Methods and Services

Scroll through this page for the following topics:

 Consultations
 Study Skills
 Academic Remediation
 Grammar
 Spelling
 Reading 
 Mathematics
 Cognitive Remediation 
 Compensatory Skill Building 
 Confidence Building
 Behavioral Plans
 Advocacy
 Technology, Software and Resource Advice
 Teacher Training
 School Workshops and Brainstorming Sessions
 
 

Mission Statement:


No two people share the same strengths and weaknesses. In fact, each individual has his or her own unique ways of learning. While education continually searches for the best group approach to learning, individuals with contrasting needs are often neglected and learning can become an unpleasant experience.   At Learning to Learn, it's not a matter of fitting a student into a program; it's creating a unique program for each individual student.  The learning  approach is an individualized process designed to empower and rekindle a love for learning by helping students to:

1. Define learning and academic goals
2. Utilize exceptional study skills
3. Release the fear of academic failure
4. Understand talents and difficulties
5. Develop compensatory strategies
6. Foster confidence and independence


Consultations: Consultations offer a rich opportunity to uncover 

Optimal ways of learning and organizational strategies
 
Academic goals

Advocacy skills

Assistive technology and software recommendations

Motivational strategies and incentive programs

Reasonable accommodations

Advocacy goals

Remedial tools

Many clients schedule consultations to define successful strategies at home or at school, while others decide to continue working with Dr. Warren on a one-to-one basis to develop compensatory learning strategies or to maximize learning potential. This 2 hour session usually involves the student and both parents or guardians. Strengths and difficulties are uncovered, goals are determined and all family members partake in an assessment that reveals their optimal ways of processing information. This not only uncovers each participant’s best ways of learning but it helps individuals understand and learn to empower the diverse learning needs within their families. Family members learn to step out of their own ways of processing to be more cognizant and accommodating to the needs of others. Participants will leave with a wealth of strategies and resources.

Study Skills: Students' often need to learn how to learn as well as effective study strategies to experience success in school.  There are multiple ways to accomplish a finished product, and each student is taught empowering strategies based on their specific learning profile.  Topics can include:

Organization and time management

Note-taking skills

Test-taking skills

Reading techniques

Listening skills

Writing strategies

Memory strategies

ADHD and Executive Functioning Coaching: Coaching supports students by providing structure, skills and strategies for success in a trusting, nonjudgemental environment. Each student is empowered to make decisions, ask questions, brainstorm and ponder the consequences, both positive and negative, of their behaviors. The purpose of coaching is to provide support, structure and accountability. Coaching can help with the following:

Identifying areas of difficulty and frustration and developing compensatory strategies

Acknowledging areas of strength

Setting and attaining goals

Increasing self-confidence

Gaining increased independence and self-advocacy skills

Improving time management and planning skills

Developing techniques for increased concentration

Managing stress

Improving organizational skills

Learning strategies for completing and turning in homework

Maximizing a greater sense of balance and fulfillment at home and school

Developing effective study skills

Creating accountability plans

Setting up daily routines


Academic Remediation: At times students need remedial support.  Academic difficulties may be the outcome of a weak foundation.  Therefore, past educational topics may be reviewed and re-taught in a multi-sensory fashion.  Each student's unique learning profile is considered and a fun, individualized remedial plan is designed.  In addition, memory strategies are often employed to enhance retention of materials.  Instruction can focus on:
Grammar: Grammar instruction may include creative projects and the learning of rules through interactive games, software and manipulatives.

Spelling:  Spelling instruction may include creative projects, visualization strategies, and the learning of rules through interactive games, software and manipulatives.

Reading: Intensive phonemic awareness, visualization, comprehension, and syllabication instruction incorporates multisensory games, and Orton-Gillingham methods of reading.  In addition, students may receive instruction based on programs such as the Davis Reading and Orientation Program, Audiblox, Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing, PAF, Hooked on Phonics, Lexia, and Wilson.  Dr. Warren integrates her own creative materials and makes the process both fun and engaging.  Each student has their own individualized program that is designed to meet their specific learning needs. 

Mathematics:  Math instruction may include creative projects, established methods such as Touch Math, and the learning of rules through interactive games, music, software, and manipulatives.

Writing: A unique program is created for each student. Possible topics of focus may include basic sentence and paragraph formation, mastering the 3-5 paragraph essay, writing the college entrance essay, editing, creative writing, assistive technology, and tools and tricks to writing a research paper.

Language skills: A unique program is created for each student. Possible topics of focus may include understanding inferences, following directions (written and oral), multiple choice strategies, and reading verbal and nonverbal cues. 

Cognitive Remediation: Some students need to strengthen certain areas of cognitive function.  Cognitive work involves methods and materials that strengthen cognitive areas of weaknesses such as visual discrimination, abstract reasoning, planning and attention.  Students always begin at a level where they experience success so that they feel capable and can make measurable gains.  Dr. Warren uses a variety of cognitive therapy tools such as Audiblox.  In addition, Mark Schiffman, LCSW, was recruited to offer a well-research method, The Interactive Metronome.  This is a form of cognitive therapy that strengthens executive functioning, attention, timing, fine motor and gross motor abilities through multi-sensory activities. To learn more go to www.mindyourbodytherapy.net 
Compensatory Skill Building: This method involves teaching students to use their strengths to compensate for their weaknesses. A scaffolding approach is employed.  Dr. Warren demonstrates techniques and uses multi-sensory methods to help the students internalize the process.  Strategy development often entails teaching mnemonics, visual mapping strategies, outlining, auditory rehearsal, or chunking techniques to name a few. If appropriate, assistive technology hardware and software such as the Reading Pen, Franklin products, Inspiration, Write Outloud, Recorded Books and Dragon Naturally Speaking will be introduced.  Finally, Dr. Warren qualitatively assesses whether independent application of newly learned principles can be applied to other learning environments. Can students identify situations where they utilize compensatory skills on their own? Role playing and planning for the transfer of new strategies is practiced.
Confidence Building: Learning struggles can lead to a poor self-concept and discomfort in the learning process. Negative thoughts such as, "I can't," "I'm careless," "I'm stupid," can be internalized, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy that disables the mind and intensifies learning problems. In some cases, excessive worry, social isolation, and feelings of hopelessness can result. When left uncared for, difficulties in other learning arenas may result, such as on-the-job-training and reading for pleasure.  Confidence building helps to:

Resolve painful learning experiences
Pair pleasant experiences with areas of academic difficulty
Role-play coping techniques
Develop personal coping strategies
Define appropriate support networks

Incentive Programs: Occasionally students require a very structured approach that incorporates external rewards.  Many students may struggle with learned helplessness or a lacking desire to succeed.  Because they lack the internal motivation to improve their output, an incentives program consultation can help to provide the structure, expectations and rewards necessary to get the student back on track.  This session will help to uncover:
Strategies for parents 

Behaviors that need to be shaped

Rewards that empower and motivate 

Methods for recording success 

Advocacy: Many students have unique educational needs that require support within school, the college application process, and sometimes at a place of employment.  Both parents/guardians as well as the students need to learn about legal rights as well as advocacy skills.  Dr. Warren can teach you to be your own advocate, or she can advocate for you at neighboring locations or via phone conferencing.  You can learn:
 How to approach the teachers and administrators when student needs and/or accommodations are not be addressed.  
 How to encourage school districts to provide comprehensive testing.
When and where to pursue testing outside of your school district.
When to pursue legal assistance.
How to get financial assistance and help with college and employment for students 18 years of age or older with diagnosed disabilities in Westchester, New York.
Technology, Software and Resource Advice: There are a lot of technological tools and software products that students can utilize for academic accommodations, remedial assistance, and strengthening cognitive areas of functioning.  Some technology and software can also be employed as "reasonable accommodations," if a student has a diagnosis and an educational plan.  Dr. Warren educates students, parents, and teachers about software and technology that is optimal for individual students as well as groups.  In addition, she is also available to demonstrate and offer clientele direct experience with the products before they are purchased. 
 
Teacher Training: Teacher training is available upon request. Topics may address the specific needs of an individual, (e.g., determination of reasonable accommodations, or putting IEP objectives into practice) or they may involve individual/group training in a particular area of interest. Topics may include but are not limited to:

Learning Specialist Training
Multi-sensory Reading Remediation
Multi-sensory Teaching Strategies
Teaching Students Optimal Study Strategies
Multi-sensory Reading Remediation
School Workshops and Brainstorming Sessions: Workshops and brainstorming sessions are designed upon request. I have conducted many presentations, but selecting from a list of prior topics does not always meet all the needs and address all the goals.   Therefore, a quick discussion will help me to select and create materials to optimize the session(s).  Each workshop educates teachers and administrators about teaching options and also provides numerous handouts and teaching materials. Topics suggestions include but are not limited to:

Designing an optimal resource room

Multi-sensory reading remediation

Multi-sensory teaching strategies

Meeting the needs of students with diverse learning styles

Evaluating students' learning styles and selecting the best teaching method and assignment options

Making education fun and multi-sensory

Empowering the creative learners

How to meet the needs of the bright student who is struggling


Consultations: Consultations offer a rich opportunity to uncover 

Optimal ways of learning and organizational strategies
 
Academic goals

Advocacy skills

Assistive technology and software recommendations

Motivational strategies and incentive programs

Reasonable accommodations

Advocacy goals

Remedial tools

Many clients schedule consultations to define successful strategies at home or at school, while others decide to continue working with Dr. Warren on a one-to-one basis to develop compensatory learning strategies or to maximize learning potential. This 2 hour session usually involves the student and both parents or guardians. Strengths and difficulties are uncovered, goals are determined and all family members partake in an assessment that reveals their optimal ways of processing information. This not only uncovers each participant’s best ways of learning but it helps individuals understand and learn to empower the diverse learning needs within their families. Family members learn to step out of their own ways of processing to be more cognizant and accommodating to the needs of others. Participants will leave with a wealth of strategies and resources.

Study Skills: Students' often need to learn how to learn as well as effective study strategies to experience success in school.  There are multiple ways to accomplish a finished product, and each student is taught empowering strategies based on their specific learning profile.  Topics can include:

Organization and time management

Note-taking skills

Test-taking skills

Reading techniques

Listening skills

Writing strategies

Memory strategies

ADHD and Executive Functioning Coaching: Coaching supports students by providing structure, skills and strategies for success in a trusting, nonjudgemental environment. Each student is empowered to make decisions, ask questions, brainstorm and ponder the consequences, both positive and negative, of their behaviors. The purpose of coaching is to provide support, motivation and accountability. Coaching can help with the following:

Identifying areas of difficulty and frustration and developing compensatory strategies

Acknowledging areas of strength

Setting and attaining goals

Increasing self-confidence

Gaining increased independence and self-advocacy skills

Improving time management and planning skills

Developing techniques for increased concentration

Managing stress

Improving organizational skills

Learning strategies for completing and turning in homework

Maximizing a greater sense of balance and fulfillment at home and school

Developing effective study skills

Creating accountability plans

Setting up daily routines


Academic Remediation: At times students need remedial support.  Academic difficulties may be the outcome of a weak foundation.  Therefore, past educational topics may be reviewed and re-taught in a multi-sensory fashion.  Each student's unique learning profile is considered and a fun, individualized remedial plan is designed.  In addition, memory strategies are often employed to enhance retention of materials.  Instruction can focus on:
Grammar: Grammar instruction may include creative projects and the learning of rules through interactive games, software and manipulatives.

Spelling:  Spelling instruction may include creative projects, visualization strategies, and the learning of rules through interactive games, software and manipulatives.

Reading: Intensive phonemic awareness, visualization, comprehension, and syllabication instruction incorporates multisensory games, and Orton-Gillingham methods of reading.  In addition, students may receive instruction based on programs such as the Davis Reading and Orientation Program, Audiblox, Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing, PAF, Hooked on Phonics, Lexia, and Wilson.  Dr. Warren integrates her own creative materials and makes the process both fun and engaging.  Each student has their own individualized program that is designed to meet their specific learning needs. 

Mathematics:  Math instruction may include creative projects, established methods such as Touch Math, and the learning of rules through interactive games, music, software, and manipulatives.

Writing: A unique program is created for each student. Possible topics of focus may include basic sentence and paragraph formation, mastering the 3-5 paragraph essay, writing the college entrance essay, editing, creative writing, assistive technology, and tools and tricks to writing a research paper.

Language skills: A unique program is created for each student. Possible topics of focus may include understanding inferences, following directions (written and oral), multiple choice strategies, and reading verbal and nonverbal cues. 

Cognitive Remediation: Some students need to strengthen certain areas of cognitive function.  Cognitive work involves methods and materials that strengthen cognitive areas of weaknesses such as visual discrimination, abstract reasoning, planning and attention.  Students always begin at a level where they experience success so that they feel capable and can make measurable gains.  Dr. Warren uses a variety of cognitive therapy tools such as Audiblox.  In addition, Mark Schiffman, LCSW, was recruited to offer a well-research method, The Interactive Metronome.  This is a form of cognitive therapy that strengthens executive functioning, attention, timing, fine motor and gross motor abilities through multi-sensory activities. To learn more go to www.mindyourbodytherapy.net 
Compensatory Skill Building: This method involves teaching students to use their strengths to compensate for their weaknesses. A scaffolding approach is employed.  Dr. Warren demonstrates techniques and uses multi-sensory methods to help the students internalize the process.  Strategy development often entails teaching mnemonics, visual mapping strategies, outlining, auditory rehearsal, or chunking techniques to name a few. If appropriate, assistive technology hardware and software such as the Reading Pen, Franklin products, Inspiration, Write Outloud, Recorded Books and Dragon Naturally Speaking will be introduced.  Finally, Dr. Warren qualitatively assesses whether independent application of newly learned principles can be applied to other learning environments. Can students identify situations where they utilize compensatory skills on their own? Role playing and planning for the transfer of new strategies is practiced.
Confidence Building: Learning struggles can lead to a poor self-concept and discomfort in the learning process. Negative thoughts such as, "I can't," "I'm careless," "I'm stupid," can be internalized, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy that disables the mind and intensifies learning problems. In some cases, excessive worry, social isolation, and feelings of hopelessness can result. When left uncared for, difficulties in other learning arenas may result, such as on-the-job-training and reading for pleasure.  Confidence building helps to:

Resolve painful learning experiences
Pair pleasant experiences with areas of academic difficulty
Role-play coping techniques
Develop personal coping strategies
Define appropriate support networks

Incentive Programs: Occasionally students require a very structured approach that incorporates external rewards.  Many students may struggle with learned helplessness or a lacking desire to succeed.  Because they lack the internal motivation to improve their output, an incentives program consultation can help to provide the structure, expectations and rewards necessary to get the student back on track.  This session will help to uncover:
Strategies for parents 

Behaviors that need to be shaped

Rewards that empower and motivate 

Methods for recording success 

Advocacy: Many students have unique educational needs that require support within school, the college application process, and sometimes at a place of employment.  Both parents/guardians as well as the students need to learn about legal rights as well as advocacy skills.  Dr. Warren can teach you to be your own advocate, or she can advocate for you at neighboring locations or via phone conferencing.  You can learn:
 How to approach the teachers and administrators when student needs and/or accommodations are not be addressed.  
 How to encourage school districts to provide comprehensive testing.
When and where to pursue testing outside of your school district.
When to pursue legal assistance.
How to get financial assistance and help with college and employment for students 18 years of age or older with diagnosed disabilities in Westchester, New York.
Technology, Software and Resource Advice: There are a lot of technological tools and software products that students can utilize for academic accommodations, remedial assistance, and strengthening cognitive areas of functioning.  Some technology and software can also be employed as "reasonable accommodations," if a student has a diagnosis and an educational plan.  Dr. Warren educates students, parents, and teachers about software and technology that is optimal for individual students as well as groups.  In addition, she is also available to demonstrate and offer clientele direct experience with the products before they are purchased. 
 
Teacher Training: Teacher training is available upon request. Topics may address the specific needs of an individual, (e.g., determination of reasonable accommodations, or putting IEP objectives into practice) or they may involve individual/group training in a particular area of interest. Topics may include but are not limited to:

Learning Specialist Training
Multi-sensory Reading Remediation
Multi-sensory Teaching Strategies
Teaching Students Optimal Study Strategies
Multi-sensory Reading Remediation
School Workshops and Brainstorming Sessions: Workshops and brainstorming sessions are designed upon request. I have conducted many presentations, but selecting from a list of prior topics does not always meet all the needs and address all the goals.   Therefore, a quick discussion will help me to select and create materials to optimize the session(s).  Each workshop educates teachers and administrators about teaching options and also provides numerous handouts and teaching materials. Topics suggestions include but are not limited to:

Designing an optimal resource room

Multi-sensory reading remediation

Multi-sensory teaching strategies

Meeting the needs of students with diverse learning styles

Evaluating students' learning styles and selecting the best teaching method and assignment options

Making education fun and multi-sensory

Empowering the creative learners

How to meet the needs of the bright student who is struggling
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“My true purpose is to help disempowered spirits rekindle joy in the learning process.  All my students know that if their lessons with me are not fun, that I'm not doing my job.  I'm not a tutor.  I'm a personal trainer for the brain (for my older students) and a magician that teaches tricks for learning (for my younger students). 

If sessions can be turned into a game, I will make the deck of cards or game board.  Much of it, however, is all in the presentation.  For example, I never give homework.  I only give "home fun" and it is always optional, it's not "script" or "cursive," it's "roller-coaster letters," writing soon becomes painting with words, reading is creating a movie in your head (at least for some students), and studying for tests or working on spelling is usually a blast as goofy memory strategies assist the encoding and retrieval process.  I think you get the idea.  I create a unique path for each of my students.  I feel honored to have the chance to work one-on-one with each them and have developed some wonderful relationships - ones that have helped me to grow enormously.    ---     My work continues to be much like the "big bang," and I'm often empowered, myself, to move in a multitude of directions.”   - Erica Warren