MNLS BLOGS
What if summer could change the trajectory?
April, 2026
We’re far enough into the school year to know how it’s really gone.
Has it looked like:
• Tears before homework
• “I hate school” comments
• Hours at the kitchen table
• A slow drop in confidence
April can feel like survival mode.
Many families tell themselves,
“Let’s just get through the year.”
And honestly, that makes sense.
But what if instead of simply finishing the year…
you used the summer to change the trajectory?
Einstein is often quoted as saying,
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Yet every year many struggling students are asked to do exactly that.
More worksheets.
More drills.
More time doing the same thing that hasn’t been working.
Summer school often means more of the same.
But what if summer wasn’t about doing more?
What if it was about doing something different?
At Minnesota Learning Solutions, we approach learning from a completely different angle.
Many of the students I work with are picture thinkers. They are creative, capable, and often understand big ideas easily — but traditional methods don’t always match how their brain processes information.
Instead of pushing harder, we change the approach.
We use a multi-sensory method.
We use clay.
We move.
We build meaning with our hands.
We create tools for focus and regulation.
When learning becomes something a student can see, touch, and understand, things begin to click.
Homework becomes easier.
Resistance fades.
Confidence rebuilds
You don’t have to repeat this year.
If you’re considering summer support, now is the time to reach out. Summer programs are filling quickly, and we’d love to see if we’re a good fit for your child.
And if you’re ready to move from imagining change to truly understanding how your child learns, I invite you to reach out.
With hope and understanding,
Warmly,
Tracy
Minnesota Learning Solutions
P.S. April 15th marks 12 years of Minnesota Learning Solutions. We are incredibly grateful for the families who have trusted us with their children over the years, and we’re grateful to continue supporting students as they discover a different way to learn.
Email us a picture of one of your clay models that you would like to be shared in an upcoming newsletter.
Marigold recently completed her Davis Mastery for Dyslexia program.
When she started, she shared that she didn’t feel very confident about reading.
At the end of the program she said,
“I wasn’t confident about reading when I started the program, and now I am. ”
She also shared that she learned new tools that help make reading feel easier.
During the program, Marigold increased her reading by about a grade and a half and is now reading at grade level.
Congratulations, Marigold. It was a joy to work with you.
Oliver recently completed both his Davis Mastery for Attention program and his Davis Mastery for Reading and Dyslexia program.
When Oliver started, reading out loud felt difficult and focus was a challenge. These were two areas he really wanted to improve.
Over the course of the program we saw some great shifts. Oliver’s regulation is stronger, his focus is improving, and his reading is moving forward.
He now has tools that support emotional regulation, energy regulation, and bringing his focus back when he needs it.
Oliver also had a personal goal along the way.
He wanted to learn how to tie his shoes.
Goal accomplished.
So much great change for this kiddo. I’m excited to see where these tools support Oliver moving forward.
Congratulations to Nora for completing her Davis Foundations for Reading program.
When Nora started, reading often came with frustration. There was a lot of hesitation when it was time to read, and handwriting tasks felt challenging.
Over time, things started to shift.
Her handwriting improved.
Her reading improved.
And her confidence really began to flourish.
One of the biggest changes was her willingness to try. Instead of the feeling of “I can’t,” Nora is now much more open to giving things a go.
Seeing that shift from frustration to confidence is always special to witness.
So much great progress for this sweet girl. Proud of you, Nora.
This book arrived a couple of days ago and I have had a difficult time putting it down.
Many of the families I work with have connected deeply with Ron’s work, so I wanted to share this in case it feels meaningful for you too.
In Dummy, Ron Davis shares his own story — growing up in a world that didn’t understand how his mind worked. Without speech or memory until the age of nine, his early experiences were filled with confusion and overwhelm.
But within that, something else was there too.
A different way of thinking.
A different way of seeing.
A different kind of intelligence.
This book gives a raw, honest look at that journey — and how what once felt like chaos eventually became clarity, purpose, and a gift.
If you’ve ever wondered what it might actually feel like to experience the world as a picture thinker…
or if you’re wanting a deeper understanding of your child’s experience…
This may be a powerful read.
