Limitless Learning, a blog by The Howard School

In today's complex and information-rich world, robust literacy skills are fundamental for navigating life, fostering personal growth, and contributing meaningfully to society. That makes it essential for schools to commit to using the most effective, proven methods for teaching students to read.

You may have heard the term “the science of reading” a lot recently. While it may sound new, the principles behind the science of reading have been part of effective literacy instruction for years.

In today's complex and information-rich world, robust literacy skills are fundamental for navigating life, fostering personal growth, and contributing meaningfully to society. That makes it essential for schools to commit to using the most effective, proven methods for teaching students to read.

You may have heard the term “the science of reading” a lot recently. While it may sound new, the principles behind the science of reading have been part of effective literacy instruction for years.

Students who try out for school sports often face a series of stressful experiences. First, there is overcoming the self-doubt about signing up for tryouts. Then, there is the intensity of the tryouts themselves. Followed by a nerve-wracking wait for results and scanning the list to see if you made the team.

At The Howard School, we do things differently. Here, every student has the opportunity to play in our inclusive athletics program.

When a child begins to struggle in school—whether they are suddenly falling behind in reading, acting out in class, or coming home exhausted and frustrated every day—it's natural, as a parent, to feel anxious.

If a teacher or pediatrician has recommended "testing," "assessments," or a "psychoeducational evaluation," you may wonder what that actually entails.

Drama, with its spotlights, lines, costumes and applause, is often seen as a performance. But for neurodiverse students, it can be something much more meaningful. It’s a doorway. A bridge. A space where they are not only seen, but truly heard.

In a world where communication, social interaction, or sensory processing can be daily challenges, drama offers something rare: a safe, expressive outlet.

Traditional classrooms are tough on students with language-based learning differences. Tasks like reading instructions, writing an essay or taking notes during a presentation can become a barrier to learning. Students get frustrated, and teachers and parents don't get to see their full potential.

Luckily, advances in technology are breaking down these barriers. The Howard School is pioneering assistive technology to open new possibilities for students.

Remember singing a song in elementary school to learn the fifty states? Those melodies stick because music, when paired with language, is processed and stored in unique regions of the brain.

It creates a kind of ‘mental Velcro ’ by embedding a lasting imprint that reinforces memory. At The Howard School, we harness that connection by embedding intentional language into our music-making practices from the earliest grades. 

Do you have a student who struggles with reading and no amount of hard work seems to help? You are not alone.

It’s not that the student isn’t working hard or isn’t capable. It’s just that they haven’t received the right intervention, the one that is right for their whole learning profile at this moment in time.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

It’s a question adults ask children a lot. We’re curious about how they envision their future selves, and their answers give us ideas about what they want to explore.

Parents of children with learning differences often listen to their answers with some anxiety.