In This Issue
SUMMER PROGRAMS
 Registration Open!

Reading/Writing/Math

Help your child gain confidence in core reading skills. In this one-on-one, week-long program, your child will participate in multi-sensory activities, computer games, and phonological-based programs to strengthen their foundational reading skills. 
Help your child to build comprehension skills. During this one-on-one week-long program, students will learn to build comprehension skills through character analysis, chapter summaries, theme exploration, and annotation. 

An individualized approach to improving a student's writing. In this week-long, one-on-one series, students will learn strategies to assist them in every step of the writing process, including pre-writing, researching, drafting, revising, and editing. 

Provide one-on-one support, helping your child build confidence in math skills including: basic math (grades 3-8), pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, calculus and SAT/ACT level math. 
During this one-on-one or small group, week-long program, students will actively engage in reading through Thinking Organized strategies and activities. 
Executive Functioning - INTENSIVES

An individualized approach to improving key elements of a student's executive functioning skills that will assist with a smooth transition to the new school year. 
An intensive program designed to introduce students to a variety of memory and studying strategies.
College

A seminar series for students preparing to apply to college and their parents. 
A summer series that will focus on the key areas that tend to get overlooked while preparing to head off to college.
Group-Based Programs

In this program, children will work together to develop problem-solving and executive functioning skills through engaging, hands-on challenges. 
A group-based program where your child will work with peers to plan a trip to a DC landmark, sporting event, or museum. After their trip, they will produce a scrapbook summarizing the planning process and documenting their adventure.
APRIL 2019
MONTHLY TIP
When to Look for Additional Support

 
Thinking Organized has helped hundreds of parents and children strengthen their executive function skills. These crucial skills enable an individual to set goals, organize a plan to meet those goals, and effectively complete tasks within a given time frame. Executive functions are the skills that an executive uses to run a busy office, a parent uses to manage the morning rush, and a student uses to successfully complete academic assignments and responsibilities. 

However, what happens if you are consistently using the Thinking Organized strategies and your children are still struggling? 

TALK TO YOUR MENTOR

If you feel that your children are using Thinking Organized strategies but continue to be challenged by the same things, speak to your Mentor. 

It is important to understand that the process of creating new habits and implementing new methods is hard work and takes time. Success does not happen overnight, so try setting small goals with your Mentor so you and your children can measure their success more easily and tangibly.  If your children forget to use a strategy or complete a task, don't become discouraged! Have them reflect on what they could do differently next time to help them achieve their goal. 

CONSULT WITH ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONALS

Sometimes, students may need multiple support systems to manage their lives and emotions more effectively. Each support system offers a unique perspective on strategies your children can utilize to be successful. 

While Thinking Organized can certainly be one of these core components of your children's lives, it's important to ask yourself the following questions to help you determine if your children would benefit from additional aid:
  • Are your children's difficulties affecting familial and interpersonal relationships? Parents are so dedicated to helping their children that emotional tensions can run high. If you find your relationship suffering because you are trying to set up structures for your children and encounter resistance, it may be time to enlist the help of a third party, like a psychologist or social worker. Likewise, if you notice your children becoming more isolated and withdrawn to the point where they refuse to speak to others or put forth effort, seeking outside services may be appropriate. 
     
  • Are your children extremely anxious or frustrated? Each student is different, and if you have been consistent in reinforcing structures at home but your children are still feeling discouraged or overwhelmed, a different plan may be of use. Talk to your Mentor about reaching out to teachers or support staff at their school. Putting accommodations into place may help ease the stress your children are feeling. 
LOCATING APPROPRIATE SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Many neurologists and pediatricians believe that weaknesses presented in executive functioning are related to other disorders. While your children may have weaknesses in their executive functioning skills, they might also exhibit other symptoms that are not classified under the executive functioning umbrella. The children may or may not have a formal diagnosis for these other symptoms, but they may be affecting your children's performances. 

To figure out the best additional support systems for your children, we recommend that you:
  • Have a conversation with your Mentor. Your children's Mentor has unique insight into the challenges they have been dealing with and can provide specific examples.
     
  • Schedule a meeting with your children's teachers. Teachers and school personnel see your children in a different environment, and their input can be very useful in deciding whether a professional consultation is warranted.
     
  • Gain additional information. Based on the feedback you receive from your children's Mentor and teachers, as well as your own observations, it may be helpful to seek another professional's input. You can make an appointment with your pediatrician, consult with a mental healthcare professional, or schedule a neuropsychological evaluation with a psychologist. The results will help you and your children better understand how their brains function and why they struggle in certain areas. 
FINAL THOUGHTS

Trying to be a good parent is not easy, and it is not an admission of failure to seek help from additional outside professionals. We value collaborating with experts in our community to best help our clients. In fact, the added knowledge of your children's strengths and weaknesses may be just what you need to tailor Thinking Organized structures for optimum benefit. 


Thinking Organized | 301-986-1503 


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