Grades

The school year is now in full swing. So… Do you know what your student’s grades look like? Don’t wait until report cards are sent home. Take some time now to review your child’s grades. Determine if they are in need of any extra assistance and get it for them.

By addressing any lacking skills sets early, you enable your child to catch up and stay current with their glass and their school work. You also save your child (and yourself) lots of frustration Additionally, there is the potential to improve your child’s self-esteem when they are able to answer questions in class and complete their work on their own.

 
Let’s keep moving towards the best school year ever!
Barbara Erby, MS

Education & Behavioral Consultant

Breakthrough Developmental Services, LLC

 

Barbara Erby is an Education & Behavioral Consultant with Breakthrough Developmental Services, LLC. Barbara received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bowie State University in 1999 and a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Educational Psychology and an emphasis in Developmental Psychology from Capella University in 2004. Ms. Erby has worked with a variety of students in the school, home, and community environments as a Direct Care Worker, Family Trainer, and an Education & Behavioral Consultant.

Back to School

We awoke this morning to a crisp, cool weather that reminds us – it’s almost that time of year again… What have you been doing to prepare for the first day of school? Are you taking a last-minute vacation? Have you already started your school shopping? Well here are some tips from the staff of BDS to help make the first day of school a success.

  1. Shop early for some supplies, but remember that each teacher may have their own list. However, items such as hand sanitizer and tissue are always welcome in classrooms.
  2. Start getting your children back on their school schedules. Sleep is very important to making sure that children are prepared to learn in school. Don’t wait until the night before to send children to bed on time. Make their, and your, life easier by beginning sooner.
  3. Prepare a study space at home for children to do their homework in and make it conducive to learning. Let children take an active role in choosing the space as well a decorating it (if you can).
  4. Talk to your children about expectations for the coming year. Knowing that parents are concerned about their education in advanced can help some children achieve more in school. Don’t wait until a child comes home with a lower grade to take an interest. Set the bar high (but achievable) from the beginning.

 

Best wishes for a wonderful school year,

Barbara Erby, MS

Education & Behavioral Consultant

Breakthrough Developmental Services, LLC

 

Barbara Erby is an Education & Behavioral Consultant with Breakthrough Developmental Services, LLC. Barbara received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bowie State University in 1999 and a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Educational Psychology and an emphasis in Developmental Psychology from Capella University in 2004. Ms. Erby has worked with a variety of students in the school, home, and community environments as a Direct Care Worker, Family Trainer, and an Education & Behavioral Consultant.

Not me… it’s not gonna happen!

“I may get older, but I will never get old.”  ~Barbara Erby

Yes, that’s right! I didn’t it… I’m quoting myself, but the above is absolutely true. I refuse to get old. I don’t mind the getting older part, but who said that another year means that you have to mope around in despair.

As I write this, we are approaching my grandmothers 93rd birthday. It wasn’t until about a year or two ago that my I began to see her slow down. Every day she gets up and fixes her coffee. If it’s warm, she goes outside to work in her garden. She cleans her own house and fixes her own food. She still does all of these things, but she’s stopped doing the heavier tasks like spackling walls (don’t ask). She doesn’t want anyone’s assistance and will promptly tell you that she’ll take care of it if you bug her about it.

I just figure that if my 90-some year old grandmother can still do everything that she wants to do, who am I to tell her otherwise? I also can’t sit around and talk about how tired I am or hold old I feel. I’m clearly and truly nowhere near 92. So, I have realized that it doesn’t really matter how old you are. There are times that I might feel old, but really… come on, 92? My grandmother made the decision and declaration that she wasn’t getting old. You know what? That’s fine by me because I’m not either!

Action Step: When you were a child, or at least when you were younger, you had something fun that you enjoyed doing. Go take some time to rediscover that. Was it dancing, flying a kite, walking in the woods, or swinging on a swing. Go out today and have some fun. You can take your kids along, if you want to make it a family activity.

Best wishes,

Barbara Erby, MS

Education & Behavioral Consultant

Breakthrough Developmental Services, LLC

Barbara Erby is an Education & Behavioral Consultant with Breakthrough Developmental Services, LLC. Barbara received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bowie State University in 1999 and a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Educational Psychology and an emphasis in Developmental Psychology from Capella University in 2004. Ms. Erby has worked with a variety of students in the school, home, and community environments as a Direct Care Worker, Family Trainer, and an Education & Behavioral Consultant.

A Simple Thank You is Not Enough

I’m keeping this week’s article short. Not because I don’t have much to say, far from it. Most of you know me pretty well and know that I am rarely at a loss for words. I would just rather you spend the time doing something a little different this week.

As we get ready for Memorial day, I am excited and looking forward to our yearly cookouts and the official kick off to summer. However, I feel it important to pause and to remember the lives of that holiday was meant to celebrate – the men and women of our military who have given their lives in service to our country. Regardless of the political affiliation or climate, these men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

So instead of keeping you glued to your computer/phone screen, please take some time to remember and honor our fallen.

Best wishes,

Barbara Erby, MS

Education & Behavioral Consultant

Breakthrough Developmental Services, LLC

Barbara Erby is an Education & Behavioral Consultant with Breakthrough Developmental Services, LLC. Barbara received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bowie State University in 1999 and a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Educational Psychology and an emphasis in Developmental Psychology from Capella University in 2004. Ms. Erby has worked with a variety of students in the school, home, and community environments as a Direct Care Worker, Family Trainer, and an Education & Behavioral Consultant.