Want the latest news in brain science? Tips on how to build stronger learning and thinking skills? Updates about what’s happening at LearningRx? Browse brain training articles and news from LearningRx below!
Brain Training News
You ask your child to do three things: put their backpack away, wash their hands, and come to the table for dinner. Two minutes later, you find them in the…
What Slow Processing Speed Actually Looks Like at Home and School
Your child is bright. You know it, and you see their potential. But somewhere between understanding something and doing something with it, things fall apart. Homework takes three times as…
Is My Child Ready to Move Up to the Next Grade?
Why the real answer has almost nothing to do with their report card — and everything to do with who they’re becoming. Every spring, millions of parents stare at a…
My Child Is Still Behind in Reading. What Should I Do?
The school year is wrapping up, and you already know something isn’t quite right. Maybe your child came home with a reading level that was behind their grade. Maybe they…
Why Kids in Northern Virginia Still Struggle, Even With Top-Ranked Schools
Northern Virginia Has Excellent Schools. So Why Is Your Child Still Falling Behind? If you live in Northern Virginia, you already know: the schools are exceptional. Fairfax County Public Schools…
My Child Finished the School Year Behind in Reading. What Should I Do This Summer?
You’re not imagining it. The school year ended, the report card came home, and something in your gut said: this isn’t just a slow quarter. Your child is behind in…
New Study: LearningRx Brain Training for Adults with Post-COVID Brain Fog
A new peer-reviewed study published in the international journal Brain Sciences highlights encouraging outcomes for adults struggling with post-COVID cognitive symptoms (often called “brain fog”) following LearningRx cognitive training. Here’s…
Can Processing Speed Really Change? Unpacking the Myth
You may have been told your child’s slow processing speed is just “how their brain is wired.” Here’s what the science actually shows and why it matters for your family.…
Beyond the ABCs: The Critical Pre-Reading Skills Your Child Needs for Kindergarten
When it comes to getting ready for Kindergarten, many parents focus on the basics: knowing letters, recognizing numbers, and being able to recite the alphabet. While these are important, research…
Beyond Attention: How Does ADHD Affect Learning?
When most people think of ADHD, they picture a kid who can’t sit still or a student who’s always staring out the window. But ADHD is far more complex than…
Is Your Child’s “Learning Style” Actually a Learning Struggle?
What Every Parent Should Know About Learning Preferences and Cognitive Skills If you’ve ever heard “My child is just a visual learner” or “He learns best when he can move…
Why Test Prep Alone May Not Be Helping Your Child Get Better Grades
“We’ve tried tutoring. We’ve done test prep. So why aren’t the grades improving?” If that question feels familiar, you’re not alone. Many families in the Northern Virginia area come to…
The Brain Behind the Struggle: Understanding Why Learning Feels Hard for Your Child
Brain Awareness Week 2026 | Understanding Cognitive Skills & Learning Challenges Does your child struggle with schoolwork despite trying their best? Do you find yourself repeating instructions multiple times, only…
The Brain Skills Behind Good Study Habits (and Test Performance)
“But they studied for hours!” If you’ve ever said that after seeing a disappointing test grade, you’re not alone. Many students do put in the time reading notes, rewatching lessons,…
Neuroplasticity Explained: How the Brain Can Change and What That Means for Your Child’s Learning
If your child struggles with focus, reading, memory, or keeping up in school, you may have wondered: Is this just the way their brain is wired? The good news is…
Why Can My Child Focus on Video Games but Not on Schoolwork?
It’s very likely that at some point you have said (or wondered), “Why can my child play video games for hours but can’t focus on homework for five minutes?” And…
Great Family Board & Card Games for Kids with ADHD
Board and card games can be a wonderful way to build cognitive skills without screens. Research shows that playing games helps exercise and engage critical learning skills like memory, critical…
Is It Just Distractibility—Or a Sign Your Child Needs More Support?
Every child gets distracted sometimes. They stare out the window during math… forget what you asked them to do… lose track of their backpack again. For most kids, these moments…
How Is AI Changing Learning — and What Skills Do Kids Need Most?
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a future idea — it’s transforming how kids learn right now. From elementary classroom experiments to teenagers using AI to do schoolwork at home,…
How to Tell if Your Child Is Making Enough Progress in School
It’s natural for parents to wonder: Is my child making enough progress this school year? Sometimes grades or teacher comments don’t tell the full story. To really understand how your…
How Can I Support My Child’s Confidence When School Feels Hard?
When school feels overwhelming, many kids start to doubt their abilities long before they lose actual ground in their academics. Confidence doesn’t disappear overnight—it erodes with every “I can’t,” every…
Why Productive Struggle Builds More Resilient Learners
When your child gets frustrated with a tough math problem or a new reading skill, it can be tempting to jump in and help. But here’s something powerful to remember:…
Helping Middle Schoolers Learn to Work More Independently
When your child enters middle school, it can feel like a whole new world—for both of you. Suddenly, teachers expect students to manage multiple classes, keep track of assignments, and…
Helping Neurodivergent Kids Build Confidence
If you’re the parent of neurodivergent kids, you already know that confidence doesn’t come easily. Too often, these kids spend their days feeling like they’re not measuring up—getting corrected, redirected,…
Can You Train Your Brain Like Chris Hemsworth on “Limitless”?
When Chris Hemsworth took on the challenge of boosting his brain power in Limitless: Live Better Now with Chris Hemsworth (National Geographic/Disney+), he put the spotlight on something scientists, psychologists,…
How Cognitive Skills and Confidence Go Hand-in-Hand
As parents, we want our kids to feel confident—not just in school, but in life. Confidence helps children raise their hand in class, try new things, bounce back after mistakes,…
When Should I Be Worried About My Child’s Reading?
As a parent, it’s natural to wonder whether your child is on track with reading. Some kids seem to take to books effortlessly, while others struggle to sound out even…
The Brain-Based Reasons for Homework Meltdowns (and What to Do)
If your child bursts into tears, argues, or shuts down when it’s time for homework, you’re not alone. Many parents assume it’s laziness or defiance—but often, homework meltdowns are actually…
Why Some Kids Struggle to Read (Even After Lots of Practice)
When kids struggle to read, you’ve probably heard the advice: “Just keep practicing. It’ll click eventually.” But what happens when it doesn’t click—no matter how many hours of practice, tutoring,…
Why Is My Child Struggling So Much to Adjust to School This Year?
The first few weeks of school can be tough for many kids, but if your child is melting down, zoning out, or constantly saying, “I hate school,” you’re probably wondering:…
Why Does My Child Resist Reading—and What Can I Do About It?
If your child resists reading—or avoids it altogether—you’re not alone. For many families, reading becomes a daily battle filled with frustration, tears, and growing concern. While some kids naturally gravitate…
What to Do If Your Child Is Dreading Going Back to School
It’s a familiar scene for many parents: the back-to-school countdown begins, and your child’s mood shifts. Maybe they’re anxious, tearful, irritable, or flat-out resistant. If your child is dreading going…
How to Help a Reluctant Student Build Confidence (and Why It Starts in the Brain)
It can be heartbreaking to watch your child shut down at the sight of a math worksheet or fall apart after a simple reading assignment. Maybe they’ve started saying things…
Debunking Common Reading Myths: What Parents Need to Know
If your child struggles with reading, you may have heard well-meaning but misleading advice from teachers, family members, or even other parents. Unfortunately, some of these myths can prevent children…
Boost Reading Skills with These Fun Board and Card Games
Learning to read and spell doesn’t have to feel like homework! Playing games can help kids strengthen their reading, spelling, and comprehension skills in a fun and engaging way. Here…
The Unique Strengths and Challenges of Twice-Exceptional Students
Twice-exceptional (2e) students are a fascinating and often misunderstood group of learners. These kids are both gifted and have a learning challenge, such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, or…
“Why Is It a Fight to Get My Child to Read?” Fostering a Love of Reading By Building Comprehension Skills
Reading should be an enjoyable and enriching experience for children, but for many struggling readers, it feels like a frustrating chore. When kids don’t understand what they’re reading, they are…
Watch for THESE Warning Signs of Reading Struggles
Reading is an essential skill for academic success and lifelong learning. But for some students, reading can be a frustrating challenge. Early detection of reading struggles is critical to provide…
Research on Preventing Cognitive Decline
As we age, protecting brain health becomes increasingly important. The good news? Research shows there are proactive steps we can take to slow cognitive decline and even boost brain function…
Tutoring Isn’t Working… What Do We Do Now?
When parents see their child struggling in school, tutoring often feels like the most logical first step. After all, isn’t the goal to help your child catch up? But what…
Why Is Organization So Hard for People with ADHD?
If you or your child struggles with ADHD, you’ve probably noticed how hard it can be to stay organized. Tasks pile up, homework gets misplaced, and no matter how hard…
Practical Goals for Teens to Help Them Do Better in School
When it comes to helping your student set goals and intentions for the new year, it’s important to lay out practical, achievable steps that they can monitor for progress and…
Logic Games to Practice Critical Thinking
Strong critical thinking is foundational for effective decision-making and learning at any age. If you or your child struggles in this area, logic games are a great tool to exercise…
LearningRx Cognitive Assessment FAQs
When you or your child struggles with learning, attention, or memory, the first step to understanding the root cause is often an assessment. At LearningRx, our cognitive assessment provides valuable…
How Do Learning Challenges Impact Students Long-Term?
Learning challenges can affect children far beyond the classroom, influencing not only their academic performance but also their social interactions, self-esteem, and overall emotional well-being. Left unaddressed, these struggles can…
Do Kids Outgrow Learning Challenges?
As parents, it’s natural to hope that your child will outgrow learning challenges over time. After all, kids grow and change so much that it can be tempting to assume…
Ask Your Child’s Teacher These Questions to Identify Potential Learning Struggles
As a parent, understanding your child’s academic progress can be challenging. Teachers see your child in the learning environment every day and can offer valuable insights into their habits and…
Accommodations vs. Root Cause Interventions: Addressing Learning Struggles at the Source
When a child struggles in school, it’s natural to want to find immediate solutions to help them succeed. Many parents and educators turn to accommodations—like extra time on tests, modified…
Understanding and Improving Reading Comprehension in Children
Reading is a fundamental skill that opens doors to a world of knowledge and imagination. However, not every child finds reading easy or enjoyable. Struggling with reading comprehension can be…
The Connection Between Cognitive Skills and Executive Functioning Skills
As parents and educators, we often emphasize the importance of academic skills—reading, writing, and arithmetic. While these are undoubtedly crucial, there’s a deeper layer that significantly impacts a child’s ability…
Do These 4 Things ASAP to Get Your Child Ready to Head Back to School
As summer wraps up and you start really thinking about your kids going back to school, it can be overwhelming to consider all the ways they need to be prepared…
Do These 4 Things ASAP to Get Your Child Ready to Head Back to School
As summer wraps up and you start really thinking about your kids going back to school, it can be overwhelming to consider all the ways they need to be prepared…
4 Behaviors to Watch for This Summer That May Signal Learning Struggles
As you spend more time with your kids over the summer, there are some signs to watch for that may look like behavior issues but are actually often rooted in…
Why is Writing Such an Important Skill for Kids to Practice?
We think of reading and math as key academic skills to sharpen through the summer months, but writing is just as important! Writing requires your brain to incorporate every single…
Tips to Help Make Reading Fun for Kids Over the Summer
Summer is a great time to unwind, relax, and enjoy time together, but it’s also a great opportunity to practice some essential skills like reading! The last thing you want…
Summer Learning Activities to Practice Math, Reading, and Writing
As the school year winds down and we gear up for the summer months, one concern many parents have is this: how are they going to keep their kids’ brains…
What Can You Do for Kids With Weak Visual Processing?
Strong visual processing is essential for reading, math, driving, DIY projects, drawing, packing a suitcase, and many other tasks that have effects far beyond a classroom. When student struggle with…
One Easy Practice To Keep Your Brain Sharp (That Doesn’t Require Extra Time or Money!)
Many of us have heard countless lists of things we need to be doing to keep our brain sharp, and they’ve probably included things like… Join a gym and exercise…
What’s the Connection Between ADHD & Executive Dysfunction?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While these symptoms are well-known, there’s another aspect of ADHD that often…
Two Approaches to Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities
Supporting students with learning disabilities is an essential aspect of fostering an inclusive educational environment. While there are various strategies and approaches to assist these students, two distinct methods stand…
Reasons Why Kids Hate Math
Have you ever had one of your kids come to you and say “I hate math!” For many students, it seems pointlessly complicated, hard to understand, or maybe just plain…
Tips to Improve Reading Fluency
If you have a kid who reads haltingly, with many stops and starts, you may be wondering what you can do to improve their reading fluency. Fluent reading is essential…
How to Evaluate Your Child’s Academic Progress (Beyond Grades)
When you think about how your child is doing in school, grades are probably the first thing that comes to mind. And while these are a reflection of your child’s…
Signs Your Child Is Actually Learning Material (And Not Just Guessing)
As parents, we all want our children to succeed academically. We invest time, effort, and resources into providing them with the best education possible. However, it’s not uncommon for children…
Turning the School Year Around: Building Learning Skills
Whether the first part of the school year was a positive experience or one that you never want to revisit, the new year is a helpful time to re-evaluate and…
Set and Achieve SMART Goals with Your Kids
As the New Year dawns, it brings with it fresh opportunities to set and pursue meaningful goals for both you and your family. Whether you wholeheartedly embrace the idea of…
Maximize Exam Success: 3 Proven Tips for Better Test-Taking
Feeling the pressure of upcoming exams? It’s completely normal, but there are effective strategies to make this period more productive and less stressful. Here are three invaluable tips for exam…
Conversational Signs of Cognitive Decline and Slower Processing
We used to think that memory loss and cognitive decline were inevitable as we got older. However, now we know that early action to strengthen cognitive skills and support mental…
What Should You Do if You Suspect Your Child Has a Learning Disability?
Discovering that your child may have a learning disability can be a challenging and emotional experience. However, it’s crucial to remember that early intervention and support are key to helping…
Understanding Learning Styles and Cognitive Skills
As parents, understanding the unique learning styles of your children can play a crucial role in supporting their educational journey. Dr. Neil Fleming’s VARK model of learning styles provides a…
5 Foundational Skills Kids Need to Have in Order to Succeed in Kindergarten (and Beyond)
As parents and educators, we all want the best for our children. We understand that a strong start in their educational journey lays the foundation for their future success. Kindergarten…
Slow Processing Speed in Kids: Signs to Watch For
You may think of processing speed as just how quickly you’re able to complete a task, but the reality is that this skill impacts so many other areas of thinking…
What Part of Executive Function is Your Child Struggling With?
Kids who struggle to stay motivated and engaged in school (and life) often struggle with executive function. This is a critical network of skills that governs your ability to start…
Organization Strategies to Empower & Equip Teens for the School Year
The teenage years are a crucial period of growth and development, setting the stage for a lifetime of achievements. As a parent or guardian, you play a pivotal role in…
Signs of School Avoidance (and What’s Going on Under the Surface)
School avoidance is a complex issue that affects many students around the world. While it’s natural for some children to experience occasional reluctance or anxiety about attending school, persistent school…
Don’t Miss This Critical Step to Prepare Your Child for the New School Year
The back-to-school season is filled with preparation. Supplies. Sports equipment. Schedule adjustments. The list goes on… But did you know that many parents forget THE MOST important thing that makes…
6 Ways to Practice Math Skills (Without Worksheets)
Worksheets are the last thing kids want to do during a break. You may be met with grumbles and eye rolls, but practicing math skills is still incredibly important even…
Summer Journal Prompts to Build Memories and Brain Skills
It’s hard to believe that the school year is coming upon us again before we know it. If you’re starting to think of things you can do to re-engage your…
5 Signs of Learning Struggles to Watch for Outside of School
Learning struggles can be easy to spot during the school year. Teachers send home notes. Grades suffer. The stress of school piles up. But for many kids, their learning struggles…
What Does Research Say About LearningRx Reading Training?
For years, we’ve been seeing the outcomes of ReadRx training for families in our local areas. Non-readers have come to love reading. Comprehension has grown. Reading becomes fun and less…
Preparing Children for School Success: A Brain-Based Perspective
As a parent, you want to give your child the best possible start in life. But one of the most critical areas that a lot of parents skip over is…
Looking for a Tutor in Reston? Learn More About Brain Training
As the year draws to a close, you may be exploring options for summer learning, like hiring a tutor. At LearningRx Reston, we offer one-on-one support to students of all…
Build Math Confidence with These Fun Math Games
Does math stress you (or your kids) out? Are math homework sessions filled with dread, tears of frustration, or outbursts that leave you questioning whether it’s really worth it to…
Autism Facts + How Brain Training Fits In
Millions of individuals are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) every year. While this diagnosis is extremely broad and each individual has their own unique sets of strengths and struggles,…
8 Great Foods for Your Brain
Our brain is one of the most important organs in our body. It’s responsible for our ability to think, learn, and remember. And just like any other part of our…
5 Brain Facts That Will Blow Your Mind
The human brain is one of the most complex and fascinating organs in the body, capable of performing countless functions every day. From controlling our movements and thoughts to processing…
Math Anxiety: How to Overcome It and Build Confidence
Are you a “math person” or not? These kinds of questions have divided classrooms, schools, professional development meetings, and workplaces into the math people and the “not-math” people. Math anxiety…
7 Tips for Building Self-Esteem in Kids and Teens
Self-esteem is at the foundation of a child’s healthy development, and it’s crucial to foster it from an early age. However, it’s not always easy to do so, especially as…
Games that Build Attention Skills
Attention skills are important for success in school and in life. They allow us to focus on a task at hand, ignore distractions, and remember important information. For kids with…
How Cognitive Skills Impact Organization
Staying organized can be a challenge for many of us. It requires not only physical effort and time to keep up with organization strategies, but also cognitive skills such as…
A Fresh Start for Your Brain: 5 Ways to Protect Your Thinking and Memory
With the new year comes new goals for many of us. Whether you’re setting intentional resolutions or not, this can be a helpful time to establish some healthy routines and…
3 Holiday Brain Games to Challenge Your Memory
Looking for a fun way to engage a group this holiday season? What if you could challenge your memory and strengthen your thinking skills at the same time? These are…
5 Holiday Season Brain Hacks
The holiday season can be full of overwhelm and stress—but it doesn’t have to be! Check out these 5 brain hacks to help you feel more confident and in control…
How Gratitude Impacts Your Brain
Gratitude impacts your brain at a biological level, and its implications are far-reaching for your ability to think and function on a daily basis. Studies continue to find that regular…
5 Benefits of Jigsaw Puzzles for Your Brain
As the weather cools down and people are drawn inside, jigsaw puzzles are a great option to engage with your family and build some brain skills! Beyond being a calming,…
Specific Learning Disabilities: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia
Estimates predict that up to 1 in 5 students has some form of learning challenge, including specific learning disabilities like dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia. So what are these learning disabilities…
Dyslexia: Myths & Signs and How to Read More Confidently
Did you know that dyslexia affects 5-15% of all Americans? That’s somewhere between 14.5-43.5 million people in the U.S. alone. This common diagnosis is often thrown around in conversations among…
9 Games to Improve Working Memory
Working memory is a critical learning skill that helps kids take in and process information effectively. It’s like your mental “bucket” that holds onto information long enough to either apply…
6 Tips to Reduce Risk of Dementia
We all want to feel sharp, energized, and healthy as we get older. However, with conditions like dementia on the rise, it can be hard to know what the future…
What Is the Science of Reading?
When you think of learning to read, what comes to mind? Likely it is one of two things: phonics or sight words (or maybe something of a combination). These 2…
What Makes Kids Mentally Strong?
Mentally strong kids are confident in their own worth and value and are not as easily swayed by peer pressure, hard circumstances, or failures. Instead of succumbing to negative thoughts,…
The Dangers of Waiting To Get Reading Help for Struggling Students
When do you get reading help for your child who is struggling, and when do you give it more time? This is a question that comes up often in our…
Top 5 Benefits of Being Bored for Kids
If your kids complain about being bored, you may be tempted to sign them up for more activities and to fill their schedules with things that will keep them busy.…
5 Family Game Night Favorites to Improve Reading Skills
If your child reads below grade level or struggles with sounding out words, comprehension, or fluency, playing games may be a great way to help them get a boost! Reading…
Keeping Your Brain Happy: 10 Ways to Improve Your Mood and Think More Clearly
Your brain is central to every part of your life, and keeping it balanced, happy, and healthy is critical to function at your best. But keeping your brain happy doesn’t…
FAQs from Parents of Kids who Struggle with Reading
Lots of kids struggle with reading. In a time where we are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic and figuring out what a “new normal” is going to…
“Is It Too Late for My Child to Catch Up?” How to Help Kids who are Below Grade Level
This is a question we hear often, especially after the disruption COVID caused for kids in school. Many kids are registering as being “below grade level” in subjects like math…
Keep Kids Off the Summer Slide: Smart Ways to Spend the Summer
The “summer slide” may sound like fun, but it’s definitely something you’ll want to keep your kids far away from this summer! During the summer, kids lose an average 2.6…






















































































