Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET, discuss the things learners say all the time—and what educational therapists hear underneath those words. From “I don’t care” and “I forgot” to “I’ll do it later” and “I already studied,” Rachel and Stephanie explain why these statements often tell us much more about a learner’s executive functioning, anxiety, overwhelm, avoidance, or skill gaps than we might initially think.
They share how adults can easily interpret these statements as laziness, defiance, dishonesty, or a lack of motivation when the learner may actually be communicating that they don’t know how to start, don’t know what to do, have lost track of time, are protecting themselves from failure, or simply don’t have a system that works.
Rachel and Stephanie also discuss the importance of getting curious instead of immediately correcting or challenging what a learner says. They explain why educational therapists listen for the information underneath the words and how asking a different question can help uncover what is really getting in the learner’s way.
They also remind listeners that not every statement needs to be analyzed—sometimes “I forgot” really does mean “I forgot.” The goal is to notice patterns, understand what a learner may be communicating, and respond in a way that builds skills and independence rather than focusing only on compliance.
Next week, Rachel and Stephanie are going to share things parents say all the time–and what educational therapists hear when they say it.
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How to connect with us:
Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website
Steph’s My Ed Therapist website
@learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
Other episodes mentioned:
Ep 424: What Educational Therapists Notice Every September (That Parents Usually Miss)
