3D Learner Helps Neurodivergent Learners Nation & Worldwide

3D Learner Helps Neurodivergent Learners Nation & Worldwide

3D Learner offers a tailored, integrated, engaging and effective option that has helped thousands of neurodivergent, right brain and kinesthetic learners from 46 states and 13 other countries.

As Dr. Linda Silverman, the Director of the Gifted Development Center in Denver Colorado said,

”Your program is what many gifted students who learn differently need.  I recommend many of the components you use, but you are the first professionals who have so effectively integrated them with your very unique and effective learning system.”

Many smart struggling students get identified with dyslexia, a learning disability, ADHD, and/or Executive Function challenges.

What is often missed is that a large number of these students are neurodivergent, right brain or kinesthetic learners.  These students have a sea of strengths and challenges that may include:

  • A neurodivergent, right brain or kinesthetic learner who learns best when they see and experience information
  • Struggling with phonics, phonemic awareness and/or reading fluency – -may be dyslexia
  • Able to focus on that which is interesting and have difficulty paying attention to that which is boring – they may or may not have ADHD.
  • Able to remember what they see and experience and have a working memory challenge for what they hear or read
  • Slow processors.  Processing speed is often a problem that hampers their standardized test scores and frustrated parents and teachers, who expect your child to respond quicker
  • Anxiety and frustration
  • Suffering from intervention fatigue.  They need something different

We recognize that our parents live in many different places and want a program that will work for both their child and them.  In this blog post, we share:

 

3D Learner Options

3D Learner offers parents several unique options including:

  • Coming for a one-week intensive program followed up with 10 hours via zoom.  We have had students come from California, New York, Texas and many other states — as well as hosting students from 13 other countries.
  • For students who live closer, but not close to our office (e.g. elsewhere in Florida, Maryland, New Jersey), students have come for 3 days of intensive training, followed up with 2 days of intensive training 4 to 8 weeks later.  We then can do the appropriate follow-up via zoom.
  • We have traveled to other places to do training for multiple clients – with Singapore being the place we traveled the furthest.
  • We have also helped students solely via zoom – -which works well for some students – although we do prefer a live option.  Note, for the very busy parents where travel is not an option, our program may be far better than local options.

If you have a neurodivergent, right brain or kinesthetic learner and want to discuss the options, call us at 561-361-7495 or click here to schedule a Let’s Discuss Creating a Pathway to Success for Your Child.

Here is a screening tool you can use to see if your child is probably a neurodivergent, right brain or kinesthetic learner.  We recommend doing this with your child – -their answers may surprise you. 

Note, we have had students make dramatic gains including:

  • A rising 5th grader from Texas who improved her reading comprehension by 4 grade levels in 6 months, while doubling her reading speed and cutting homework time in half.
  • A 7th grader from the State of Washington improved his reading comprehension by 3 grade levels in 5 months and made great strides in all his subjects.
  • A student from St Petersburg, FL, went from a C- student to an A student and her ulcer disappeared.

If you have a neurodivergent, right brain or kinesthetic learner and want to discuss the options, call us at 561-361-7495 or click here to schedule a Let’s Discuss Creating a Pathway to Success for Your Child.

 

3D Learner — Helping Neurodivergent, Right Brain and Kinesthetic Learners Go From Stress to Success in Months

Understanding Reading Fluency, Comprehension and Math Levels

Understanding Reading Fluency, Comprehension and Math Levels

Students today are often struggling with reading fluency, reading comprehension and/or math.

Three of the greatest educational risks are:

  • Parents often do not know what their child’s present level of reading fluency, reading comprehension  and math skills are at
  • Students who learn differently (i.e. neurodivergent, right brain and kinesthetic learners) often fall behind — as neither school based or home school curriculum may be consistent with how they learn best
  • Without testing, parents may not be aware of how their child learns best, where their child is strong and where their child struggles

The opportunities for parents include:

  • There are real benefits with an assessment that shows you::
    • How your child learns best
    • What are your child’s strengths and challenges
    • What is your child’s present level of performance for reading fluency, reading comprehension and math
    • If needed, the assessment can help educators to tailor a program to:
      • Capitalize on how your child learns best
      • Improve their reading speed, reading comprehension and math skills
      • Help you to be the coach your child needs
    • How you can help your child be all they can be

How 3D Learner Assesses for Success

Mary called and was not sure about her child’s reading fluency, reading comprehension and math skills were at.  She had tried two years of dyslexia treatments.  Mary was not interested in labeling, but she was very interested in knowing:

  • How her daughter learned best
  • What her daughter’s strengths and challenges were
  • What was her child’s present level of reading comprehension, reading fluency and math
  • If there were significant gaps, could we help her daughter get to grade level or above
  • Whether what we offered could improve her child’s baseball and soccer skills.  Mary knew that her daughter would be even more interested in help, if it could make her better at baseball or soccer.

Mary shared a few of her frustrations, that included, her daughter:

  • Understood stories when Mary read them to her, but struggled with silent reading comprehension
  • Read more fluently, but often had difficulty remembering words she had seen and not mastered
  • Was good at math, but was now struggling with math word problems.

We then asked Mary what her daughter was good at, Mary shared that her daughter:

  • Had an excellent memory for things she had seen and experienced
  • Was a good person — who loved playing with younger kids and cared about seniors
  • Was good at baseball and soccer but was inconsistent. Three area of concern were:
    • Her daughter would sometimes lose focus during a game
    • In baseball, she would sometimes hit the ball well, but too often she would pull the ball foul 
    • In soccer, her shots often went to the right side of the goalie
    • Her daughter was frustrated that she was not doing as well as she wanted to

We shared this infographic with Mary and explained how we assess for how the student learns best and whether they have a visual processing, executive function, dyslexia and/or anxiety challenge.

  • Many smart struggling  kids learn differently.  They are often a neurodivergent, right brain or kinesthetic learner, who learn best when they see and experience information.  This is important to know, because if they learn differently, it alters the way you teach them, the curriculum you may choose, how you parents them and how one coaches them in sports.
  • 74% of the students we see have a visual processing issue – they may see the whole field or the whole room, but their eyes have difficulty converging.  This often results in their skipping words and/or liens when reading and having difficulty catching a ball.  
  • The executive function challenges we often see may include:
    • Difficulty sustaining attention and either being hyperactive or impulsive.  When we assess a student with the Interactive Metronome ®, we often see that a student’s body moves faster than their brain.  In sports, this results in hitting the ball too early. In baseball that would explain pulling it foul or for a right footed kicker, hitting the soccer ball to the right of the goalie. In life, the attention issues may results in a child losing focus when doing work or during a game
    • The working memory assessment often shows a student has an excellent visual memory, but has difficulty remembering what they have heard or read
  • The Dyslexia Assessment shows where a child is strong and where they struggle.  We can assess for Dyslexia and we can also tailor a program that focuses on the key issues
  • The reading comprehension assessment shows two different challenges:
    • A number of students are below grade level
    • Some students are at grade level, but the assessment shows they should and could be well above grade level
  • Our math assessment shows us where a student is at and where they struggle
  • The anxiety assessment often shows the student gets very anxious in certain situations

Mary asked about the tools we use and whether it is different from what schools and psychologists assess for.  We shared that:

  • The key assessment tool we use is the Structure of Intellect Assessment ® that shows how a student learns best, where they are strong and where they struggle. 

    Comments from a principal, a special educator and a psychologist

    • A principal asked a special educator why their public school stopped using this assessment.  The special educator said “We are required to find a disability in order to provide services.  This assessment does not do that.  3D Learner has the luxury of focusing on tailoring a program to help  a student succeed
    • A psychologist commented, “I wish we could shift our focus from labeling to how to help a child succeed”
  • The Visagraph ® we use to show if there is an eye tracking issue can show both the initial challenge and can be used post training to show the results  Here is a video that shows a student’s eye tracking before and after training.  He commented,. “I now enjoy reading and do much more of it”
  • We use the Mindprint Assessment ® developed by by the University of Pennsylvania to assess executive function skills
  • We use a Woodcock Johnson ® Reading Comprehensive Assessment
  • We use the Core Dyslexia Assessment ® developed by the University of Florida to assess phonics, phonemic awareness and reading fluency.  It also helps us to see if the child has dyslexia,
  • We use the Perceptions Math Assessment ®
  • We use Heartmath ® to assess for anxiety

When we assessed Mary’s daughter we did find that:

  • She was a neurodivergent, right brain or kinesthetic learner who learns best when she sees and experiences information
  • Her daughter had a number of skills that were well above grade level, but struggled with a few key skills
  • She did have a significant visual processing issue
  • Attention was an issue and her daughter’s body was racing faster than her mind  This explained some of the self-control and sports related issues
  • Her visual memory was excellent, but her auditory memory was weak
  • She no longer has significant issues related to reading fluency, but there were some areas where she could benefit from additional training
  • Her reading comprehension was a year below grade level
  • Arithmetic was not an issue, but that word problems were
  • Anxiety was an issue

Mary has the flexibility to prioritize training and her daughter was able to make significant gains over the next six months in reading comprehension, math, attention, visual processing, and self-esteem.  Her baseball and soccer skills improved too. Mary commented that knowing my daughter was a neurodivergent learner with visual processing and executive function challenges changed everything, and addressing the whole child changed her life.  She also added that by helping to improve my daughter’s baseball and soccer skills, you engaged her in the process.

If you would like to discuss your child’s situation and learn more about how we Assess for Success, you can call us at 561-361-7495 or click here to schedule an Assess for Success Conversation.  Note, these assessments can be done in person or via zoom.

 

Beat 3rd Grade Retention by Improving Reading Comprehension

Beat 3rd Grade Retention by Improving Reading Comprehension

When a parent is told that their child is at risk of being retained, their initial response is often full of emotion.  Frustration, anxiety and even guilt are felt.  We can relate to that.  As parents and Directors of 3D Learner, we strongly encourage parents to take a proactive approach to helping your child succeed.  At 3D Learner our goals are to:

  • Help parents realize that third grade retention risks are not your fault. 
  • There are a number go Good Cause Exemptions to help your child to avoid third grade retention and to be promoted
  • Help you be an Informed, Empowered and Proactive parents who:
    • Work together to help your child to be promoted
    • Understands the depth of your child’s reading comprehension and related issues
    • Becomes even more aware of your child’s strengths and challenges
    • Partners with your child’s school and the right outside professionals to help your child to make significant gains in their reading comprehension and processing skills, so they are promoted and are much more successful in 4th grade and beyond

If your child is at risk for third grade retention or grade retention in any grade, we encourage you to join us for a presentation on March 13th at 9 pm on:

How to Beat Third Grade Retention or Other Grade Retention Risks by
Improving
Reading Comprehension
Click here to register or

Call us at 561-361-7495 to discuss your situation or click here to schedule a
Beat Third Grade Retention by Improving Reading Comprehension Conversation

As one mom said, “How is it that after 5 minutes, you appear to understand my son’s strengths and challenges better than people who have known him for years?”  

Our advantage is we have been helping bright right brain learners succeed for 27 years.

 

5 Key Points About Third Grade Retention

1-    There are a number of Good Cause Exemptions that can be utilized to help a child to be promoted.  The Florida Department of Education has created a valuable Read to Learn Document that can help you understand your options.

2-     Most students facing third grade retention are 1, 1.5 or even 2 years below grade level in reading comprehension.  If their reading comprehension issue is not addressed, the student is likely to struggle even more in 4th grade. After 3rd Grade, students are expected to READ TO LEARN; there is no more emphasis on reading instruction in the general classroom.  That is the time when math, social studies and science require students to understand what they read.  It is also a time when the print gets smaller, the pictures disappear and students with reading comprehension really struggle.  Conversely, students who make significant reading comprehension gains by 4th grade have done much better.

3-     In a small number of cases, third grade retention is right for a child. The child does not have sufficient all-around foundational skills to succeed in 4th grade. These might include cases where the child has a late summer birthday, they may have learning and attention challenges, and they would be better off not being promoted.  This past year, we helped a few students where parents chose to homeschool their child, have a catch-up year, and make the decision about promotion later.  In Florida, the Florida Empowerment Scholarship provides parents whose child has a qualifying disability to get around $10,000 a year that can be used for tutoring.  For other students, there is a Personalized Education Program scholarship for $8000 that can be used for tutoring.

4-     Many students facing third grade retention are right brain, kinesthetic or neurodivergent learners, who learn differently than the way most schools teach.  These kids learn best when they see and experience information.  They may also have dyslexia and/or working memory, processing speed, attention and/or visual processing issues.  

5-     By capitalizing on your child’s strengths and addressing their challenges, it is often possible to both beat third grade retention and to position your child to be far more successful in 4th grade and beyond.

Note, we have helped third graders to:

  • Beat third grade retention and score well above grade level by 4th grade
  • Improve their reading comprehension by 3 grade levels in a year

A year later his teacher commented, “He made more progress in a year than any student I have had in 27 years of teaching”

  • Improve their academic and athletic skills, boost their self-esteem and lower their anxiety

If your child is at risk for third grade retention or grade retention in any grade, we encourage you to join us for a presentation on March 13th at 9 pm where we will be discussing:

How to Beat Third Grade Retention or Other Grade Retention Risks by
Improving
Reading Comprehension
Click here to register or

Call us at 561-361-7495 to discuss your situation or click here to schedule a
Beat Third Grade Retention by Improving Reading Comprehension Conversation

For Right Brain Neurodivergent Learners, Algebra Can Be Very Difficult. Improving Algebra Skills can Improve GPA, Chances for a Bright Futures Scholarship, and the Quality of the College One Gets Into

For Right Brain Neurodivergent Learners, Algebra Can Be Very Difficult. Improving Algebra Skills can Improve GPA, Chances for a Bright Futures Scholarship, and the Quality of the College One Gets Into

The right brain neurodivergent learner is a student who:

  • Learns best when they see and experience information
  • Have difficulty understanding abstract words
  • Often have visual processing issues
  • Have not been taught to draw out a problem.
  • May be good in math, but often struggles with Algebra.

 

For many right brain neurodivergent learners, math can either be:

  • Very easy until they hit Algebra, and then it gets much harder
  • Difficult until they hit Algebra, at which point it becomes incredibly difficult

 

For the right brain neurodivergent learner. Algebra is often very hard.  At 3D Learner, we recognize that with a visual hands-on approach, the right brain neurodivergent can often significantly improve their:

  • Algebra grade and easily pass their end of course exam
  • ACT or SAT Score
  • Chances of getting a scholarship.  In Florida, for example, one needs a 1210 and 1340 score on their SAT to earn a Bright Futures Scholarship that could be worth $20,000 to $30,000 over 4 years.  For many students, by increasing their math SAT score by 100, 150 or 200 points, they can now get a $20,000 or even a $30,000 scholarship.
  • Chances of getting into the best possible college or university.  Especially for those students striving to get into top universities, one often needs an SAT score of close to or over 1500

 

Algebra can be difficult for right brain neurodivergent learners because:

  • Many more students have struggled in math since the pandemic, and Algebra is just that much harder when the student lacks a solid foundation in math. 
  • The wording of many problems is confusing.   Right brain neurodivergent learners often have problems with abstract words like greater than, less than, except, etc.  It is important that they learn this vocabulary. 
  • Many right brain neurodivergent learners have not been taught to draw out their work.  This is an incredibly important skill, especially on the harder problems. 
  • On the SAT and ACT tests, the wording is often confusing.  The right brain neurodivergent learner often misreads the questions and does not have sufficient time to complete the test. 
  • They often have done the math work in their heads and do not see the need to write out their work.  Given the complexity of some algebra problems, this leads to many mistakes. 
  • They often do not check their work.  They often assume they have it right. One SAT student got a 610 on a practice Math SAT.  Without any additional help, I had him check his work on another test.  This time he got a 690.  It often helps when a third party teaches your child how to check their work. 
  • Algebra often requires abstract thinking and understanding of symbols to represent quantities and relationships.  Right brain neurodivergent learners, especially those with a preference for right brain thinking, may struggle with this abstract concept, as they tend to excel more in concrete, visual, or intuitive thinking processes. 
  • Executive Functioning: Algebra requires strong executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, and working memory.  Right brain neurodivergent may experience difficulties with these skills, which can hinder their ability to solve algebraic problems efficiently. 
  • Many right brain neurodivergent have a visual processing challenge. This may lead to multiple errors including:
    • Missing minus and division signs
    • Misaligning their numbers so they make “stupid” mistakes
    • Taking longer to complete the test and not answering all the questions

At 3D Learner, we have been helping bright right brain neurodivergent learners to dramatically improve their math Algebra grades, their Math SAT scores and change their trajectory for over 25 years. 

If you would like to discuss how you can help your child to significantly improve their math and Algebra grades, SAT scores and their chances to get into a better college or university, call us at 561-361-7495 or click here to schedule and Algebra Stress to Success conversation.

The Interactive Metronome ®, Heart Math ® and the Safe and Sound Protocol ® Can Significantly Improve Attention and Lower Anxiety

The Interactive Metronome ®, Heart Math ® and the Safe and Sound Protocol ® Can Significantly Improve Attention and Lower Anxiety

The Interactive Metronome (IM), HeartMath, and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) are three distinct therapeutic approaches that improve attention and motor planning and reduce anxiety for our students.

 

While we use the Interactive Metronome, Heart Math and the Safe and Sound Protocol as an integral part of the 3D Learner Program ®, we also provide it for students where the primary issues are attention, motor planning and anxiety.

 

Interactive Metronome (IM)

  • IM is a therapeutic program that involves synchronized timing with a computer-generated beat. It aims to improve timing, attention, coordination, and processing speed through repetitive exercises.
  • We have helped over 2000 students with the Interactive Metronome.  In addition to improving attention, coordination and processing speed it improves:
    • Reading and math fluency
    • Handwriting
    • Sports skills
  • It also reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity


Parents have used this both to reduce the dosage of medication and instead of medication.   

Click here to see how this works, the story behind this invention and what we do to maximize results.

 

HeartMath

  • HeartMath is a program designed to help individuals regulate their emotions and reduce stress by promoting coherence between the heart rate variability (HRV) and the breathing rhythm.
  • Techniques taught in HeartMath involve rhythmic breathing exercises and focusing on positive emotions to shift into a state of coherence, which is associated with reduced stress and anxiety.
  • Some research suggests that HeartMath techniques can lead to improvements in emotional regulation, stress reduction, and overall well-being. 

 

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

  • SSP is a sound-based therapy developed to regulate the autonomic nervous system and improve social engagement by exposing individuals to specially filtered auditory stimuli.
  • It involves listening to specially processed music designed to stimulate the middle ear muscles, which may help regulate the nervous system’s response to stress and increase social engagement.
  • We have found SSP to help all our students

 

The Interactive Metronome, HeartMath and the Safe and Sound Protocol are offered separately, are used in combination where attention, anxiety and motor planning are the key issues, or as three elements included as part of programs like our 3D Learner Program. 

If you would like to discuss this further, call us at 561-361-7495 or click here to schedule a how to improve attention and motor planning, while reducing anxiety conversation

 

Note, the Interactive Metronome, HeartMath and the Safe and Sound Protocol are dependent on the quality of the provider. 3D Learner has had success with all these tools, and we have seen the greatest benefits when they are used together. We provide all these services both at our Coral Springs FL location and via zoom
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