with reading in middle school and high school. Steph also provides a ton of resources and ideas that are centered around cultivating a love of stories. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parents may feel anxious because their child is behind their peers in reading. For those parents, we want you to remember that it is your child’s own race. It also might be comforting to know that we often get calls from parents who are worried about the same thing. You are not alone. It does not matter if there are other students in your child’s class who are reading at hig
24/07/201837 minutes 13 seconds
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Ep 11: (Math Series) Math is a Four Letter Word

We know how students (and parents) feel about math. We get it and there are also some real reasons why students dislike math. This episode is full of simple and easy to implement suggestions about how to make math more manageable. Rachel gives away a ton of her math secrets. Don’t forget to visit our website www.learnsmarterpodcast.com for the freebie that lists all the suggestions and tips from this episode! Download Rachel's Math Rules
17/07/201826 minutes 30 seconds
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Ep 10: ADHD and Executive Function

Rachel & Steph do a deep dive on ADHD and how ADHD and executive functioning are connected. This episode is completely applicable to parents of all students this episode is totally applicable to your child and you will absolutely learn tips, tricks, and strategies on how to partner with your child in reading, writing, and math. They also discuss how executive functioning itself can be strengthened and the best ways to support your student. Other shows mentioned:   Episode 02 “How to Calendar” Episode 05 “Executive Functioning (and why everyone is talking about it)”
10/07/201842 minutes 33 seconds
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Ep 09: What to do with your child over the summer

For a lot of people, summer is the best time of year. It is a time for fun and vacations. It is also a time to catch up on those things that were avoided during the school year such as cleaning out your closet. Summer is a time to relax, slow down the pace, and build some skills. We are going to discuss what you can do with your child over the summer. We understand that summer can become difficult as you try to plan what to do with your kids. Therefore, we want to dig further into how you can do things at home and how educational therapy works during the summer. It is important for us to get across the fact that we strongly believe kids should be able to be kids. We believe they should have a fantastic summer because they earned it. Educational therapy over the summer is about using the skills they learned during the school year, strengthening them, and previewing some of the skills coming up in the following school year in a more fun way. Summer is a much more relaxing time. We of
03/07/201832 minutes 56 seconds
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Ep 08: A Session in the Life

Show Notes One of the most common questions we get is “what happens in a session?” This is very difficult for us to answer because every session is so individualized and so specific to the age, gender, interests, developmental abilities and psychoeducational goals of each student. In this episode, we “sample” what a typical session is like AND we learn from each other! This is a fun one and we hope you enjoy!
26/06/201838 minutes 2 seconds
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Ep 07: Educational Therapy vs. Tutoring

We are frequently asked questions regarding the difference between educational therapy and tutoring. This is a hugely important topic for us. We are going to dig into the differences between the two, how the two can work in tandem, and how sometimes tutoring can work against the goals of educational therapy. This is the second post of our educational therapy series. Be sure to go back to blog 06 where we discuss dreaded homework for the first post in our educational therapy series. What is the difference between educational therapy and tutoring? We get asked this question all of the time. We are happy to clarify this mystery for you. We know there is confusion about this so we have broken the topic down into seven main points of comparison. The definition of ed therapy and the definition of tutoring: Educational therapy is about strategy. It is about building a toolbox of strategies, how you approach learning, and the classroom environment. Educational therapy is much broader tha
19/06/201813 minutes 50 seconds
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Ep 06: [Dreaded] Homework

Homework is definitely something that is hard for a lot of families. We know how much of a burden it can be. We, as educational therapists, have to maintain clear boundaries on homework. We are not homework helpers. We are not homework coaches. We teach skills and strategies. If needed, refer back to blog 00 in order to better understand how education therapy is different from tutoring. We justify the discussion of homework in our world as ET’s because it’s all the other parts of homework that we work on. It’s strategy, approach, how to handle a difficult concept, grit, time management, prioritization, task initiation, project management, etc. It is never about completing homework in session but rather managing homework, stress, approach, and efficiency. We have a lot of opinions when it comes to homework. We strongly believe that kids should be able to be kids. We do not want to delve into the debate of whether or not homework is a good idea. Regardless of the various arguments about
12/06/201834 minutes 46 seconds
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Ep 05: Executive Functioning (and why everyone is talking about it)

Executive Function (EF) We talk about executive functioning so frequently because it affects everything that a child (or adult) does all day, every day. We have a few disclaimers that we would like you to know when it comes to executive functioning. The first is don’t get overwhelmed. We are going to continue to break down the topic and go further into it later down the road. Our second disclaimer is that this is our list of executive function (EF) traits and how we see our students impacted by their own executive functioning. For now, we will give an overview of all the elements of executive functioning that impact our ability to function in either a positive way (using good EF skills) or a negative way (lacking in EF skills). So what is executive function? Our definition of executive function is the ability to plan, manage, organize, and “do” your life. In other words, it is the ability to prioritize and execute. Executive functioning is not only linked to school but it can be lin
05/06/201828 minutes 43 seconds
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Ep 04: Creating a Study Plan

The most important part of studying actually occurs before you even start to relearn (or learn) the material. Today, we break down how to create a study plan that is mindful, achievable, and flexible.  We will also explore the reasons why a study plan might fail and what to do. This may seem aspirational for some of you. Your students may inform you of about a test the night before; maybe you don’t know until after your child has taken it.  Conversely, your child's teacher may not be giving you notice.  That student isn’t quite ready for creating a study plan yet. That student should still be working with their family and team on learning how to take control of their time and their calendar. Once the student is successful in these areas, there will be no more academic blindsides. For help and advice on how to get your student ready for this episode refer to Episode 02 of the podcast or our blog from May 15, 2018, where we talk about using a calendar and managing time. There are sever
29/05/201831 minutes 15 seconds
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Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying

Studying isn’t what you think it should be. So, what does studying actually look like? Today we explain the do’s and don’ts of studying as well as ways in which to transform the “don’ts” into positive, helpful strategies. These thoughts and tips are applicable to students of all ages. Let’s first address the purpose of studying. The purpose of studying is to be able to recall information on demand, in a classroom setting. The reason why we word it this way is to really give students the context of why studying is important. As adults, we do not sit down to study. This is because we are usually seeking information for pleasure. Students on the the other hand, sit down to study because they have a goal. This is something to be mindful of when thinking about studying. Students are studying with the intention of earning a grade. It should also be noted that it is a non-preferred task for students. Students might have to seek information on a topic that is not particularly interesting t
22/05/201818 minutes 36 seconds
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Ep 02: (Executive Function Series) How to Calendar

Calendaring is hated by so many of the students we work with--and it’s the first thing we do with them. It is so critical and so important. If you do not keep track of what is going on in your life, nothing else can get done. Having a calendar is the starting point that greatly reduces anxiety in students because once you are in control of your time, you are in control of your life. You cannot get into a car and start driving unless you know where you are going--it is the same with calendaring. You cannot start reaching goals and milestones within educational therapy without knowing what they are in the first place. We encounter a lot of resistance when it comes to calendaring, but we have learned to challenge that resistance. Many students rely on online portals and memorization to keep track of their assignments and commitments. To counteract this resistance, we challenge our students to find an adult that does not have a calendar. All adults have calendars (or some sort of way of k
15/05/201832 minutes 58 seconds
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Ep 01: You’re Not Alone

It’s a narrative we hear all too often. A parent will call us regarding their child’s learning difficulty and low self-esteem in school--and the parent is unsure of how to help. Parents often feel isolated because there is no sense of community when they are going through these challenges with their learners in the academic setting. One of our main objectives when creating this community was to help and serve these parents and teachers. Wherever you may be on your journey with your different learners, there are three important points we want every family to know: It is challenging to parent any child who is atypical (regardless of a diagnosis).  It is not what parents expect.  It is critical for parents to acknowledge how challenging this can be. Comparison is truly evil. This boils down to comparing your children against each other or comparing your child against other students in the classroom. While we aim to provide resources for families with different learners, we think a lo
15/05/201822 minutes 18 seconds
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Ep 00: Who we are and how we got here

Learn Smarter: the Educational Therapy Podcast is your go-to resource for the parents and teachers of students with different learning needs. Rachel & Stephanie are two educational therapists who are committed to helping parents and educators find easy, simple and FUN ways of supporting learners. This podcast will be covering how learning impacts the whole child: we’ll talk about everything from executive functioning to games to tricks of the trade. Join us on this journey to support your complex and diverse kids. Follow us on Instagram
08/05/201810 minutes 28 seconds