Author: Amanda Lynn Helman

  • Goal Setting Made Simple

    Goal Setting Made Simple

    Do you ever set goals that seem impossible to reach? Look no further. Goal setting is really goal-directed persistence. This means setting a goal into simple steps to meet it over time. 3 Keys to Settings Goals Goals must be achievable. For example, if you set a goal to write 5 hours a day and…

  • Do You Think Too Much?

    Do You Think Too Much?

    Today the lyrics of “If I Only Had a Brain”, the infamous line by Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz popped into my head as I thought all about the brain and emotional regulation. The funny thing is, that’s exactly what happens when emotions are not regulating. So, we can relate to the Scarecrow without…

  • Community Healing to Support Black Female Teens

    Community Healing to Support Black Female Teens

    Final Blog about the Racial Trauma Impact on Academic Outcomes of Black Female Teens It takes families, friends, and whole communities to support and shift racial trauma narratives for healing to begin. French and colleagues share some solutions that will take time for the community to learn, seek understanding, and apply to support all components…

  • Ideas to Improve School Settings for Black Female Teens

    Ideas to Improve School Settings for Black Female Teens

    There are helpful trauma-informed policies and practices that school settings can use to better the academic, behavior, and social outcomes for Black Female Teens. Dr. Ken Hardy has shared that “In a trauma-informed movement, race and slavery are never mentioned. If it’s trauma-informed, it’s got to be race informed. What does this mean? It means…

  • The Impact of Racial Trauma on Literacy Outcomes of Black Female Teenagers

    The Impact of Racial Trauma on Literacy Outcomes of Black Female Teenagers

    There is a clear reading achievement gap for many learners. When looking at literacy outcomes, in the area of reading, more specifically there is a gap in literacy and post-school outcomes of Black adolescent females. Reading Instruction Matters Reading achievement difficulty usually happens in the area of word reading and pronouncing words quickly and accurately.…

  • Improving Academic, Mental Health, and Social Outcomes for Black Adolescent Teens

    Improving Academic, Mental Health, and Social Outcomes for Black Adolescent Teens

    Did you know there is still a gap in academic, mental health, and social outcomes for Black (Carribean and African) Adolescent teens?  For decades, I have continuously reflected on the disparities and inequalities as an educator, educational leader, mental health advocate, and professor.  Unfortunately, changes for equity for all students, regardless of race, across all…

  • Self-Care Sleep Tips

    Self-Care Sleep Tips

    Want better sleep? Gain Five Simple Tips to Support A Great Night of Rest. A good night of sleep includes approximately 8-9 hours for adults. What happens when we do not sleep through the night? The REM cycle of our brain does not get the deep sleep necessary to release emotions, stress, and allow the…

  • How to Navigate Depression Through Difficult Times with Craig Miller

    How to Navigate Depression Through Difficult Times with Craig Miller

    Dr. Amanda invited Craig Miller, a licensed counselor author, and speaker, discusses how to navigate through depression. He provides practical tips and resources. Description of the Interview with Craig Miller (Note: This is a verbatim transcript.) Timestamps of Important Topics During the Podcast 40 seconds: Craig: There is a healthy side of depression. You may…

  • How to Build Reading Skills with Dr. Emily Sharp

    How to Build Reading Skills with Dr. Emily Sharp

    This blog features an interview excerpt about building reading skills with Dr. Emily Sharp. The entire podcast and YouTube interview can be viewed below the interview excerpt below. Every week, Dr. Amanda invites guests to speak about a weekly theme. This week, Dr. Emily Sharp, provides many examples of how to build reading skills for…

  • Types of Connection and Communication

    Types of Connection and Communication

    The conversation about connection and communication continues this week. Why is this conversation important? We will always continue to grow in listening and responding. Types of Communication There are two types of communication called verbal and non-verbal communication. Verbal communication and non-verbal communication can be broken down into simple steps. Verbal Communication What we say:…