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
If you’re a parent who has ever sat next to your child during homework time, listened to them read a passage out loud (smoothly, confidently, barely stumbling over a word)…
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…
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…
Reading Help for Kids Who Are Behind: What Parents Need to Know (and Do)
If you’ve noticed your child avoiding books, guessing at words, or falling further behind their peers, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. This guide is for every…
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…
When You’ve Tried Everything and Your Child Still Can’t Focus
When You’ve Tried Everything and Your Child Still Can’t FocusYou don’t have to keep guessing. LearningRx Staunton-Harrisonburg helps families uncover why attention is so hard — and what to actually…
When Reading Struggles Show Up Later: What Every Parent of a 3rd–8th Grader Needs to Know
If you’ve ever said, “She was reading fine in first grade — so why is she struggling now?” you’re not alone. Later-emerging reading challenges are more common than most people…
The Real Reason Kids Struggle with Reading (It’s Not a Lack of Interest)
Whether you’re a homeschool mom sitting at the kitchen table listening to your child stumble through a simple paragraph, or a parent reviewing a disappointing reading benchmark from school, it’s…
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…
Why Some Kids Don’t Test Well (Even When They Know the Material)
Tests don’t just measure what a child knows; they heavily tax how the brain works under pressure. For many kids, weak cognitive skills get exposed during testing situations. Here are…
Reading Help in Staunton: When “Wait and See” Doesn’t Feel Good Enough
When “Wait and See” Doesn’t Feel Like a Good Enough Strategy for Reading HelpYou don’t have to guess anymore. LearningRx Staunton-Harrisonburg helps families uncover why reading feels hard and what…
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…
What Homeschool Burnout Really Looks Like
Homeschooling often starts with big hopes: flexibility, deeper learning, less pressure, more connection. But for a lot of families, there comes a point when something shifts. Lessons feel heavier. Motivation…
Sound Familiar? The Parenting Phrases That Reveal Hidden Learning Struggles
You don’t set out to say these parenting phrases. They come out in moments of exhaustion, confusion, or genuine concern… …when you’re watching your child struggle in ways that don’t…
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…
How to Support a Child Who Melts Down Over Schoolwork
For parents who feel like every assignment could turn into a battle—this one’s for you. When your child shuts down, explodes, cries, refuses, or melts down as soon as schoolwork…
“Why is this still so hard?” What Ongoing Struggles Mean for Your Homeschool Journey
If you’re homeschooling, you already know that some skills come easily… and others feel like you’re pushing a boulder uphill. Homeschool struggles often zero in on fundamental things: Spelling. Writing. Reading.…
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,…
Brain-Building Habits Homeschool Families Can Start This Year
Simple, science-backed ways to weave cognitive skill development into everyday life. As a homeschooler, you’re already a pro at integrating learning into daily routines. But there’s a whole layer of…
5 Easy At-Home Cognitive Activities to Engage Your Child’s Thinking Skills
If you’ve ever wished you could give your child’s brain a workout—without adding more homework—you’re in luck! There are plenty of fun, easy activities you can do at home that…
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…
The 2025 Smart Mom’s Toybox
Created in Collaboration with Timeless Toys (Harrisonburg, VA) and Pufferbellies Toys & Books (Staunton, VA) Here’s your guide for the best brain-boosting games and toys for the 2025 Christmas season! …
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:…
When Good Effort Doesn’t Equal Good Grades: Understanding the Gap Between Potential and Performance
As a parent, there are few things more frustrating than watching your child work hard, put in the hours, and still fall short of the grades they’re aiming for. You’ve…
Learning Disabilities Don’t Go Away—But Struggling Doesn’t Have to Last Forever
When a child is diagnosed with a learning disability, many parents worry that the label means a lifetime of struggle. And it’s true: learning disabilities don’t just disappear with age.…
Brain Training for Adults: A Spa for the Mind
Written by LearningRx Client: MacGregor Kimsey The doctor’s words lingered longer than I expected: “Your recovery is remarkable.” I had just survived a brain hemorrhage, the culmination of years of…
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,…
Is It the Curriculum or Is It Their Brain? How to Evaluate Learning Struggles at Home
If you’re a homeschool parent, chances are you’ve wrestled with this question more than once: “Is it the curriculum… or is something else going on?” You’ve tried switching math programs.…
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,…
What to Do if You Think Your Child Has a Learning Disability
Suspecting your child might have a learning disability can be overwhelming, but early action can make all the difference. Learning challenges take a toll on a child’s confidence and resilience…
5 Word Games to Improve Your Child’s Reading and Spelling Skills
If your child struggles with reading or spelling, you may be looking for some new and fresh ways to strengthen these skills. Yes, reading to your child is important. Spelling…
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…
When a Child Dreads School: Understanding and Addressing School Avoidance Behavior
Is your child begging to stay home from school more often than not? Complaining of stomachaches, headaches, or feeling overwhelmed before the school day even starts? If you’re dealing with…
Why Do Kids with ADHD Have Trouble Reading?
If your child has ADHD and also struggles with reading, you’re not alone. Many parents are surprised to learn how often these two challenges go hand in hand—and it’s not…
5 Ways to make Reading Time Less Stressful Today
If your child groans, stalls, or outright refuses to read, you’re not alone. Many parents find that reading time—whether for school homework, summer reading lists, or just because it’s important…
How to Change a Child’s Learning Trajectory
A child’s learning trajectory is the path they’re bound to follow with the skills & tools they currently possess. If your child is struggling to read or keep up in…
Why the Summer Slide Can Widen the Reading Gap—And How to Prevent It
Each summer, millions of students experience what educators call the “summer slide“—a decline in academic skills due to a lack of structured learning. For struggling readers, this seasonal setback can…
Rethinking Reading Interventions: Why Traditional Tutoring May Not Be Enough
For many parents, discovering that their child is struggling with reading leads to one logical next step: tutoring. Traditional reading interventions like tutoring often focus on reteaching material, practicing phonics,…
How to Help Students Master Math Facts
Mastering math facts is a key milestone in a child’s education, serving as the foundation for more complex math skills. Yet, for many students, learning multiplication tables or remembering addition…
10 Practical New Year Goals for Teens to Boost School Success
The New Year is a perfect time to set meaningful goals that help teens take charge of their academic journey. Effective goal-setting can build confidence, improve organization, and lead to…
5 Fun and Engaging Holiday Brain Games
Whether your holiday plans include cozy nights at home or long road trips, you’ll likely find yourself with some downtime. What better way to fill it than with festive holiday…
Ways LearningRx Can Partner With Homeschooling Families
Homeschooling offers families the unique opportunity to tailor education to their children’s needs. But even the most dedicated homeschooling parents sometimes face challenges when their children struggle to grasp certain…
2024 Smart Mom’s Toybox: Smart Games & Gifts for the Whole Family
The holiday season is here, and we’ve got our annual roundup of smart games & gifts for the whole family! Here are some brain-boosting games, puzzles, and activities you can…
How to Help Students with Reading Problems
Reading is an essential skill that opens doors to knowledge and opportunities. But for some children, learning to read doesn’t come easily. If your child is struggling with reading, you…
Why Does My Child Hate School? Understanding the Underlying Causes of Low Motivation
As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to hear your child say they hate school. You want them to succeed, to be engaged, and to enjoy learning. But when that’s not happening,…
Pre-Reading Skills Kids Need (Other Than Knowing the Alphabet)
At LearningRx Staunton-Harrisonburg, we understand that getting your child ready to learn to read is crucial. Reading readiness encompasses the foundational abilities that children need to master before they can…
3 Things to Do NOW to Make Next School Year Better for Your Kids
While the summer is heating up, the last thing you may want to do is think about next school year… but the reality is that it’s going to be here…
Real-Life Math Practice Ideas for Summer
Keeping your kids’ math skills sharp through the summer may not sound too fun, but it doesn’t have to be as complicated or boring as you might think! Students lose…
Summer Learning Activities and Games (Without Worksheets)
Keeping your child’s brain active through the summer months can be a challenge, especially if you have an active child who isn’t interested in worksheets. Summer learning is a great…
Reasons Why Kids Struggle With Reading Comprehension
Reading comprehension is a complex task, yet it’s essential for kids to develop this skill to make progress and grow in school. Reading is not enjoyable if you’re not comprehending…
Tips for Handling a Bad Report Card
Receiving a bad report card can be a challenging experience for both students and their parents. It can evoke feelings of disappointment, frustration, and concern about the future. However, it’s…
Concussions in Kids Sports & Their Impacts on Learning
Participation in sports is an integral part of a child’s development, fostering physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline. However, it’s important to not overlook the risk of injuries, particularly concussions. While…
The Brain Science Behind Low Self-Esteem in Kids
In the complex landscape of child development, self-esteem plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s sense of self-worth and confidence. When a child experiences low self-esteem, it can impact…
What Is Neuroplasticity? (And Why Does It Matter So Much?)
In the dynamic world of neuroscience, one term that has gained significant attention in recent years is “neuroplasticity.” This groundbreaking concept has revolutionized our understanding of the brain and its…
Boosting Mental Fitness: Brain Exercises for a Sharp Mind
As the winter season unfolds, many of us find ourselves bundled up indoors, seeking warmth and comfort. While the cozy atmosphere may tempt us to hibernate, it’s crucial to keep…
Celebrating Small Wins: Tracking and Acknowledging Progress in Your Child’s Learning Journey
As parents, we understand that every child’s learning journey is unique. Some kids breeze through academics effortlessly, while others face hurdles that require a bit more time and effort. For…
A Better Second Half of the School Year Starts Here
Whether the first semester was smooth sailing or presented challenges for your family, the arrival of the new year marks a chance for a fresh start. The second half of…
The Why Behind Late and Missing Assignments
Late and missing assignments can be a source of frustration for both parents and students. It’s not uncommon for teens to struggle with keeping track of their responsibilities, leading to…
5 Things People Say About Brain Training for Cognitive Decline
Strengthening cognitive skills as an adult is an important piece in protecting your brain function as you age. Research shows that mental stimulation is one of the biggest factors in…
Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions to Ask to Identify the Root Cause of Your Child’s Struggles
Do you ever go into parent-teacher conferences and struggle to even know what questions to ask? Of course there are some obvious ones, but especially if your child is in…
Weak Cognitive Skills That are Common in Kids With Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities can pose significant challenges for children as they navigate their academic journeys. While these challenges may vary depending on the specific learning disability, a common thread often exists…
Tips to Help Your Teen Stay Organized and Study Smarter This School Year
As the new school year ramps up, the hustle and bustle of academic life is once again upon us. For teenagers, juggling classes, assignments, extracurricular activities, and social commitments can…
Does Your Child’s Brain See Well? How Visual Processing Goes Beyond Eyesight
Visual processing is a critical skill for reading, comprehension, math and many other areas of learning. When you hear that term you may just think about your child’s eyesight, but…
Back-to-School Tips to Expand Your Teen’s Confidence and Independence
We all want our kids to thrive in learning environments, but often there are things that get in the way. Whether it’s overwhelming classroom environments, lack of confidence, or other…
Ways to Increase Your Child’s Resilience
Your child’s resilience is their ability to bounce back in the face of adversity. While you may think of things like violence, bullying, sickness, and other big-life crises as adversity,…
Stressed By Learning: How Learning Struggles Hijack the Brain
Learning struggles are a primary source of stress for kids. While you may think that they’re just “not trying,” are “lazy” or are just behind because of the state of…
Building Strong Logic Skills for Better Critical Thinking
Logic skills are the building blocks of rational thinking and critical reasoning. They enable us to analyze problems, draw valid conclusions, and make sound decisions. Whether you’re a student, a…
Research Supporting the LearningRx Reading Program
Several research studies have shown changes in the brain after LearningRx brain training, and the stories we hear from clients continue to amaze us (read some of them here). With…
Summer Tips for ADHD Kids
Summer break is a great opportunity for children with ADHD to relax and have fun, but it can also be a challenging time for them. Without the structure of the…
Screen-Free Travel Games and Activities that Build Brain Skills
Summer travel can mean a lot of extra screen time for kids. While you make the choices you need to make for your family, some intentional planning may help by…
5 Ways to Set Up Your Child for School Success in Kindergarten and Beyond
Starting kindergarten can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time for both children and their parents. It’s a big transition, and there are a lot of unknowns. However, there are several…
This Needs To Happen Before Your Child Can Learn to Read
You read to your child from the time they are babies, and when they start school you have this amazing excitement for them: they’re going to learn to read, too!…
How Autism Presents Differently in Boys vs. Girls
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is estimated that one in every 44 children in the United States is diagnosed…
Celebrating 10 Years in the Shenandoah Valley: 10+ Success Stories from LearningRx Staunton-Harrisonburg
We are celebrating a big milestone this year at LearningRx Staunton-Harrisonburg. We’ve been open and serving the Shenandoah Valley for 10 years! While the years have been filled with ups…
Top Warning Signs in Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are an important opportunity for parents to gain insight into their child’s academic progress and behavior in the classroom. While most conferences are positive and productive, there are…
Overcoming Math Anxiety: Strategies for Success
Math anxiety is a common problem among students of all ages and can affect their performance and self-esteem in the subject. Some estimates show that even a majority of people…
Strong Cognitive Skills Make Kids More Confident
Helping our kids become more confident can be an uphill battle. The world we live in has increasing expectations and speed that is making kids more anxious and unsure of…
Show Your Brain Some Love: 7 Tips to Keep Your Brain Happy and Healthy
Maintaining good brain function is important for a variety of reasons, including improved memory, higher productivity, and better overall well-being. Keeping your brain healthy isn’t complicated. Even some small switches…
How Adults with Learning Challenges Can Feel More Confident
Learning challenges can affect anyone at any age, and it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to work on improving your cognitive skills and building confidence. While learning…
How to Finally Get Reading to “Click” for Your Struggling Student
If you’re a parent of a struggling reader, you know how frustrating and demoralizing it can be to see your child struggle with a skill that is so essential to…
4 Family Resolutions to Set for the New Year
What if you weren’t on your own to stick to this year’s New Year’s resolutions? Setting individual goals can absolutely be helpful, but family resolutions can be a powerful way…
Games That Strengthen Working Memory
Working memory is a critical cognitive skill that can directly impact your ability to function in daily life. Imagine what it would be like if you took in information and…
Brainy Holiday Activities to Try This Winter
The holiday season is here, and with it comes more family time. Instead of just turning to holiday movies (even though they are pretty great too), here are 5 fun…
Learning Differences, Disabilities, and Preferences: How Cognitive Skills Impact Learning
We all learn differently. Every brain is unique in the way it interacts with the world. However, culturally we have given a lot of power to things like learning styles…
6 Things You’ve Never Heard About Dyslexia
There is a lot of misunderstanding about the way individuals with dyslexia experience the world. Here are 6 mostly-unknown things that you may not have heard about this learning disability:…
The Best Ways to Praise Your Kids
We all want to raise strong, independent kids who feel comfortable in their own skin. These mentally strong kids are able to bounce back when things get hard and are…
How Structured Literacy Helps Kids Learn to Read
If your child dreads reading time, avoids books, or is falling behind their classmates, you’re not alone — and there is a proven solution. Structured literacy is the science-backed approach…
What is the Science of Reading? (And What Does It Miss?)
How we teach kids to read has changed drastically over the past decades. Phonics is in, then it’s out. Now it’s sight words. Oh, now we’re back to phonics… it…
Tips to Stay Focused with ADHD
Trying to stay focused with ADHD can feel impossible. Your brain has hundreds of “tabs” open, you are resistant to overwhelming tasks, and every day productivity can feel way too…
Improve Your Child’s Self-Esteem in the New School Year
Raising confident kids is important in the world we live in. Your child’s self-esteem is going to be tested at every turn, from the first day of school to scrolling…
Here’s How to Get Your Struggling Reader Ready for Back-to-School
Did you have great intentions for summer reading, but have some trouble with the follow-through? If so, you’re not alone. It’s important for kids to experience rest, fun, and family…
11 Summer Journal Prompts to Help Your Kids Practice Writing
The start of school is quickly approaching, so maybe you’re starting to think of what you can do to help make the transition easier. Even if you haven’t kept a…
Screen-Free Activities to Keep Your Child’s Brain Sharp This Summer
Summer is here, and with it comes more free time for your kids. This is a great opportunity to use this time to strengthen brain skills and have some screen-free…
Sports Injuries & School Performance
It happens every year… a child participates in sports whether through school or independently and suffers an injury that sets them behind in school. Whether it’s a broken arm or…
3 Ways to Make Summer Reading More Fun
You love it or you hate it; but no matter your feelings on it, summer reading is coming! Whether through your school or library (or your own creation), keeping your…














































































