A-I Matrix™
The A-I Matrix: For a nominal fee (i.e. less than your morning latte or cappuccino), you can access current information on strategies, which link practical interventions to areas of need, as well as areas of strength (PIKS). For a free sample: Click on the button at the intersection of Homework and Executive Functioning in the table below for information and strategies pertaining to how Executive Functioning impacts Homework. To sign-in or subscribe: Click any purple button (other than the free sample) in the A-I Matrix below.
View Enter The Matrix instructional video
Note: Interventions and strategies are not necessarily exclusive to a single placement in the matrix grid and can overlap/apply to other areas. Efforts were made to minimize duplication of strategies, so be sure to look across various areas in the matrix for ideas.
Homework |
Time / Organization |
Test Taking |
Focus |
Meltdowns |
Social / Emotional / Motivation |
Academic Skill |
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Verbal Reasoning |
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Nonverbal Reasoning |
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Language / Auditory |
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Speed |
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Memory |
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Attention |
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Executive Functions |
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Social / Emotional |
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Sensory and Motor |
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Achievement |
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Holiday Gifts 12.24.20
Take a break from electronics and try some good old-fashioned-style toys and board games. Real (not virtual) hands-on toys and games are great for your child’s brain health in a variety of ways. Here are some fun ideas:
For movement, spatial awareness, and/or motor coordination:
– Twister
– Corn Hole -
– Lemon Twist
– Giant Piano mat -
– Go Trovo Treasure HuntFor basic number sense and strategy:
– Candy Land
– Parcheesi
– Trouble -
– SequenceFor working as a team to problem-solve:
– Pandemic -
– Mysterium -
– Forbidden Island -
– Trekking the World -
– It’s in the BagFor practicing verbal responses: -
– 5-Second Rule Junior -
– Guess in 10 Animal Planet -
– Play on Words -
– Stories of the Three Coins
For more ideas, explore the A-I Matrix across a particular area of development, as several additional games are listed throughout.
The Gift of You
Setting aside some time to “simply be” with your child without demands can be very meaningful. Of course, this is not easy with hectic schedules and daily requirements, but finding even a small amount of time to relax or play or explore together can be a beautiful gift for your child, as well as for you.
The time can vary from a few minutes a day to a couple hours a week and anything in between. Sometimes one-on-one time is helpful and other times it can be good to spend the time as a larger family unit. Teenager can initially be resistant, but they are often in need of this time most of all.
Put away electronic devices, including your phone and your child’s iPad, and fully be in the moment together. Activities might include telling a bedtime story, toasting marshmallows, going for an exploration walk (e.g. look for cool rocks or listen for sounds in nature), sitting and talking together about nothing in particular or about everything and anything, making ice cream sundaes, building a fort or a spaceship out of blankets, chairs, and pillows. No agenda, no nagging, just enjoy and appreciate one another.
Wishing everyone a healthy and hopeful New Year!