Judith E. Lipson, M.A.

Licensed Professional Counselor / Trainer / Facilitator

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Learning Styles

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There are no lazy students, but there are kids who learn differently.

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

At one time teachers taught from the front of the classroom to students who were expected to remain quietly seated at desks placed in rows, listening silently to the teacher’s instruction, or reading from their text. Most educators now recognize that this is an ineffective educational environment, one which frustrates students, teachers and parents because it does not meet most students’ learning styles.

The prerequisite to understanding learning styles is to accept that people process information and express what they have learned differently. Parents know that each child has a different personality, a different way to approach problems and a myriad of other differences. It is equally important to recognize that children and their parents often have different learning styles. [Read more…]

Time Management

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Avoid over-scheduling and learn how to balance your child’s time.

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Even during these difficult economic times, many families provide their children with enrichment activities: T-ball, soccer, gymnastics, dance, martial arts, hockey, horseback riding, football, academic tutoring, and the list goes on and on. While these children are the fortunate beneficiaries, important opportunities can be missed and difficulties can arise when a child is over scheduled.

Providing structured activities and play dates is especially beneficial when a child [Read more…]

Reading Comprehension

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First your child learns to read, then is required to read to learn.

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

In Phonics: The Foundation of Reading the difficulties of learning to read are discussed. In mid-elementary the focus changes from learning to read to reading to learn. I have seen “good” readers experience difficulty when this occurs, and I’ve seen students struggle in middle and high school though their proficient oral reading makes them appear to be capable readers. Fluency and ease are always essential, but they are not the only requirement for your child to be a successful reader and learner. [Read more…]

Phonics: The Foundation of Reading

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Mayan stairsWhat if your child appears to have missed the seemingly magic ability to read?

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Reading seems like a naturally occurring event, but your child may struggle to sound out words, or read slowly and choppy. The ability to read requires the ability to create sounds from letters (phonics), to do so fluently, and to access meaning from those sounds (comprehension). In a two-part series, I will discuss many possible causes for reading difficulties.

In order to learn to read, a child must be able to distinguish one letter from another. Many young children experience reversals (especially the letters b, d, p). If this continues after the age of 7 or so, there may be a problem. [Read more…]

Writing

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Bongo HandsAre you frustrated because your child avoids writing or writes poorly?

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Your child is not lazy! Children (and adults) who are poor writers may have difficulty with fine motor control or processing and organization. The following will give you tips on how to identify the potential source(s) of the writing difficulties and provide strategies for improvement. [Read more…]

Successful Studying

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By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Is your child a “cheerful consumer”? This child does everything requested from the school, and usually more. If your child does not have this trait, there is still hope. The following strategies will help your child develop effective studying habits.

Have your child complete daily study time. Many of today’s children live in the “now / not now” philosophy. If the teacher gives an assignment that is due next Friday, then the child files it in not now, and does not think about it until the day before it’s due (if it is remembered at all). [Read more…]

Prepare For School

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By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

A new school year is nearly upon us. And the excitement that you see on your child’s face is real – even for the student who finished last year with a deep scowl and resignation, or who struggled academically, or completely lost motivation and gave up. This year offers a new opportunity, which is filled with possibility. Boost your child’s positive thoughts, hopes, dreams, and exuberance (or at least hopeful tolerance) to create a successful outcome for this new school year.

The beginning of each new school year (as well as each card marking or semester) is a new beginning for your child and students. All of us like fresh beginnings; this is why we create New Year Resolutions in December/January. The following is a list of ideas to help your child to have a positive year. [Read more…]

Learning Disabilities and Your Child

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Tahquamenon FallsBy Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Come with me on an informative journey to learn about learning disabilities. You will learn how to recognize a possible learning disability in your child, as well as strategies to make the challenges easier (whether or not there is a certified learning disability).

For a child to have a learning disability there must be a discrepancy (difference) between their IQ Score (intelligence) and their achievement scores (academic levels). School districts use different discrepancy scores.

There are 7 areas of learning disabilities and a person can have a learning disability in one or more of these areas. [Read more…]

Creating a Successful School Year

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Fall trees

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

September is here and school begins again. Some children are “cheerful consumers” and can’t wait to learn everything that their teachers give them. Others are less interested and hope to avoid homework whenever possible.

Many readers are familiar with the child who says, “I don’t have any homework. I did it in school.” They end up with a poor grade because the homework was not done. I can hear your sighs of recognition right now. To avoid this vicious circle, I recommend that all students have a daily study time ritual to start the year off right. [Read more…]

Homework Helper

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By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Homework is the most frequent concern for students, parents and teachers. Let’s look at some of the reasons students have trouble with homework and specific ways to ease the conflict.

The student doesn’t turn in homework that you KNOW was completed: This is often the most distressing for families. Some students don’t remember to turn in the work; some can’t find it. The solution is to give the student a specific homework folder. The left pocket is for homework that needs to be completed and for notes or returned work to be filed (file that evening into the appropriate subject folders). The right pocket is for assignments to be turned in. With this system, papers won’t be lost in the bottom of the backpack. Also, if the student did not hear the teacher’s instruction to turn in the assignment, there is a much better chance that it will be found in a later class. The student can then turn it in before points are deducted. [Read more…]

SPIRAL WISDOM LLC

Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor supporting ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum/Aspergers as well as those who wish to explore their Life’s Purpose. Judy provides Counseling, Educational Consultations, Academic Support and Presentations/Workshops.

Make an appointment with Judy to develop effective Strategies, Improve Motivation and Self-Esteem, develop Advocacy and Empowerment, identify Accommodations for IEPs and 504 Plans, understand Sensitives and Become Who You Really Are.

As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, I remain available via phone and video chat to support all ages of clients. Don’t hesitate to contact me for more information and to see if I might be available to help you. 

Make an Appointment

Specialties

  • Anxiety
  • ADHD
  • Autism and Aspergers Syndrome
  • Empowerment and Advocacy
  • Sensitives
  • Guided Imagery
  • Transformational Counseling
 

Recent Articles

Psychology Today ACA

Contact Information

Judy Lipson, M.A., LPC
Spiral Wisdom LLC
Phone: (248) 568-8665
judylipson@spiralwisdom.net

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