Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET reshare a wonderful and important episode this week: Episode 201: Executive Functioning with Peg Dawson.  The school year is around the corner and executive functioning is such a huge part of school and life success.  In this episode, Peg talks about modifying the environment, keeping the supports while habits form and how getting started is often the hardest part.     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

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, welcome Alissa Opfer to the podcast. Alissa is a learning specialist at My Ed Therapist and she is joining us today to talk about her journey leaving the classroom environment. She shares why she struggled leaving the classroom and what she has learned since leaving the classroom. Alissa also shares what she would tell others who are thinking about leaving the classroom. 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 69: "Should I become an Educational Therapist?" (On-Air Coaching with Kylee Yates)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET talk about how weaker executive functioning skills lead to challenges with making decisions. In episode 274: The Silent Suffering of Problem Solving, they addressed what we mean when we talk about problem solving and why it’s important. In this episode, they further chat about why decision making is often very emotional and difficult for learners and what to do about it. 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 274: The Silent Suffering of Problem Solving (Executive Functioning Series) Ep 317: Using the Summer to Plan for Failures (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome Elizabeth to the podcast. Elizabeth shares how she explored her own journey and was able to “connect the dots” of her own story and explore her autism diagnosis as an adult. She shares her workplace accommodations with us and talks about making the decision to mask her autism in some situations and unmask in others. She even shares how her autism has informed her parenting and her role as a learning specialist.  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

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss the concept of failing forward. They talk about why summer is the perfect chance to prioritize this idea, how to involve parents in the process when appropriate, and the importance of planning for “failing”. They share the transformation that can occur with prioritizing this conversation and plan and for what type of learners benefit from this goal. Make sure to listen to the end as they share a simple framework to help learners plan to fail forward. 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 87: Why Every Learner Needs a Living Strategies Document (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET are thrilled to reshare episode 190. 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. 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

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome a parent of one of Stephanie’s clients at My Ed Therapist. Sarah is the mother of Finn, a 10th grader, who has had a very emotional journey in Educational Therapy. Finn was an elite athlete who was struggling to balance his sport and academics. Sarah shares how she partnered with Steph (even when it was hard). Steph shares how difficult it was to build trust with Finn, how she established communication with Finn outside of sessions, and how he learned to trust and partner with her. She also shares how transformative Educational Therapy has been for her 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 172: Why Learners Lie (Part 1) (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 175: What to do About Learners Who Lie (Part 2) (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 179: Classic ADHD: Avoidance and Lies with Annie (Success Stories) Ep 215: The Testing Psychologist Podcast - Why Do Learners Lie and What to Do About It (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET reshare episode 112 of Learn Smarter: the Educational Therapy podcast. The teams 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 e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss the tricky idea of intersession parent involvement in educational therapy intervention for middle school through college learners. They share the 3 different levels of parental involvement and how to establish agreements around what the learner and clinician need in each level. They also discuss what can happen when a parent's level of involvement doesn’t match learner and clinician needs. 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 37: How Educational Therapy Works Ep 303: 3 Questions All Parents Should be Asking Their Learners (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET share why learners push back about email and emailing their teachers in general and what to do about it. 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

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET are back to chatting about business! Today they share how to know when to delegate in your business and work through all the mindset issues that come about when giving up control. 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

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss the many reasons why some learners don’t want educational therapy. They also chat about why a learner’s willingness to participate is actually not a prerequisite to hire an educational therapist. 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 99: How to Explain Educational Therapy to your Child (Educational Therapy Series)  

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome Diane Gould to the podcast to discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance. She shares how she got interested in PDA, her involvement with bringing awareness to the USA, and how behavioral strategies don’t typically work for those with PDA. She explains how for those who have PDA it’s  a matter of “can’t not won’t.” She shares some ideas about how to support those with PDA including building trust, prioritizing connection, collaboration through partnership and sharing demands.  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

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET reshare episode 56 where they chat about why learners should do educational therapy over the summer. They share the numerous benefits to this type of intervention during a learner’s summer break. 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

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET chat about what all clinicians, learners, teachers, and parents need to know to finish the academic year strong. We all want the learners we work with to thrive throughout the entire year and it is hard. In this episode, Rachel and Steph share their tips and tricks. 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 56: Why You Should Do Educational Therapy Over The Summer Ep 38: How to set S.M.A.R.T. Goals Ep 123: Online Portal Pitfalls (Executive Functioning Series) Ep 182: The Principles of a Portal Audit (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET complete their  3-part series where they answer a final round of Frequently Asked Questions. In episode 304, which aired 2 weeks ago, they tackled Digital Age Questions. In episode 305, they tackled parenting questions. This week they respond to frequently asked school-related questions  including why things seem harder for their learner than it used to be (focus, challenging school communication, realistic expectations) and those big educational therapy questions like “When can we scale back from sessions?” 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 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 304: Digital Age Questions: FAQ 1 (Educational Therapy Series)  Ep 305: Parenting Questions: FAQ 2 (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET continue their  3-part series where they answer a new round of Frequently Asked Questions. In episode 304, which aired last week, they tackled Digital Age Questions. Today they dig into frequently asked parenting questions like balancing being involved and allowing autonomy, motivation, consequences, and micromanaging. Be sure to tune in next week where they attack frequently asked school related questions. 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 303: 3 Questions All Parents Should be Asking Their Learners (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 304: Digital Age Questions: FAQ 1 (Educational Therapy Series)  Parenting Series

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET begin a 3-part series where they answer a new round of Frequently Asked Questions. In this episode, they tackle Digital Age Questions regarding screen time, productive use of technology, and parent technological savvy (or lack thereof).  Join them the next two weeks where they tackle frequently asked parenting questions and frequently asked school related questions.  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 29: Frequently Asked Questions  Ep 65: Screen Time with Dr. Joe Dilley (Author Series) Ep 182: The Principles of a Portal Audit (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET answer this frequently asked parenting question: “What can I do to support my learner in between sessions?” In this episode, Rachel and Stephanie share the 3 questions parents should be asking their learners and how to implement this new daily strategy with their 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 123: Online Portal Pitfalls (Executive Functioning Series) Ep 182: The Principles of a Portal Audit (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET explore why writing meltdowns occur with learners. They chat about what makes writing difficult to begin with, what can make writing harder and how to understand the learners who struggle with writing. 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: Writing Series Ep 286: How Educational Therapists Can Responsibly use Artificial Intelligence

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET share the origin story of this episode and how it came about. They share about why we should be using tools that learners are already familiar with and examples of opportunities you can use photographs to reinforce your goals and work in session.   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 126: How to Study for a Math Test Ep 140: The Secret to "Studying Harder" (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 184: Our Greatest Study Hack (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Ep 04: Creating a Study Plan Ep 160: Our #1 Study Hack (Tricks of the Trade Series) Ep 238: The Messy Room Episode (Educational Therapy Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome fellow educational therapist and their Director of Operations, Katrina Gonzalez, to celebrate their 300th episode. In this episode, Katrina interviews Rachel & Steph about their experiences with the podcast and on the podcast. They share behind the scenes stories, favorite episodes, what they love and think about each other, how things have shifted since they started the podcast and what we’re most proud of with the podcast. 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 50: ADHD Expert Dr. Thomas Brown Ep 201: Executive Functioning Skills Master Class with Dr. Peg Dawson (Executive Functioning Series) Ep 151: Overcoming Dyslexia with Dr. Sally Shaywitz, Part 1 (Author Series) Ep 152: Overcoming Dyslexia with Dr. Sally Shaywitz, Part 2 (Author 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) 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)  

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss clinical notes. They share why notes are important, what they need to do for you as a clinician, and what should actually be documented.  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 37: How Educational Therapy Works

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET display their partnership in helping Rachel figure out how to best manage the family calendar moving forward. As the complexity increases and Rachel’s family life gets busier, she realizes that she needs more explicit rules about calendar management and Stephanie and Rachel work through the benefits of making a change, the concerns Rachel has about making a change and Rachel’s action plan moving forward.  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) Ep 282: Next Level Calendaring (Executive Functioning Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET revisit their earlier discussions regarding time blindness. Today they discuss what it is and why it matters. They chat about some benefits of time blindness and how one’s sense of time can be improved. 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 166: How Time Perception Impacts Learners with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 230: 11 Things the Books Don't Tell You About Executive Functioning Skills (Executive Functioning Skills Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss why some learners haven’t started thriving yet and how we should be thinking about these learners, their motivations, and their challenges. They also dig into some ideas of what to do about it! 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  

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET round out their 3 episode arc on how parenting and educational therapy intersect. Two weeks ago they discussed why it’s important for parents to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Last week they chatted about the whys and hows of displaying failure, and today they dig into how praise and feedback should be specific. 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 293: How to Let Learners Be Uncomfortable (Parenting Series) Ep: 294: Displaying Failure (The Importance of making mistakes out loud in front of your children) (Parenting Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss the importance of failing forward. Last week, they chatted about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Today they dig into why you want to show your learner or your partner failure and how to model it effectively in your home.  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 293: How to Let Learners Be Uncomfortable (Parenting Series)

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, discuss the way parenting and educational therapy intersect.  For the next 3 episodes, they are chatting about some of the more uncomfortable parts of parenting and how it impacts the work that they do as educational therapists. In this episode they discuss why it is important to learn to be okay with learners failing forward. 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

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss the importance of business workflows today. They discuss how having workflows specifically allowed them to free up time in their businesses, allowed them to teach other people how to do things, and created simplicity for their team and 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

Listen for a special holiday message from Rachel and Steph.   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

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss how inferencing supports reading comprehension. They go into detail about inference, why it’s important, and how to guide readers to thinking, understanding and using inferencing to support reading comprehension. 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 Other episodes mentioned: Reading series

In this re-air of episode 175, Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET continue the conversation from last week 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 e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist  

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

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

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

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

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  

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

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

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)

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)

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

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

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, @myedtherapist   Other episodes mentioned: Ep 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

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

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

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

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 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 and Executive Functioning  

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://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 Accommodations Myths with Elizabeth Hamblet, LDT-C, M.S. Ed. (Author 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)

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)  

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)

 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

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)

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/High School Math Games (Math Series) Ep 187: Steph's Favorite Games of 2021 Ep 228: Upleveling Games Part 1 (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 229: Upleveling Games Part 2 (Educational Therapy 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 Diagnosing     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 141: Understanding Autism in Girls with Dr. Donna Henderson Part 1(Professionals Series) Ep 142: Understanding Autism in Girls with Dr. Donna Henderson Part 2 (Professionals Series) Ep 159: Understanding and Developing Motivation for Your Learner Part 1 (Author Series) Ep 161: Understanding and Developing Motivation for Your Learner Part 2 (Author 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)

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 (Executive Function Series) Ep 166: How Time Perception Impacts Learners with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series)

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

 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 Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

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)

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

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

 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 Speed vs. Sluggish Cognitive Tempo with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 252: "Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less" with Dr. Ellen Braaten Part 1 (Author 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

 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 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)   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  

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

 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

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 Create Free Time while Maintaining Grades and Minimizing Anxiety with Nikki 

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

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 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

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  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

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

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

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  @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 (Business Series)

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 (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  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist  

  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

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

 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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  

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: LearnSmarter10 Other episodes mentioned: Ep 99: How to Explain Educational Therapy to your Child (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

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: How to calendar Ep 05: Executive Functioning and Why Everyone Is Talking About It.  Ep: 10 ADHD AND EF

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 girls. Connect with Dr. Kathleen Nadeau:  Chesapeakeadd.com Understanding Girls with ADHD Understanding Women with ADHD 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

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

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 @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

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)

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

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

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’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)

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 list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 199:  How Business Coaching Leads You to What You Want with Denielle Adibi (Business Practices 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

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)  

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 Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 97: Success Stories with Jacqui Ep 98: Mia’s Educational Therapy Journey

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

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  

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, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

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 Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

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

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

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 (Author 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  

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)

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  

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

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

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

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 Series) Ep 145: Auditory Processing with Dr. Bea Braun (Professionals Series)  Ep 187: Steph's Favorite Games of 2021 Ep 19: Steph’s Top Games and Apps (Reading Series) Ep 64: Steph's Favorite Math Apps & Games for Elementary  Ep 80: Steph's Favorite Middle/High School Math Games (Math Series) Ep 32: Our Favorite Apps and Games of 2018 Ep 139: Social Emotional Games with Tara Eddy (Professionals 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

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 Series) Ep 179: Classic ADHD: Avoidance and Lies with Annie (Success Stories)

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

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)  

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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 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 57: How to Create Free Time while Maintaining Grades and Minimizing Anxiety with Nikki 

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)

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)

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

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)

 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)

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

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

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 Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

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  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

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 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

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

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 Maintaining Grades and Minimizing Anxiety with Nikki  Ep 61: The Assessment Process with Dr. Karen Wilson (Local 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  

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 Accommodations Myths with Elizabeth Hamblet, LDT-C, M.S. Ed. (Author 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)

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

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)

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

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)

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.com/learnsmarter  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 135: Parenting your Complex Kid with Elaine Taylor-Klaus (Author Series) Ep 149: How to Prioritize while Parenting with Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster (Author Series)

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)

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)

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

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 Group Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

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)

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

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

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://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 135: Parenting your Complex Kid with Elaine Taylor-Klaus (Author 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

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

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

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)

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)

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

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 website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

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

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

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

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)

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 Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

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, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:  Ep 123: Online Portal Pitfalls (Executive Functioning 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 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

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

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 Interview 2

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

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 Therapist website  @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

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 About Learning with Dr Rishi Part 2 (Author Series)

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 Learning with Dr Rishi Part 2 (Author 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)

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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 (Executive Function 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 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 Process (Writing Series) Ep 96: The Simplest Writing Strategy Ever (Writing Series) Ep 101: Why Writing is Hard for Elementary Learners (Writing Series)

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 Favorite Math Apps & Games for Elementary (Math Series) Ep 80: Steph's Favorite Middle/High School Math Games (Math Series) Ep 32: Our Favorite Apps and Games of 2018

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

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)

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)

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 Process (Writing Series) Ep 96: The Simplest Writing Strategy Ever (Writing Series) Ep 101: Why Writing is Hard for Elementary Learners (Writing Series) Ep 87: Why Every Learner Needs a Living Strategies Document (Educational Therapy 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

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 series)

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

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

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 Wish Learners Wouldn't Do Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram

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 Vocabulary (Math Series) Ep 87: Why Every Learner Needs a Living Strategies Document (Educational Therapy 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 @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned:Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of StudyingEp 04: Creating a Study PlanEp 57: How to Create Free Time while Maintaining Grades and Minimizing Anxiety with Nikki 

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

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

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)

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)

Today is Part 1 of Feeling Time. In a few weeks, Part 2 will come out with even more strategies to think about.

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)

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

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

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 coaching and more. We will be doing trainings in this group that won’t be offered on this podcast so if you’re interested, we are currently accepting applications for Learn Smarter Pro now. The group will be kept small by design, so if you’re interested, reach out to us now and we’ll send you more details and the application. We will only be accepting applications for the next few weeks. Other episodes mentioned: Webinar: How to Make Schooling at Home Work for Your Family

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

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)

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  

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. 

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)

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)

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 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 doing trainings in this group that won’t be offered on this podcast so if you’re interested, we are currently accepting applications for Learn Smarter Pro now. The group will be kept small by design, so if you’re interested, reach out to us now and we’ll send you more details and the application. We will only be accepting applications for the next few weeks. Apply here to join! Other episodes mentioned: Ep 54: One Year of Podcasting

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

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 doing trainings in this group that won’t be offered on this podcast so if you’re interested, we are currently accepting applications for Learn Smarter Pro now. The group will be kept small by design, so if you’re interested, reach out to us now and we’ll send you more details and the application. We will only be accepting applications for the next few weeks. Other episodes mentioned: Ep 62: Manager vs. Consultant (Parenting Series) Ep 88: Pick Progress over Perfection (Parenting 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

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

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

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)

 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)

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/

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

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  

  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

: 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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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

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

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 Questions  Ep 30: The Magic Pill Ep 31: It’s Always Something Ep 37: How Educational Therapy  Ep 38: How to set S.M.A.R.T. Goals Ep 39: Growth Mindset Ep 41: The One Thing We Wish Learners Wouldn't Do  EP 42: How to Always Have a Backup Plan Ep 47: Note Taking Ep 49: What to do when grades suddenly plummet Ep 58: Top 5 Reasons Learners Don't Want to Make Changes (Educational Therapy Series)   Ep 72: P.O.P. Academy (Executive Function Series) Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Ep 04: Creating a Study Plan

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)

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)

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 parents of children with Tourette, hosts events throughout the year, and there is even an annual family camp. Tracy Blender 310.410.4110 [email protected] Dr. Pantea Sharifi Hannauer is a pediatric neurologist, trained at and affiliated with UCLA. Her Torrance based practice is called Pediatric Minds. 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 65: Screen Time with Dr. Joe Dilley (Author Series) Ep 69: "Should I become an Educational Therapist?" (On-Air Coaching with Kylee Yates)    Success Stories Ep 46: Dispelling the Stigma of Educational Therapy with Ari Sokolov  Ep 48: Success Stories with Kathryn Schnabel AKA Milkshake Girl’s Mom Ep 53: Alex's Educational Therapy Journey Ep 57: How to Create Free Time while Maintaining Grades and Minimizing Anxiety with Nikki 

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 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 27: How to Make Memory Work Ep 28: Motivating the Unmotivated Ep 70: How "Organization" Leads to Disaster

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

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

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

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 It.  Ep: 10 ADHD AND EF

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

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

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 Works Ep 63: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author 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

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 Professionals 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 when grades suddenly plummet

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

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. 

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:

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

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

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:

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 Series) Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 2)On air coaching calls: 36 : On Air Coaching Call with Christine Walsh 40: How to Start Fostering Independence with Your Learner with Meg Cunningham 44:  School Partnership & Comprehension Strategies with Evelize Ramos

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

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

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 04: Creating a Study Plan 41: The One Thing We Wish Learners Wouldn't Do

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

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

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

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

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

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 solve homework questions ⁃Converse (iOS) — app that allows you to translate any language through speech 7 minute workout— app that provides 7 minute workouts You can connect with Ari: @TheTRILLProject @AriSokolov 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: 38: SMART GOALS 04: Creating a study plan 02: How to calendar

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)

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

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

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

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

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 Call with Christine Walsh Signup below if you want our Calendar Checklist

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!

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

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 Calendar Ep: 08: A Session in the Life Ep 29: Frequently Asked Questions Sign up below to get a free copy of our Educational Therapy Framework

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

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)”

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 Function Ep 16: “Why does your backpack look like that?” Ep 20: The Perfect Storm: Writing and Executive Functioning Ep 21: EF Strategies for Writing Part 1 Ep 22: EF Strategies for Writing Part 2 Ep 24: Respecting the POP: Prioritizing, Organizing, & Planning Ep 25: All in Good Time: How to manage time and get going Ep 27: How to make Memory Work Ep 28: Motivating the Unmotivated

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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”

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

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 connect with Rachel & Steph at [email protected], @learnsmarterpodcast on Instagram or in the Smarties of the Learn Smarter Podcast Facebook group. Other episodes mentioned: Ep 20: The Perfect Storm: Writing & Executive Functioning Ep 21: Executive Functioning Strategies for Writing Part 1 Ep 17: Reading Comprehension Part 1 Ep 18: Reading Comprehension Part 2 EP 4: Creating a Study Plan 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.

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 Graphic Organizers Big Book of Graphic Organizers for Elementary School Unjournaling Other episodes mentioned: Episode 5: Executive Function Episode 17: Reading Comprehension Part 1 Episode 18: Reading Comprehension Part 2

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.

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

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 responsible for answering 8. Creating a summary for the part you are reading 9. Talking out loud: 10. Skim and scoop Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies Other episodes mentioned: Episode 12: (Reading Series) “My kid isn’t reading.” Episode 17: (Reading Series) 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 strategies we want to make sure you know that we are not intending for you to try everything at once. It is not reasonable, achievable, or realistic. We suggest you pick one or two of these strategies that you think your child is going to connect with the most and start there. With that said, we are going to discuss some of our top strategies for students who struggle with reading comprehension. We will continue to talk about reading strategies in our following blog (blog 18) as well. Reading comprehension strategies: 1.Knowing what the story is about in advance: Look at the book cover as well as the book art and get a sense of what the book is about. Read the back of the book. Use Sparknotes to find out what the story is about ahead of time. 2. Prefill a book with sticky notes: Write questions on the sticky notes such as the W’s (who, what, when, where, why). Use some sticky notes for the child to draw a picture of what just happened at that point in the book. 3. Visualization: After your child reads a paragraph ask, “What does the character look like?” Help your child use the details in the book to put together images. 4. Audiobooks: Audiobooks remove the burden of decoding, allowing the reader to focus on story, plot, and characters. Pro Tip: Reading the book while listening to the audiobook is one of our favorite strategies. Other episodes mentioned: Episode 12: (Reading Series) “My kid isn’t reading.” Episode 18: (Reading Series) Our Top 10 Reading Comprehension Strategies (Part 2)

  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)  

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.

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

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

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 higher levels. In the end, every kid will get there, at their own pace. There is one major concept we want parents to think about when it comes to their child struggling with reading and that is that most of the time it is not just about reading. We are not saying this to worry any parents. We are saying this so that parents can be aware. Usually, if a student is struggling with reading they are struggling with something else in particular. If you can remediate it now, there is less of a chance of it showing up down the road. Reading generates anxiety in students, especially when it comes to reading out loud in the classroom. A lot of teachers use a method called popcorn reading. Oral popcorn reading is when students are either expected to jump in and read a paragraph or sentence or are chosen by the teacher to read. Because students are nervous for their turn to read they tend to skip ahead and mentally rehearse their part while other students are reading. This causes them to miss out on listening (and therefore comprehending) which in turn puts them in a bad spot when their teacher gives a pop quiz or asks a question about the content. Similar anxiety can emerge at home for students who don’t love reading. Reading is primarily made up of two different components. One component is decoding (which is sounding out the words) and the other is comprehension (which is understanding what is being read). Both areas need to work together seamlessly in order for a student to be a successful reader. This brings us to the topic of fluency versus comprehension. When a child is a fluent reader they are able to easily decode and read words flawlessly. Often times, when working with a child who is struggling with reading the focus is on comprehension. Strategies for supporting reading with an emphasis on comprehension: Reading strips: To make your own reading strip, you can take a piece of paper and cut out the middle so that the child can only read one sentence or even one word at a time. You can also buy reading strips on Amazon. Have your child follow along with their finger: This will help them to focus on one word at a time. Take turns reading with your child Practice sight words: These are the words that do not follow rules. You can learn sight words using games, books, and/or websites Choose books that are at your child’s reading level, not their grade level: There is an application you can download and use called Book Fairs by Scholastic which will tell you the reading level of a chosen book. When reading to your child, make sure it is age appropriate and at their grade level--this supports vocabulary and helps maintain interest in books. Strategies for supporting reading with an emphasis on fluency: Choral reading: read simultaneously with your child. Slow down everything you read as your child speeds up to match you. Read a paragraph or sentence in a certain tone and have your child copy you Practice sounds

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

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)”

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 often have conversations with our clients in May about whether or not we recommend educational therapy during the summer at all. For a lot of kids, we feel pretty strongly that we either want to reduce them from two sessions to one session a week or we only want to see them for a short period of time and do a more intense approach. We also take into account the fact that most kids have a busy summer schedule packed with traveling out of town, camps, sports, and family weekends. Educational therapy becomes less consistent. There are a couple of ways that we determine whether or not we make the recommendation to see kids over the summer and how frequently we see kids over the summer. Our first key takeaway is to know your kid. Some kids can take a summer off of “school” while some kids need to use summer as an opportunity to catch up. We recommend that you ask yourself the following questions… What are my child’s strengths? What are my child’s areas of weakness? What did the teacher tell me throughout the year? We hope that you can use report cards and conversations that you have had with your child’s teachers as a guiding force to determine what kind of summer you would like them to have. Another key takeaway is to do things with your child that involve learning without the child realizing they are learning. You can use games, go to museums or zoos, etc. Social learning is a big part of learning. Kids are able to participate in social learning when they go to summer camp as well. There are a lot of ways to help your child build on their academic skills that don’t require you to sit down with them and fill out a worksheet. Here are just some ideas with you on what you can do with your student over the summer: Reading: We think is important for kids to do over the summer and continue to do is reading. Reading is important no matter the age of your student. We know that reading isn’t always a preferred task for kids. There are several ways you can work around this. Call it story time: Do not call it reading. Cultivating a love for stories and words is so critical as children grow up. Read a book as a family: This is a great opportunity to ask questions, make predictions, check for comprehension, and work on things such as main idea, summary, and vocab. For us, it counts if the student is listening to an audiobook or a podcast. As long as they are interacting and engaging with words and stories, and following an idea throughout a period of time, that is enough. If you are working with the student directly and decoding (breaking down the words) is a challenge for them then it might help to use an audiobook and have the student follow along in the book at the same time so that they can see the pictures as well. This will help strengthen the decoding and the comprehension which are the two main parts of reading. Read multiple books at once: Some parents get concerned if their child is reading a book separate from a book they are reading as...

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!

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 than tutoring. An ed therapist is a case manager for the whole team which includes the child, parent, teacher, tutors, psychiatrists, therapists, etc. An ed therapist is interested in supporting the whole child. Educational therapy is a long-term play. A common misconception is that ed therapy is just for students with a learning disability but that is not true. Students come to us for a variety of reasons--anywhere from test anxiety to a desire to learn how to be a more efficient student. On the other hand, when it comes to tutoring it is really all about tactics rather than strategy. Tutoring is short term. It is about content and classroom curriculum. Tutors teach specific subject matters. Usually, a tutor is not going to communicate with the teacher or be a case manager on behalf of the student or the family. Tutoring is a shorter term solution. While an educational therapist is an expert on learning, a tutor should be an expert in their subject area. There is a caveat to this in that there is a slight overlap between educational therapy and tutoring. Sometimes an educational therapist has to cover a content area in order to teach a strategy. Educational therapy definitely does support classroom learning and content areas but has a much wider, more global view on how strategies can get used over the long term. When considering the difference between educational therapy and tutoring just remember that tutoring is very focused and educational therapy is global. Education of ed therapists versus a tutor: An educational therapist is highly trained usually with a masters degree in special education or learning. There are only a few master degree programs in the country and only a couple of them offer a certification in ed therapy. We met each other at the California State University of Northridge program which provides certification in educational therapy and Masters degrees in educational therapy and special education. Figuring out who is an educational therapist can be difficult because anyone can call themselves an educational therapist. As a field, we do not have licensure the way that speech and language pathologists or psychotherapists do. One way to tell if the professional that you are working with is an educational therapist is to check the Association of Educational Therapy website to see if they are listed as an educational therapist. The Association of Educational Therapists, or AET, has guidelines and course requirements that provide some oversight internally. There are people who are not members of AET but who have still met the qualifications to be an educational therapist. Ask whoever you are working with for more information if they are calling themselves an educational therapist. Although it can be a little tricky, generally, educational therapists are a member of AET and sanctioned to practice ed therapy by the association. As for tutors, they do not have to have formal training.

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 the benefits of homework, it is a reality that homework is a part of the vast majority of student lives and something that we (parents, educational therapists, and teachers) have to teach our students to manage. We know how hard homework time can be in your household. We know how stressful it can be when your child is not doing their homework the way that you think they should be doing it. It can be stressful when your child is either not getting it done at all or not turning it in. Or when they are doing it incorrectly. There are so many different aspects of homework but we are going to give a generalization about how to help you get through homework time. What Homework Should Be: There are various things that homework should be. For starters, homework should be a reinforcement of concepts. There are a lot of schools that do the flip model of having the students learn the material at home and then do homework in school. However, most students attend traditional schools where they are learning the material at school with their teachers and doing the reinforcement piece at home in the form of homework. In elementary school, there is reading, writing, and math homework. In middle school, there is homework that is due on different days and more long-term assignments or projects. (Be sure to refer back to blog 02 where we discuss how to calendar in order to better understand how to manage homework!) How it is managed will vary depending on the age group of the student. The daily struggle of homework involves creating time. After school time can be a battle for students. Most of the time, kids come home from school and do not want to start on their homework right away because they are just burnt out from the day. This can lead to a big fight between you and your child and the rest of the time after school becomes about getting homework done rather than family/quality time. Most students who struggle in school actually work twice as hard as their peers to produce half as much. It is important to remember that your child is not defying you in particular. Starting their homework and getting it done is very hard for them. Their day is so long while they are at school. If you were to break down how many daily transitions, projects, concepts, ideas, and responsibilities students manage in school, you would very likely see that it is a lot more than we have as adults and working professionals. Plus these kids are also dealing with situations beyond the classroom such as learning how to navigate social relationships and who they are as little people, and figuring out what they like. All of it is exhausting and it plays into why they are avoiding homework. Homework can remove the love for learning for a lot of students. This is heartbreaking for us, parents and teachers. That is why we do everything we can to preserve that love for learning. One of the frequently asked questions we get asked is how long homework should take.

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 linked to the concept of adulting, which children tend to learn about and work on as they go through school. For example, when a child is trying to memorize the periodic table of elements for a class, they are not necessarily memorizing the information because they are going into a science profession or because they are going to be using the elements for the rest of their lives.  During their process of memorizing, they are working on building skills that they will continue to use throughout their lives. Therefore, it is not all about what the material is but rather about HOW you are approaching it. The processes students go through in school, such as turning in homework and studying for tests, can be related to the adult equivalent of those process, such as paying bills and going to work. Life is all about hoop jumping. If you have a good strategy for how you are going to approach the hoop jumping then you are going to do much better off long term. We have identified executive functioning as having seven major key points. The Seven Key Points of Executive Functioning: 1. Organization, planning, and prioritizing: This means organizing your time and things, as well as deciding how to approach a task and in what order you are going to do things. Let’s look at how school is impacted in this key point. There are various things you need to know such as when there is a test, what needs to be studied for the test, reading all parts of an assignment as well as all parts of questions, getting assignments turned in, getting to your classes on time, managing multiple assignments simultaneously, homework: what is most important and what to start with, calendar, where your materials are, and even backpack organization. 2. Time: This involves time management and the ability to start a task, also referred to as task initiation. Getting the ball rolling can be very challenging for some students. A lot of parents will come to us and say, “My kid is lazy and they are a procrastinator.” This can be a trigger for us because children inherently want to please and do well--“laziness” is a result of something else.  We re-frame the language and make it about task initiation rather than procrastination/laziness. The student is not putting off work because they know how to do it; they are putting it off because they do not know where to start. School is impacted by time management and task initiation because it impacts how you start anything. Students struggle with task initiation in all the aspects of an assignment; writing, staying on task, not getting distracted or their own ability to recognize that they are distracted, their ability to calendar, and how they manage non preferred tasks. 3. Memory: There are three different types of memory that you should know. There is short-term memory, working memory, and long-term memory. Overall, memory is really all about repeated exposure to the same ideas. Short-term and long-term memory are slightly more familiar to...

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 several steps for a student to take before they actually embark on studying. In this blog, we will outline the five steps for creating an appropriate study plan. Just so you are aware, most students skip steps one through four. This is why it is really important to understand that it is not about the time spent on studying, it is about the way in which the studying is being done. Quality over quantity. The five steps students should take when building a study plan: Find out when a test is and put it into your calendar: Your calendar should always be booked with any and all commitments. This means afterschool sports, religious programs, clubs, tutoring, etc. This makes it easier to create an appropriate and achievable study plan. As soon as you know out about a test, take stock of what you know and what you do not know: This is a very important step for most students since they tend to spend time studying what they already know. To help with this step, we like to use what we call the “red right/green light” technique. For this strategy, you use different colored highlighters to categorize information. You use a green highlighter to highlight the material you already know and feel confident about. You do not need to spend a ton of time on anything you already know (highlighted in green). A yellow highlighter can be used for information that is somewhat understood, but is not yet a strength. Then, a red or pink highlighter is used for the material that you do not know and really need to spend time with so that they can be turned into greens. The information that is highlighted in red can be broken down into what the student does not quite understand versus what they just do not know at all. Before step two is complete, students should go through their study guide and write and label how many greens, how many yellows, and how many reds they have. Therefore, when they are done with this step, they are able to tally up how many of each color they have. Chunking: Chunking means breaking the big whole into tiny, small, easy parts, making it much more manageable and doable. Which will, in turn, make the work a lot less aggravating.  Dividing the greens, yellows, and reds from step 2 by how many actual days you have to study is crucial. Calendaring the plan: To be clear, at this point, the student has not yet begun actually studying any material. These are the actions that must take place before that starts. In this step, you must ALWAYS start with the day of the test and work your way backwards. For example, let's say there is a test that is ten days out. For day nine, which is the day before the test, you calendar nothing. This is a Buffer/Review day. No new information should be learned on this day. This means that all the material by this day should be greens. Now, we have eight actual days to study and review. For the sake of making things simple, let's say that after completing steps two and three,

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 to them, whereas adults tend to seek information when they are interested. Throughout this episode we are going to refer to the do’s and don’ts of studying as active and passive studying, respectively. During active studying, the student is seeking out information and doing something with it. During passive studying the student is really just having the information come to them. Passive studying is more “traditional” side and is actually what most students tend to do. It is definitely what you “think studying should look like”. We are going to address six inherently passive studying tips and explain how they can be turned into active studying exercises. Study Do’s and Don’ts: 1.Highlighting: What are the challenges with highlighting? For starters, most students don’t know how to highlight correctly. Often times students will highlight entire paragraphs or even pages. This does nothing to help them. Essentially, the only thing they really did is color the page. So, how can highlighting be used as an active studying tactic? The main goal when highlighting should be to shorten, chunk, and summarize the information the student is trying to learn. This means identifying the key points and not just identifying vocabulary words (that are usually in bold print anyways). If a student does highlight an entire page, they should go back through and identify the four W’s: who, what, where, and when. This is fact seeking in its most literal form. Once this is done, the student should address why they think this information is important. This is what creates an active studying technique. As the student answers these questions they are taking information in and processing it. This form of mental engagement will allow the student to remember the information more easily. 2. Reading or re-reading a text: Students might think that if they are re-reading material they are freshening their mind on what they already read. The problem with this technique is that it tricks their brain into thinking they know the information because they have seen it before and they then tend to skip over information. This is when the four W’s exercise becomes meaningful once more. Ultimately, students need to be doing something with the information they read in order for them to remember it. In other words, there needs to be an action step. 3. Rewriting notes: Think about a time when you have experienced a major event in your life and you’ve had to write hundreds of thank you notes. The one thing you probably don’t remember is the little details of who got you what. This is because this is an entirely passive exercise. All you are doing is rewriting the same sentences on every note with minor changes such as the name of the person and what they got you. Rewriting is not active. However, you can make it active by categorizing, summarizing, or rewriting the notes from memory and then going back to see if you were correct.

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 keeping track of their tasks). Like many things, it is difficult to start calendaring and there is a lot of upfront work, but as soon as the process becomes automated and habitual, you will see results.  The benefits far outweigh the uncomfortable beginning of starting. One of the reasons students don’t want to calendar is because of their online portal. We have a love/hate--but mostly hate--relationship with the online portal because it teaches students learned helplessness. The online portal teaches students to rely on whattheir teachers are posting to tell them what to do everyday. Often the online portal is used differently by different teachers, sending students off on a wild goose chase to source their responsibilities.  The online portal does not allow for forward planning--it is nearly impossible to manage a long-term project simply by using an online calendar. To help you and your child start calendaring we have compiled the… Seven Big Rules of Calendaring. Everything needs to be in one place. Students need to have one point of action everyday, which is, “I am going to check my calendar.” Decide AND COMMIT between digital and paper.  The advantages and disadvantages of the two depend on age and preference. If you tend to lose papers but not your phone, the digital calendar may work best. We don’t want to pretend like we prefer a paper calendar--the ability to quickly automate, reconcile and access it is simply not an option with a paper calendar. Sometimes it’s unavoidable and ourclients have to use a paper calendar, but we undoubtedly prefer the digital calendar. (BONUS: You can have an all-family calendar and communicate and schedule with your child.) Automate, automate, automate. Automating is both learning smarter and working smarter. Put weekly commitments into your calendar once as a repeating event and have it always be there. Front-load. Put in all dates for all tasks as soon as you learn of them. This means, when you have the same class, every Monday at 8AM for the entire year...put that on your calendar at the beginning of the year. Layering. Digital calendars allow you to create specific calendars for the different facets of your life. We recommend that each student have two: school and personal calendars. Color code your different calendars to allow you to see how your time is being spent. Because each calendar is a different color, it allows students to visually see what is actually happening every day. The “to-do list” is an all day event. Listing your one time tasks on the same calendar as an all day event keeps everything you need in one place. Our Seven Big Rules of Calendaring are some guidelines  for you to be mindful of when calendaring with your student.  Now, what goes on your calendar? We have created a universal list to help guide your planning. School Entire School Academic Calendar (Days Off, Progress Report Days, Late Start, School-wide events, Class Schedule) All Day vs.

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 lot of what we say will ring true for all types of parents and kids. You are running your own race with your family. Your child is running their own race, and you are running your own race as a parent. There will always be another person more attractive, affluent, and privileged than you. It is not useful to compare yourself or your child to anyone. Instead, try looking at your own comparisons. What was your child like 3 months ago? What were YOU like 3 months ago? These are comparisons that will actually serve you and allow you to see the growth and progress in your own family. One of our greatest mindset tricks is to add on yet to any statement about your child. For example, “my child hates math” becomes “my child doesn’t like math yet.” Adding “yet” into almost any sentence turns it into a hopeful one. Reframing any complaint you have about your child can turn it into a goal and an opportunity. Our practices are in very different locations in California, and we serve different types of clients. After sitting down and discussing this topic, we noticed that there are Seven Common Characteristics of Parents. Parents have had their school identify that there is something going on with their student. There has been a formal assessment by a neuropsychologist or clinical psychologist, and the family has already experienced a lot of heartbreak. Parents want help. They want school to feel better for their child and themselves, everyone wants to struggle less, and parents are hoping that at least one person will have some answers to start the process of making progress. Parents wish they had known that their child had a different learning style sooner. It is important to note that once you know who your child is in the classroom setting, you can move forward. There is often this underlying guilt for not knowing sooner but, remember, you know now so you can begin to deal with it now. Parents are disagreeing about what “to do”. This includes anything from medication to seeing an educational therapist to deciding when to let the child fail or when to jump in. Parents are fighting with their child about homework. This fighting is a vital sign that something is going on. When children can do something, they will. If they are avoiding something, it is because it is hard. Remember that your child is trying, but they are discouraged because the work is difficult. Parents are at the end of their rope. We hear you and  we get it. It is an exhausting experience and the best thing you can do to help your different learner is to promote new and different strategies. If you are not in a place where an educational therapist is readily available, we are here for you. E-mail us! Parents are dealing with a child who is starting to resent school or is already refusing to go to school. It is actually a healthy impulse if your child is separating emotionally from school--they have tried and tried and are not getting the results they would hope for.

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