Why Schools Avoid Taking On Underlying Learning Issues
The School Role Is Instruction, NOT Learning Interventions The reality is schools take children "as is" and do their very best to get them graduated. And so, it might come as a shock, but schools are not about resolving impediments to learning. And in fact, most are...
What To Do When You’re Struggling With Numeracy Skills
One in Ten Almost one in 10 adults in the US struggle with basic math beyond third grade – that’s 36 million people – according to ProLiteracy, the world’s largest adult literacy and basic education membership advocacy organization. Those one in 10 people struggle to...
Get A Step Ahead With Your Upcoming Parent-Teacher Meeting
With the new school year in full swing, chances are you’re tee-ing up a parent-teacher meeting sometime soon. Here’s how to make the most out of the conference so your child is on the right track for a successful academic year. Start preparing your parent-teacher...
Childhood Depression and Anxiety
What Does Childhood Depression Look Like? Feelings of isolation and despair are not limited to those who display them openly. We often look at people who are alone or have trouble making friends and assume unhappiness. In the same way, those who appear social, excel...
Gender Bias in the Classroom
Does Gender Bias Affect Learning? If I were to tell you that boys often receive more attention, praise, and encouragement in the classroom than girls, or that girls are usually quieter, talked over, and acknowledged for listening patiently rather than speaking up,...
Fact or Fiction?
Fact or Fiction, How Do You Discern the Difference? When I was younger, an experience helped me realize fact or fiction isn't always as obvious as it may seem. I had spent a summer living and working in Rwanda. People travel there from all over the world for a chance...
A Safe Learning Environment Is Critical to Student Success
Learning Environment The learning environment plays a critical role in student success. Classroom teachers do their best to control the physical aspects, like accessibility of materials, desk arrangements, and seat assignments. They also establish rules and...
Thinking About Test Prep: It’s Never Too Early
Although, many of us are only a few weeks into summer vacation, for others the countdown to the new school year has already begun. Anticipation and anxiety often intermingle as thoughts turn to the year ahead and coming milestones. For many returning high school...
The Gift of the Public Library
Reading is not just a nice thing to do. It’s how we help give our children the best possible start in life. This quote by Hillary Clinton during a recent speech at the American Libraries Conference got me thinking. The Public Library is a Treasure Trove of Knowledge...
Brain Change and Potential for Growth
Can the Brain Change? At Gemm Learning we often refer to brain plasticity when speaking to families. It is the reason our software has been so effective as well as the inspiration for its creation. Miriam-Webster defines neuroplasticity or brain plasticity as the...