Frontline Video: "Inside the Teenage Brain..."

If you read the title to this blog post, weren't scared away, and decided to keep reading.....then you are a brave parent! Frontline, an informative television show for over 30 seasons on PBS, has a host of wonderful resources for parents based on their new film, "Inside the Teenage Brain: What's going on in there? How science may help to explain the mysteries of the teen years."

You can view the full film online by clicking on the top caption and browse around the other topics which include:

-From Zzzs to Aaas, Does a good night's sleep lead to better memory and grades?
-Do Your Teens Seem Like Aliens? Advice, online suggestions and resources for parents
-The Teen Brain is a Work in Progress, An interactive illustration of the brain helps explain recent research

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Video: What is Dysgraphia?

The Additude.magazine has a wealth of information and resources on a variety of learning disabilities including articles and videos for both students and parents. The video I want to highlight today is from the forum Ask The Expert. This 6 minute video concisely and easily explains dysgraphia, a disability in written expression.

The video is originally from the The National Center for Learning Disabilities.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO!

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Must See TED Video!: In the key of genius

Born three and a half months prematurely, Derek Paravicini is blind and has severe autism. But with perfect pitch, innate talent and a lot of practice, he became an acclaimed concert pianist by the age of 10. Here, his longtime piano teacher, Adam Ockelford, explains his student’s unique relationship to music, while Paravicini shows how he has ripped up the "Chopsticks" rule book. 

This short TED Talk is a MUST SEE! You will be amazed at the musical talent of this young man. Watch and then share this video with your friends.

Click Here to Watch This Amazing Video!

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Video - Pictures from May Orientation!

CLICK BELOW TO WATCH THE MAY ORIENTATION VIDEO!!

Thank you to the 30 parents and families who attended May Orientation this weekend! We hope you had a great time - we did!!

To the parents, you have done an amazing job raising kind, funny and compassionate young adults. It was very powerful to see students who were strangers before orientation laughing and sitting together at breakfast, making friends, and going outside of their comfort zones.

The surveys that were returned indicated that (by far) the most popular session was the group discussion that took place on Friday....tissues and all. Don't worry, there will be tissues ready for you on move-in day in August!

Please click the above video to see some pictures from Orientation. Information/documents that were in your folders will be posted online very soon.

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Thames Academy Graduation Slideshow Videos!!

Thames Academy parents and students have requested access to the 2 videos from Thames graduation on Saturday, May 9th. Both videos are available by clicking the links below!

CLICK HERE to view the slideshow presentation of pictures created by Ron Samul, Thames Academy faculty

CLICK HERE to view the video recorded by Jacquie Jewett, Director of Thames Academy

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Video: Parent Workshop / Thank You

Thank you to all of the current and prospective parents who attended the Parent Workshop on Saturday, April 18th. Take a look at a video of the day!

Stay tuned for information on the next Parent Workshop on September 26th!

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Video: What is Assistive Technology?

In the summer of 2014, Thames Academy conducted a technology survey of incoming students during our summer orientations. The survey results revealed that only about 25% of incoming Thames Academy students currently use or own assistive technology.

This statistic is alarming and continues to baffle instructors who work with students with learning disabilities realizing students are not getting the academic support they need. Assistive technology by definition allows students with disabilities equal access to course content.

The video below is sponsored by the LDA, Learning Disabilities Association. The video explains the importance of assistive technology and recent advances in technology that benefit students with learning disabilities.

Click Here to View The Video

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Video: Strengths of Students with Disabilities

by Jennifer Sullivan This informative video from the National Center for Learning Disabilitties may tell you what you already know: that your son/daughter has many strengths and talents! The video, in a clear and concise manner, addresses the 'neurodiversity' in the brains of students with disabilities and explains how this diversity produces positive characteristics and personal strengths. See more here...

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