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Research -- StepUp to Learn

Helping Children With ADHD Thrive in the Classroom

by StepUp Staff

Helping Children With ADHD Thrive in the Classroom

School is tough for a lot of children, but the classroom can be especially stressful for kids struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity diso...
Posted in Attention, Education, Engagement

Developing Instruments to Detect Language Problems Earlier

by StepUp Staff

Developing Instruments to Detect Language Problems Earlier

The research team at San Diego State University is working on ways to better detect language problems in children prior to age 3, when intervention might be more effective.
Posted in School Readiness, Speech & Language

Sensory Integration Dysfunction Case Study

by Jonathan Rowe

Sensory Integration Dysfunction Case Study

An August 2010 doctor’s report included history of Oromotor Dyspraxia, Auditory Sensitivity, Articulation Disorder, Developmental Language Delay, and Heavy Metal Toxicity which had improved with prior therapeutic interventions. Current diagnoses include Sensory Integration Dysfunction, Metabolic Disorder, and Developmental Coordination Disorder. Michael was receiving Speech Therapy 5 days a week and Occupational Therapy once a week. His delays first became evident at age 2 when he had not begun to talk.
Posted in Attention, Education, Language, Movement & Exercise, Neuroscience, School Readiness, Speech & Language

Case Study: Developmental Coordination Disorder

by Jonathan Rowe

Case Study: Developmental Coordination Disorder

Emily is an eight year old in the third grade at a private school. She does not receive any special education services through the local school district. Emily was conceived as a result of in vitro fertilization and carried to full term. Developmentally, Emily was a late walker and an early talker. Significant health history includes fracturing the tibia at 12 months of age and again at 4. At birth she was diagnosed with Lordosis (curvature of the spine) and the presence of a sacral dimple. Emily had a few ear infections between the ages of 1 and 2 at which time she was considered for tubes.
Posted in Mathematics, Motivation, Movement & Exercise, School Readiness

Pencil Grip is Less Important than Letter Formation and Speed

by StepUp Staff

Pencil Grip is Less Important than Letter Formation and Speed

The increased use of computers and tablets in schools and at home has shifted educational focus toward a child’s keyboard skills rather than handwriting. Children are still expected to learn how to write by hand, but the importance of letter formation and speed is often overlooked.
Posted in Education, Handwriting

Selecting Sounds: How the Brain Knows What To Listen To

by StepUp Staff

Selecting Sounds: How the Brain Knows What To Listen To

Scientists developed a new approach to how the brain singles out a specific stream of sound from other distracting sounds. Using a novel experimental approach, the scientists non-invasively mapped sustained auditory selective attention in the human brain. Published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the study lays crucial groundwork to track deficits in auditory attention due to aging, disease or brain trauma and to create clinical interventions, like behavioral training, to potentially correct or prevent hearing issues.
Posted in Attention, Neuroscience, Speech & Language

New study shows reading is a team-lift as different brain parts work together to predict proficiency

by StepUp Staff

New study shows reading is a team-lift as different brain parts work together to predict proficiency

"Developmentally, children start to have more cross talk between their sound processing areas and visual processing areas. They’re mutually reinforcing each other. If they’re not getting this input then children are having difficulty reading."

 

Posted in Neuroscience, Reading Skills

To improve relationship with kids, try turning up the music

by StepUp Staff

To improve relationship with kids, try turning up the music

Children who grow up listening to music with their parents report having better quality relationships with their moms and dads when they reach young adulthood, researchers found.
Posted in Movement & Exercise, Music, Social Skills

New research helps to instill persistence in children

by StepUp Staff

New research helps to instill persistence in children

Encouraging children “to help,” rather than asking them to “be helpers,” can instill persistence as they work to fulfill daily tasks that are difficult to complete, finds a new psychology study.

 

Posted in Education, Motivation, School Readiness, Social Skills

Children take longer to learn two languages at once

by StepUp Staff

Children take longer to learn two languages at once

Worldwide immigration patterns are increasing the number of children who grow up exposed to two languages, a circumstance that provides numerous benefits as well as some challenges.
Posted in Education, Language, Speech & Language

Kids connect with robot reading partners

by StepUp Staff

Kids connect with robot reading partners

Kids learn better with a friend. They’re more enthusiastic and understand more if they dig into a subject with a companion. But what if that companion is artificial?
Posted in Attention, Education, Engagement, Motivation, Technology

Adults play a key role in children’s participation in school recess

by StepUp Staff

Adults play a key role in children’s participation in school recess

When adults are participants in school recess – leading games, monitoring play and ensuring conflicts are mediated quickly – children are more likely to be engaged in recess activities, a new study has found. 
Posted in Education, Health & Wellness, Movement & Exercise