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Read Aloud - AI Generated. Copyright 2024 CogniTwigs
Introduction
Learning is a journey, but for some children, it can feel like climbing a steep mountain without the right gear. I know this because I’ve lived it—not just as a teacher and parent, but as a child. Growing up, I struggled with learning in ways that left me feeling stuck, misunderstood, and overwhelmed. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to succeed—it was that the support I needed wasn’t there. The stress of not being able to meet expectations made learning even harder.
Years later, when I began helping and training other teachers and parents, I started to see a pattern: the stress and worries of the adults were just as much a barrier as the challenges faced by the child. Parents felt overwhelmed by not knowing how to help, and teachers often worried that they didn’t know what to do with them and the child was often labelled or blamed. It became clear that addressing this stress—both for the child and the adults—was the first step in helping children thrive.
This realization inspired me to write this four-part series on Stress and Learning. By understanding the role stress plays in learning and addressing the real challenges behind it, we can create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and ready to succeed.
What We’ll Cover in This Series
1. Understanding the Root of the Problem: What Does Stress Do to Learning?
Why do children struggle to learn? Stress can create powerful barriers that block a child’s ability to focus, retain information, and build confidence. In this post, we’ll explore how stress affects the brain and why understanding its role is the first step in helping children overcome challenges.
2. Why Lack of Understanding and Resources Leads to Frustration for Everyone
How do gaps in knowledge and resources affect learning? Without the right tools or understanding, parents and teachers may unintentionally set unrealistic expectations or skip critical foundational steps. This post will uncover how these gaps contribute to stress for both children and adults, and why bridging them is essential for success.
3. The Power of Pausing: How Taking a Step Back Can Move Learning Forward
Why is it important to pause and reassess? Sometimes, the pressure to push forward creates more barriers than progress. In this post, we’ll discuss the value of stepping back, focusing on foundational skills, and creating a clear, manageable path to help children thrive.
4. From Stress to Success: Practical Strategies for Empowering Learners
What practical strategies help reduce stress and build confidence? In this final post, we’ll share actionable tools for parents and teachers to support children effectively. By addressing learning gaps and fostering positive growth, we can help children move from frustration to success.
Key Takeaways!
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or someone supporting children, this series will offer insight into how stress impacts learning and what you can do to help. It’s not about blaming or lowering expectations—it’s about meeting children where they are and guiding them forward with understanding and patience.
Ready to Dive In?
Join me in the next post as we explore the root of the problem:
Why do kids struggle to learn, and how does stress create such powerful barriers?
