The further we move into the 2024-2025 academic year, the more distant the height of the COVID-19 pandemic feels. It can sometimes seem as though we didn’t experience a period of interrupted and unfinished learning in our classrooms, especially since we’ve been back to "normal" for some time now. However, if you've spoken with parents or educators recently, you may have noticed that many of us are still grappling with challenges that trace their roots back to that unprecedented time. The effects of the pandemic are far from over.

We need to remind ourselves—often—that some of the challenges that we are seeing in children and students today aren't simply a reflection of them or their effort, but of the conditions they have lived through. In many ways, the world may seem to have moved on, but in education, the ripple effects of the pandemic are still very real. And those effects need to be addressed with care, patience, and a lot of grace.

The Learning Gaps Go Beyond Academics

When we think of "unfinished learning," our minds often jump to academics—math problems, reading levels, or social study facts that students may have missed during remote learning. But the gaps are much wider than that. What we're seeing now isn’t just about academic deficits but also gaps in crucial developmental areas: fine motor skills, gross motor skills, attention, focus, emotional regulation, social interactions, vocabulary development, and so much more.

Some of these gaps are subtle. For instance, young children may struggle with fine motor skills like cutting or handwriting—things they missed out on practicing during the shift to digital learning. Older students may find it hard to focus for extended periods or follow the multi-step processes needed for tasks like long division or reading comprehension.

These aren't issues that will magically resolve on their own. They are skills that need to be taught, practiced, and reinforced. We are still very much in the process of filling these gaps, and it’s important to understand that this process requires patience—not just from students, but from everyone around them.

We Need Grace for Ourselves and Each Other

As parents, teachers, and caregivers, we need to remember that our children are doing their best within the conditions they’ve been given—and so are we. When a flower isn't growing the way we expect, we don't blame the flower. Instead, we look at the conditions around it. Are we watering it enough? Is the soil rich in nutrients? Is the environment conducive to growth?

The same logic applies to our children. If we see that they’re struggling in a particular area, we must look at how we’re supporting their growth. Have they had enough opportunities to practice fine motor skills? Have we created an environment that fosters focus and attention? Have we allowed space for social and emotional development that was stalled during periods of isolation?

Balancing Remediation and Acceleration

In education today, there's a fine balance between remediation and acceleration. We need to be mindful of not just pushing students ahead to "catch up" to where we think they should be, but also ensuring they have a strong foundation to build on. Remediation—going back and filling in gaps—is essential. But at the same time, we can't hold students back indefinitely. There’s an art to balancing these two approaches, one that requires careful observation and flexibility.

The key is in recognizing that skills build upon each other. If a student is struggling with long division, it may not be about long division itself—it could be that their foundational understanding of multiplication isn’t solid. If a child is having difficulty with handwriting, it could stem from a lack of fine motor practice, not just the act of forming letters. These are just a few examples of how deeply interconnected learning really is.

Be a Detective: Address the Foundational Skills

My reminder to parents and teachers is simple: if you’re noticing a particular skill that seems to be a challenge—whether it's cutting with scissors, penmanship, or adding fractions with unlike denominators—take a step back and play detective. Look to see whether all of the foundational skills that support that task have been adequately addressed.

Sometimes, what we perceive as "struggle" is really an indication that something foundational is missing. Maybe it's a skill that didn’t have the chance to develop fully because of the pandemic's disruptions. Maybe it’s a developmental gap that went unnoticed during remote learning. Either way, before we push our children forward, let’s take the time to make sure we’re filling in those essential pieces.

The pandemic may feel like it's in the rearview mirror, but its effects on education are still very much with us. We are still catching up in ways that go far beyond the curriculum, and we owe it to our students—and ourselves—to recognize that. Let’s continue to extend grace to one another, knowing that the path to growth and learning is not always a straight line, but it’s one we can navigate together.

​In this Solo Snippets edition of Shifting Perspectives, Yolande dives into an important topic during Dyslexia Awareness Month. She sheds light on what dyslexia is, the common signs, and how parents and teachers can support children who may be struggling with reading, writing, and spelling.

Yolande shares practical strategies for both parents and educators, focusing on how to foster a supportive environment for students with dyslexia. From encouraging a growth mindset to implementing multisensory learning techniques, this episode provides invaluable insights to help all students succeed.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just curious about learning disabilities, this episode offers powerful takeaways to inspire and inform. Tune in, and let’s make a difference together!

Shifting Perspectives is a conversation with Yolande and Latasha that challenges listeners to fuel themselves with diversity in the way they think, the way they work, the way they parent and the way they live their lives.

🎧 Listen to Shifting Perspectives on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, Spotify, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, Overcast, Castro, Castbox, Podfriend or at
www.learnandleadltd.com/podcast

Follow Yolande @yolanderobinson
Follow Latasha @latashastrachan

Over the last couple of months, I've gotten many questions about Shifting Perspectives and when Latasha and I will be resuming episodes. I promise...we are coming soon! Latasha and I are looking forward to jumping back into our conversations, but we are also adding a new spin to the mix. 

This Saturday my first episode of Shifting Perspectives - Solo Snippets will air. These are quick, bite-sized episodes that dive into the worlds of parenting, education and personal growth, challenging the way we think, learn and evolve. Whether it's in your career, family life, or personal journey, sometimes all it takes is a small shift to spark big changes. 

Shifting Perspectives can be found on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Overcast, Castro, Castbox, Podfriend or www.learnandleadltd.com/podcast.​

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to highlight and educate us about the challenges that students with dyslexia face. As educators, we strive to create inclusive classrooms where every student can thrive. One common challenge that many students encounter is dyslexia, a specific learning disability that impacts reading and language processing. Understanding dyslexia is crucial for providing effective support and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Understanding Dyslexia
Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition, as well as challenges with spelling and decoding abilities. Importantly, dyslexia does not reflect a student’s intelligence; many individuals with dyslexia possess average or above-average cognitive abilities.

Common Signs of Dyslexia
Recognizing the signs of dyslexia early can significantly impact the effectiveness of interventions. Some common indicators include:

• Reading Difficulties: Struggles with fluency, frequent errors, and hesitations in reading aloud.
• Spelling Challenges: Persistent difficulty with spelling common words, often resulting in letter reversals or omissions.
• Writing Issues: Problems organizing thoughts on paper, leading to disorganized or incomplete assignments.
• Phonological Awareness Problems: Difficulty recognizing and manipulating sounds in words, such as blending and segmenting sounds.
• Delayed Speech Development: Speaking later than peers or having trouble retrieving words.

While some of these signs may appear in young learners as part of normal development, persistent challenges warrant further investigation. As teachers, it's important to remember that while we cannot diagnose dyslexia, we can be vigilant in recognizing these signs and providing support.

Supporting Students with Dyslexia
If you notice signs that may indicate dyslexia in your students, it’s essential to take proactive steps to support their learning, regardless of whether they have received a formal diagnosis. Here are several effective strategies that educators can implement:

1. Foster a Growth Mindset: Encourage a positive classroom environment by celebrating effort and progress. Help students understand that struggling with reading does not equate to a lack of intelligence.
2. Implement Multisensory Instruction: Use multisensory teaching techniques that engage multiple senses, such as visual, auditory, and tactile methods. For example, employing colored overlays, manipulatives, or interactive technologies can enhance learning experiences.
3. Provide Structured Literacy Instruction: Incorporate explicit, systematic instruction in phonics, phonemic awareness, and vocabulary development. Structured literacy approaches are particularly effective for students with dyslexia.
4. Offer Accommodations: Consider implementing accommodations, such as extended time for reading and writing assignments, providing access to audiobooks, or allowing the use of assistive technology.
5. Create a Supportive Classroom Environment: Designate quiet areas for focused work and minimize distractions during reading activities. Establishing a supportive atmosphere can help students feel more comfortable and engaged.
6. Communicate with Parents: Maintain open lines of communication with parents about their child’s progress and challenges. Encourage parents to consult with professionals if they share concerns about their child’s reading or language skills. Collaborating with families ensures a consistent approach to supporting the student both at school and at home.

​
Understanding dyslexia and its impact on learning is essential for creating an inclusive classroom environment. By recognizing the signs, implementing effective teaching strategies, and fostering collaboration with parents, we can help students with dyslexia thrive.

Remember, while we may not be able to diagnose dyslexia, our role as educators is vital in supporting students who may be struggling. If you notice signs of dyslexia, take the initiative to seek out ways to provide support and advocate for your students' needs. 

Dyslexia Awareness Month is observed every October. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about dyslexia, a specific learning disability that affects reading, writing, and spelling. Individuals with dyslexia often have average or above-average intelligence. With the right support and strategies, they can succeed academically and in everyday life.

Dyslexia can manifest in various ways, and signs may vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Reading Difficulties: Trouble reading fluently or accurately, often leading to slow reading and frequent mistakes.
• Spelling Challenges: Difficulty with spelling words correctly, often misspelling familiar words.
• Writing Issues: Problems with writing neatly or organizing thoughts on paper; may avoid writing tasks.
• Phonological Awareness Problems: Difficulty recognizing and manipulating sounds in words, such as rhyming or blending sounds.
• ​Difficulty with Time Management and Organization: Struggling with tasks that require organization, like following multi-step directions or managing time effectively.

Congratulations to the most recent group to complete Leading from the Middle!

Middle managers play a pivotal role in organizational success, serving as the linchpin between top-level executives and front-line employees. Their significance lies in their ability to translate high-level strategic goals into actionable plans and ensure their implementation at the operational level.

The last 3 days were filled with learning, discussion, problem solving, role playing, strategic thinking exercises and a little play to demonstrate key points through new mediums.

Leading from the Middle-

• Looking Inward
• Building Your Team
• Supervising for Success

Today, on World Mental Health Awareness Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on a topic that touches all of our lives--digital well-being. In our increasingly online world, where screens have become part of both learning and leisure, it’s important to understand how our digital habits impact our mental health. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or just trying to navigate your own screen time, finding balance is key.

What is Digital Well-Being?

Digital well-being refers to our relationship with technology and how it affects our emotional, social, and mental health. It’s about being mindful of our screen time and ensuring that our use of digital devices is balanced with offline activities that enrich our lives. With our phones, tablets, and computers constantly at our fingertips, it’s easy to get lost in endless scrolling, but this can take a toll on our mental health, especially for children and adults alike.

The Impact of Screen Time on Children

For children, screen time can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, digital devices provide incredible learning opportunities, allowing kids to explore new topics and connect with friends. But on the other, excessive screen time can lead to issues like reduced attention spans, disrupted sleep patterns, and even anxiety or depression from too much exposure to social media.

It’s important for children to engage in activities that support their overall growth, including unstructured play. Playtime without screens allows kids to be creative, develop problem-solving skills, and interact with others in a natural way. It’s during these moments that they learn how to manage emotions, build friendships, and explore the world around them. Too much time online can replace these essential experiences, leaving kids feeling more isolated.

The Impact of Screen Time on Adults

Adults are not immune to the effects of excessive screen time either. For many of us, screens are integral to our work and social lives, especially with remote work becoming more common. But just like children, adults can find themselves spending too much time online, whether it’s working late into the night, scrolling through social media, or binge-watching shows. 

Excessive screen use can contribute to feelings of burnout, stress, and even loneliness. The constant flow of information from emails, notifications, and news can keep our minds in a state of overdrive, making it difficult to wind down and find true rest. This is why digital detoxing—taking regular breaks from screens—can be so powerful for mental health.

What Healthy Online Habits Look Like

Building healthy digital habits is key to improving our digital well-being. Here’s what that can look like for both children and adults:

Healthy Online Habits for Children

1. Set Screen Time Limits: Establish clear rules about how much screen time is appropriate, based on their age. 
2. Encourage Offline Activities: Make time for activities that don’t involve screens, like playing outside, reading a book, or engaging in creative play. Let kids explore their interests without the guidance of a screen.
3. Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate areas of the home where screens aren’t allowed, like the dining table or bedrooms. This encourages children to interact face-to-face with family members and can help improve sleep hygiene.
4. Model Good Behavior: Children often imitate adults, so it’s important for parents and educators to practice what they preach when it comes to limiting screen time.

Healthy Online Habits for Adults

1. Schedule Breaks: Use tools like screen timers or break reminders to step away from screens throughout the day. Even a 5-minute stretch or walk can help refresh your mind.
2. Limit Social Media: Be mindful of how much time you spend on social media. Consider setting daily limits or turning off notifications to avoid getting sucked into endless scrolling.
3. Establish a Digital Curfew: Try to unplug from screens at least an hour before bed. This helps to reduce exposure to blue light, which can interfere with sleep quality.
4. Make Time for Offline Hobbies: Rediscover activities that don’t require screens, like gardening, cooking, or playing a musical instrument. This helps to keep a balance between online and offline life.

Finding Balance in a Digital World

Digital well-being is about more than just reducing screen time; it’s about creating a balanced relationship with technology that supports our mental health. By being intentional with our screen use and making space for offline activities, we can create a healthier, more mindful approach to the digital world.

On this World Mental Health Awareness Day, let’s commit to prioritizing our digital well-being—not just for ourselves, but for the children and adults around us. A balanced approach to screen time can lead to a healthier, happier life, so let’s take a moment today to unplug, play, and be present.