Yellow Parachute Blog
Yellow Parachute’s Blog Mission
Our blog mission is to share the research and resources that inform our unique approach to coaching Executive Function Skills, to advocate for neurodiversity, and to uplift students, parents, educators, and leaders.
Rest Up and Get Ready
It’s here. We’ve made it to winter break! After working through ALL of the learning options this fall (classroom, hybrid and distance) I know so many families, including my own, who are looking forward to taking a few well-earned days off from school...
Ditch the Cape
The “it was never a dress” image is something that has always resonated with me… but during my family’s adventures with distance learning, it’s resonated with me in a way you might not expect...
The 7 Day Challenge
Take 7 days to change your family's life... or change the way you think about it!
Scrap the Schedule
Scrap the schedule and focus instead on building routines and habits. Why? The concept of “schedule” can serve us, but it doesn’t create an action plan for how to stay motivated to stick with it, even when we don’t want to....which, by the way, we won’t.
Pausing…
If you know anything about our family, you may know we spend A LOT of time shuttling our kids to and from their various sports practices. That’s why Wednesday night’s announcement that youth sports would be put on “pause” for the next four weeks throughout the state of Minnesota was devastating.
Here We Are Again
Yellow Parachute Learning Partners’ flexible learning models can help guide you through the transition to distance learning and help you move through the disappointment, frustration, and fear of the unknown. Here’s how...
The Simple Act of Paying Attention – Part 2
Last week, after sharing the painful realization that my son cannot pay meaningful attention during his online Physics X class, I promised to follow up with some tips for simple ways we help our kids practice paying [...]
The Simple Act of Paying Attention – Part 1
The other day I listened in on my son’s Physics X class, which sets 9th graders up for a full year of physics in one semester and chemistry the next. Taught in a 2-hour block, it's a rigorous [...]
Are You An Art Teacher From New York City?
September 8, 2020: Well, day #1 in the books of my new teaching venture...elementary! My two favorite interactions with kids -- I think it has to do with my new hairdo 3rd grader: “Are you an art teacher [...]
The Indian Education Program
Yellow Parachute proudly partners with the Anoka-Hennepin School District by providing tutoring services to students enrolled in the Indian Education Program. The program, which has been around since debuting in the 1973-74 school year, focuses specifically on the [...]
Pulling Back the Curtain – The Student Connector
Last week we wrote about “getting what you need.” Working with that same theme, this week we’re going to focus on Yellow Parachute Learning Partners’ Student Connector, Jenny McKeand. Everything Jenny does for Yellow Parachute, from hiring and [...]
What Can I Control?
It’s the end of September and now officially fall. I’m certain I’m not the only one who is wondering where the time has gone! We’re six months into the new normal that was thrust upon us in March [...]
How do I know what I need, and how can I get it?
We’re in the early days of the 2020-2021 school year, and many of us are settling into our routines. Others are struggling to get into the school year groove after a six month hiatus from the traditional school [...]
And We’re Off!
On Tuesday, we had an amazing first day at Yellow Parachute Academy. What started last year as a unique new option for middle school students, Yellow Parachute Academy has grown to accommodate learners in grades K - 12 [...]
Flat is the New Fabulous… Except Here.
We’re living in a strange, new world when it comes to what back-to-school looks this fall. Masks. Social distancing. Hybrid model. Distance learning. COVID. These are all terms that weren’t part of my vocabulary, much less my daily [...]
What’s in a Logo?
There is so much that goes into designing a logo. This week I want to share with you, in my own words, some details about the Yellow Parachute Learning Partners logo you may have not noticed before. First [...]
What’s a Coach?
At Yellow Parachute Learning Partners, the role of tutor has always been referred to as a “Learning Coach.” This has been the case for over 20 years. We’ve been using the term “Coach” since waaayyyy before it was [...]
