Please CLICK above to share. BONUS VIDEO with Blake Boles: This video is for parents who have a child who really doesn't fit into the school "box". Here I talk with my friend Blake Boles, a great guy who is my goto person when I have questions about alternative schooling options. Here's the link to Blake's Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/blakeboles/why-are-you-still-sending-your-kids-to-school/ And here's the link to the book's home on his personal … [Read more...]
Will your child even have a future
Please CLICK above to share. Here are two about Greta: Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. Click here to visit my official YouTube Channel & subscribe if you want! Thank you — Seth Reading the transcript? Great! We're currently uploading hundreds of transcripts so you can read them asap, but they are NOT all edited yet. This is a big process. If you notice anything wrong and want to help us, feel free … [Read more...]
An email template for end of college semester
Here's an email template I made for one of the college students I do executive function coaching with, who was taking a 9-week, online, summer class. We did this at week 6 when she told me she was concerned about her pattern of giving up at the last minute. I discussed it with her before I wrote it, then emailed it to her, then had her send it while we were on a call (for accountability). We worded it to give the teacher a bit of background and to ask an easy, open-ended and useful question that … [Read more...]
Parents, don’t get BLINDSIDED by grades after school ends
This vlog is for parents who: Are concerned about how quickly the school year is approaching, and Want to make sure they know what their child needs to do before school ends but, Aren't convinced their child will reliably convey accurate details about what needs to be done. Below is the template. Feel free to copy and personalize for your situation. Hope this helps you help your child end the year on a better note. — Seth Perler TEMPLATE: Subject: IMPORTANT - Child's … [Read more...]
Should we SWITCH to a new school?
Please **CLICK** above to share. Thanks! Seth My brother is thinking about sending his kiddo to a new school next year. Here are the things I find myself repeatedly saying to families who are considering changing schools and asking my 7 thoughts: Refocus on the right things: big picture, the purpose of education, what you want your child to get from education Doesn’t matter public, private, Montessori, homeschool, unschool, what matters is if the school effectively meeting this … [Read more...]
Dear Principals… Please do this
Please CLICK above to share. Dear Principals, I don't usually address principals directly in my blog, but today I am. There is a MASSIVE problem for parents students, that causes consistent frustration and confusion, and as a leader, you can do something about it. The problem: Lack of clarity regarding expectations: accessing the right online information is overwhelming, frustrating and confusing for families. Multiple sites to navigate Unclear about expectations with … [Read more...]
How early parents should look for 2e?
Please CLICK above to share. Hey all - I'm a bit sick here, but here's the topic from another email I received: Hi Seth! I’ll keep my two questions short.... 1. My child is 7 and in first grade. What is a good age to determine that a child is 2e? 2. Why do you recommend a neuropsych instead of a clinical psychologist for evaluations? I tried to make an appointment with a neuropsych based off your video, but they said they only see children with brain injuries. Thank you so much! -Mom … [Read more...]
Hidden Influences: Iceberg Theory. Can’t or won’t?
If this helps you, please *CLICK* above to share. Thanks, Seth About: For this post, I asked you for your ideas on a topic and curated them below. I did this because one of the biggest challenges faced by the students I work with is that they are often misunderstood, and when adults respond based on a misunderstanding, it often makes things worse and creates a lot of shame. Therefore, when we have a better understanding of our children, we can support them better. See my Can't or Won't … [Read more...]
How to choose a NEUROPSYCH?
Please CLICK above to share. In this video, I discuss what I believe to be the #1 most important factor when choosing a neuropsychologist. Neuropsychs are people who test children with a wide net to help figure out exactly what's going on. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. Click here to visit my official YouTube Channel & subscribe if you want! Thank you -Seth Reading the transcript? Great! We're currently … [Read more...]
Student CAN’T or WON’T ???
Please CLICK above to share. This vlog is based on a recent email: ...He is now twelve, in 6th grade. Because he will be going to secondary school next year the sped teachers are hugely focused on executive function. Where it breaks down is their approach which assumes competencies he doesn’t yet have. And he (mostly respectfully) pushes back. The sped teacher says they are open to suggestions and I’ve shared your toolkit. Thanks for what you do. Love my work and want to give? … [Read more...]
INEQUALITIES in Education are REAL
Please CLICK above to share. This vlog is based off a recent email I received: Hello! I appreciate the concept but have a couple of concerns. First, I work in a district that is part of a low income, rural community. Most of the students and their families do not have the income to purchase the supplies that you mention in this video. Second, many students’ parents are not educated or do not value education. I realize the importance of this topic, and encouraged my students when I was a … [Read more...]
What is an “AT RISK” student?
Please CLICK above to share.This vlog is based on a recent email I received: Thank you Seth for your support. I joined in hopes to find and read ideas you have for helping at risk students. Almost 25% of the students in our Freshman class are at risk, unintentional learners and unmotivated. — High School Instructional Technology Coach This post explores what at-risk means and how to help. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. … [Read more...]
“I’m at my WITS’ END”
Please CLICK above to share. Awesome email that opens up a big can of worms in this video: I have a 2nd-grade son who may be 2e based on uneven scores in a WISC-V. I'm having issues with his charter school, which is battling me over whether my kiddo is challenged, or lazy. It is a "no unnecessary homework" school yet they're keeping him after school once/week for up to 70 mins while he struggles in frustration doing 15 mins worth of homework (mostly hand-writing drills and a single word sort … [Read more...]
[New Podcast] Self-advocacy
Adrianne Meldrum, from the Math For Middles website and On Middle Ground podcast, recently had me on her show to talk about self-advocacy. A bit about Adrianne: Adrianne is a fantastic online math tutor who specializes in helping middle school students. I've known her for a while and love what she does! She blogs, produces a fantastic podcast about raising teens, and even creates phenomenal videos to help kids with math. You can sign up for her free updates and free class, Cut Homework … [Read more...]
My daughter is DROWNING in school
Please CLICK above to share. I recently received this email: My 11-year old daughter is drowning in 6th grade. She's a very smart kid, but too many moving parts. I'm trying to figure out how to get the school on board with helping her... it's becoming a full time job for me. In this in-depth video, I describe how the "Dip" pattern happens, how and why student resistance increases, how more overwhelm affects kids, and how making schoolwork more "concrete" helps. I also discuss 2 types of … [Read more...]
Students and the Hard Work of Change
Helping struggling students change is never quick & easy. Often, the efforts of parents and teachers are ineffective in terms of creating real change. You see, empowering a child to change requires a great deal of nuance, time and energy. This video breaks down some of the core elements I use to help my students make the changes they need to become successful in school. If this video helped you, please *click* below to share … [Read more...]
A Positive Teacher Response
Howdy! Today I thought I'd share a positive email correspondence with you that I think you'll find valuable. This is from a family that I've worked with and known well for a few years now. You see, a lot of what I do is help families decode how to communicate with the school so they can help their child. I always say that advocacy letters are always about one thing: Clarity. You're always seeking clarity regarding the situation. I recommend simple emails, short, to the point, and assume that … [Read more...]
“What do you do if your child’s school wants the parent to stay out of it?”
A parent sent me this... "What do you do if your child's school wants the parent to stay out of it? I find myself trying really hard to stay out of it, and let my child contact the teacher directly. I will help him remember to do so, and help him formulate an email, but I've found push back if I contact the teacher for clarification." This is SO frustrating and I see it all too often. Don't stay out of it! That teacher does not get it. You care about your kid, so do anything you have to in … [Read more...]
The Email You Should Definitely Send Your Teachers This Week
The end of the semester is always a time to be cautious, because, as far as grades are concerned, it's a make-it-or-break-it time for many right brained students. In my years of working with these students, I've noticed a very predictable pattern throughout the semester: Student starts the semester off strong, they are often excited for the fresh start. A few weeks in, things seem to be going "fine," but you may have a sense that something is off. "The Dip" happens 6-8 weeks into … [Read more...]
3 Quick ways to boost grades
First of all, you should know that I don't even believe in letter grades. They are generally an archaic and ineffective way of communicating useful information about our children's education. They are subject to much interpretation, which is often very misleading. We don't even question the validity of letter grades, instead we blindly continue to accept them as a fact of life. Fortunately, more and more schools are getting creative about developing more authentic and qualitative methods … [Read more...]
“Stop Stealing Dreams”
If you haven't read this yet, it's time. It's called Stop Stealing Dreams (What is School For?) by Seth Godin. It's one of my favorites, something I've read several times. I consider it a must-read for anyone interested in education that works. It's a 200 page manifesto in PDF format. Download it and dive in when you get time (at least read the first few pages this week to get a taste for it). Enjoy... You can read it here: Stop Stealing Dreams (What is School For?) What are some of your … [Read more...]
What in the world are we doing anyhow?
Welcome to 2015. I want to start the year off by stepping back to take a look at what we're doing with education. As I reflect on my past year, I keep coming back to why I do what I do. I help kids because I believe deeply in the power in education to open doors. Not "school," but education. By this, I mean to give learners what they need to have a great life now, while preparing them for a great future. How well are we doing this? Too often we miss the boat. Kids fall through the … [Read more...]
Parents, you're not alone (Part 2)
I often cite the fact that the single most common sentiment I've heard from parents over the past 20 years goes something like this, "I just want my child to be happy and successful." This idea drives all of my work. You see, to me, the value of an education is measured by how happy and successful our children feel. Too much of our "modern" approach to education actually gets in the way of this. So I recently posed the following question to a Facebook group I like, "What is your GREATEST hope … [Read more...]
Advocacy letter example
Hey all. Here's a real advocacy letter that was sent by one of my families this year. Feel free to use the ideas to craft your own. I have a different article about email advocacy strategies here if you want more info. Here's the example (names have been changed): Aug 15, 2014 Dear Mrs. Jones, Hi! First of all, we are excited about the 5th grade and look forward to a successful school year. I have heard that you are an excellent teacher and that Alec is in good hands. We have been … [Read more...]
Real stories
I received this email last week and it articulated something I've heard countless times and in countless ways. Here's a quote from it: "My ex was a total asshole to my Aspie and it's infuriating that he can't understand his own son, nor does he want to. There's "that" as part of this journey... fighting against educators, the "public" when we go places, and our own freaking spouses and families... Grrrrrrrr. My child's soul got hurt. Ok, on a positive note, my son called me after it happened … [Read more...]
Advocating via email
Please CLICK above to share. Unfortunately, many advocacy efforts have little effect, so it's important to make every step count as much as possible. In this post I will explain how I help families write advocacy emails at the beginning of the school year. This is mainly for elementary through high school but can be applied to college students as well (see the end of the video, go to min. 9). How to write the email: Note: These are just my recommendations. Take what you like and leave … [Read more...]
Great article
One of the things that keeps me up at night is the state of the economy we are leaving to our children. This is a great piece with some great insight. It's called The Pitchforks Are Coming... for Us Plutocrats and was written by Nick Hanauer. Enjoy and share what you think on the comments here. … [Read more...]
You're not crazy
Seriously, you're not. I don't know if there's something in the air or what, but I've had so many students, parents and teachers tell me stories lately about broken schools, I have to share it. Know this: if something feels wrong, it probably is. There are a lot of people going through the same thing. So often we feel alone, wondering if we're off base, if we worry too much. Too many students struggle and suffer needlessly, and you're not crazy, even though systemic dysfunction would have you … [Read more...]
Hate to beat a dead horse…
I recently received an email from a teacher of one of my middle school clients. It opened, "The binder I ask students to maintain has sections for: (1) Literature Notes, (2) Writing & Grammar Notes, (3) Vocabulary, (4) SSR entries, and (5) Texts - the short stories and myths I've passed out." I see this often- highly organized teachers who require students to maintain highly organized binder systems like this. While I appreciate the intention behind this, it is overkill and … [Read more...]
Two Types of Kids
Detail oriented and structured. Linear, sequential, step by step, left brained, focused, organized, good listeners, strong students, on top of things, responsible, concrete, practical, regulated, likes rules, facts, safe, on time, follows directions, knows the right answer, good with systems, uses planners, puts things back, good with folders and binders, turns in homework, studies. Not good with details. Global, big picture, holistic thinkers. Right brained, random, distracted, disorganized, … [Read more...]
Plan C
Plan A Kids go to school, conform to the system, learn what they need in order to be "happy & successful", have a great experience, live happily ever after. If that doesn't work... Plan B Get interventions to help the student conform to a broken system that doesn't serve them properly. More tutors, therapists, extra busywork, more testing, special programs, punishments, threats, lectures, etc.. Hopefully they won't learn to resent school. Hopefully they won't end up feeling bad about … [Read more...]
"I'm not smart."
I was recently working with a high school sophomore. Noting her strengths, I gave her a genuine compliment about her intelligence and ability to come up with uniquely creative solutions and viewpoints. She looked at me and said, "but I'm not smart. I get bad grades." My eyes burst wide and I said emphatically, "what do grades have to do with anything? You're not your grades and you are very smart." It's a crime when kids feel this way. Grades are tiny, blurry snapshots, not big pictures. … [Read more...]
Teach with Passion, not "Packets." And a Thanks to Jeff Bliss
By Seth Perler: A parent of one of my former students forwarded this video to me today. The student in this video is my kind of kid. As Jeff Bliss of Duncanville High is getting kicked out of class, he beautifully articulates what too many kids go through. In the video he's talking to his teacher, expressing his frustration about how they're being taught. He says to his teacher that kids need to learn "face to face", that "if you want kids to get excited you gotta make em' excited." "You want … [Read more...]
Parents, Trust Your Gut
Gut feeling Your gut. Also referred to as the heart, soul, inner voice or intuition. Regardless of what you call it, it’s very different from your mind. It carries a significantly quieter voice from deep within. The mind is LOUD. It chatters incessantly, always trying to ‘figure things out’. Although it has great ideas, we can’t always rely on them. In fact, the mind often tells stories that don’t serve us at all, but it tells them so loudly that it can drown out the gut feeling. The gut … [Read more...]
“Runnin’ Hot” How to work with Stress in School
School is an emotional experience For many students, school is an especially emotional experience. This is critical to remember during transitions. The students I work with are often sensitive to begin with. Their baseline of stress is already a bit high and they can be easily triggered, therefore experiences often feel more intense than they might really be. These students are often sensitive to other distracting stimulus, which further complicates matters: sounds, touch, light, color, … [Read more...]