Executive functioning is likely a term the average educator does not know; however, it affects many of our students. Learn what it is and how to help.
An OT describes how executive functioning skills affect learning outcomes: disorganization, attention deficits, impulse control issues...
Trouble with executive function skills can be tricky to spot. Use this checklist to see signs of executive functioning issues in kids.
These resources for adults with executive function disorder are tools to help with organization, attention, focus, planning, prioritization.
Learn what an Executive Functioning Coach is, what an EF coach does and how to become an executive function coach. Plus, video tips from an Executive Function Coach.
ADHD and executive functioning issues often go hand in hand, since most ADHD symptoms are problems with executive function. This chart shows how they’re related.
Executive Functioning IEP Goal Bank including: organization, time management, problem solving, planning, task initiation, self-monitoring, adaptable thinking.
ADHD and executive functioning issues often go hand in hand, since most ADHD symptoms are problems with executive function. This chart shows how they’re related.
What types of accommodations can help students who struggle with executive function? Explore these classroom accommodations for executive function challenges. Download and print a list of supports.
Learn about executive function challenges in middle schoolers. Find out how to help kids in grades 6 to 8 with executive function skills like working memory.
What is Executive Functions? Executive functions, or what I like to call the conductor of the brain, is the process of the mind gathering together and making sense of all the information we receive from our instruments or senses. Helping us to create meaning from what we see, hear, touch, taste, and experience, executive functions also allows us to focus our attention, learn and think about new information, and make connections to what we already know. The Three Parts of Executive Function Executive function is not fully understood in the literature and studies continue to explore this complex skill. However, there seems to be a consensus amongst many Organizations and Institutions such as Understood as well as Harvard and Stanford Universities that executive function can be discussed as having the following component parts or mental processes that generally reside in the prefrontal cortex of the brain: 1) Working Memory Working memory is a place where our memory works to gather sensory input, hold it, process it, manipulate it and also encode and retrieve information from long-term memory. When considering Alan Baddeley's well-researched model, working memory processes information two ways. On the one hand, it uses the "visual-spatial sketch pad" to create internal visual and spatial aids to assist memory. On the other hand, it offers the "phonological loop" which is a guiding inner voice that can keep information active in one's mind. Clearly, working memory offers us an internal stage where we can make sense of the world around us. 2) Inhibitory Control Inhibitory control or response inhibition helps us manage four essential skills. First, it helps us focus on what we are learning and block distractions. Second, it manages our mind and allows us to engage in metacognition or thinking about our thinking. Third, inhibitory control enables self-regulation skills and emotional control. Fourth, inhibitory control helps us regulate our surroundings. For instance, you may choose a quiet location when doing your work or sit at a desk with the needed materials. 3) Cognitive Flexibility Cognitive Flexibility is about keeping our brains flexible and limber. It offers three skills. First, it involves switching activities and shifting focus, such as moving from one assignment to the next. Second, it revolves around the idea that different situations have different rules. Third, requires switching a point of view which enables us to consider situations from many vantage points. Cognitive flexibility helps us to make the best decisions in novel situations. Understanding Executive Functioning Problems: Many teachers and parents have trouble understanding how simple tasks such as remembering appointments, using an agenda, or turning in assignments can be difficult, but unfortunately, these and other similar tasks can be extremely challenging for some individuals. However, the good news is the primary part of the brain that manages executive function, which is called the frontal lobe, continues to develop through high school and college. Therefore, many kids that struggle with executive functions can significantly improve their abilities over time. Come Learn about the Executive Functioning Screener! CLICK HERE Also You Can View Our Executive Function Course You Might have Executive Functioning if: Here are 11 common signs of executive functioning disorder: You have trouble maintaining a planner or agenda for recording assignments. You have trouble planning long term projects and often complete them at the last minute.You often forget papers, notebooks and other materials needed for school or homework. You have a hard time estimating how long a task or project will take. You have trouble starting your homework independently. You are easily distracted. You have a hard time keeping track of your possessions and often lose important materials. You have trouble listening to and following multistep directions. You have trouble transitioning from one task to another. You have trouble keeping appointments. You have trouble keeping your bedroom and book-bag organized. Come Learn about the Executive Function Screener! CLICK HERE What are Some Common Myths and Truths? Myth: Kids with executive function weaknesses are lazy and unmotivated. Truth: Most of these kids are motivated and hard-working, but they have trouble maintaining attention and stamina. As a result, these students are often misread and misunderstood. It is important to realize that executive functioning issues are NOT the result of laziness, lack of effort, or carelessness. In fact, criticizing these learners and providing negative feedback and pressure often worsens these difficulties and can trigger feelings of helplessness. Myth: ADHD and executive function issues are the same. Truth: Attention is only one small piece of the executive function skills that the brain performs. Therefore, some kids with poor executive function skills do not have ADHD. Likewise, there are some kids with ADHD that do not struggle with other areas of executive functions such as working memory, flexible thinking, impulse control, self-monitoring, multi-step instructions, sustained attention, planning skills, prioritizing skills, completing tasks, task initiation, time management, and organization. What the research is discovering, however, is that there is a positive correlation between those with ADHD and executive functioning disorder. Myth: All kids should be able to learn executive functions.Truth: Just like some are blind or paralyzed, others have learning disabilities that make executive functions extremely difficult. In fact, some individuals have such a difficult time with executive functioning skills, they require support from technology and people (such as personal assistants or secretaries) throughout their life. Myth: Kids can't get school accommodations for executive function skills. Truth: With proper testing, many of these kids are diagnosed with a learning disability or ADHD. In addition, with a diagnosis, students can get an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan that can offer reasonable accommodations. How to Improve Executive Function: 1. Maintain a structured, daily routine. 2. Teach learners how to set priorities. 3. Generate a consistent homework plan. 4. Break large assignments into manageable tasks. 5. Make to-do lists. 6. Demonstrate time management skills by generating self imposed deadlines. 7. Teach study skills and test taking strategies. 8. Provide incentives and positive reinforcement. 9. Utilize graphic organizers for planning ideas and writing. 10. Teach metacognitive skills by thinking through thought processes aloud. 11. Be patient and supportive. 12. Think aloud so that you can demonstrate how to use executive functioning skills. Where Can I Get Ready Made Materials and Exercises that Help Develop These Skills? You can take my comprehensive course (CLICK HERE to learn more) or you can purchase my The Executive Function Cognitive Remedial Bundle. The bundle offers a comprehensive approach to improving a student’s planning, time management, and organization abilities. This bundle offers a discounted suite of downloadable activities, games, and handouts that were designed to help learning specialists, educational therapists, and even parents assist students in developing executive functioning skills. To get a free sampling of activities from Planning, Time Management, and Organization for Success (one of the publications in the executive functioning bundle), CLICK HERE If you would like a free copy of the images in this blog, CLICK HERE. Please note that these images are copyrighted and should not be used on your own website without prior permission. Clearly, one can improve executive functions in younger children as well as throughout life. Whether one is struggling with poor working memory, weak planning skills, trouble keeping track of materials, or breaking tasks into manageable chunks, to name a few, there are many strategies that can be learned to improve this vital skill. Cheers, Dr. Erica Warren Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning. She is also the director of Learning to Learn, and Learning Specialist Courses. Blog: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/warrenerica1 Executive Function Podcast: https://goodsensorylearning.com/pages/the-personal-brain-trainer-podcast-with-dr-erica-warren Store: http://www.Goodsensorylearning.com/ Courses: http://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/ Newsletter Sign-up: https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/694000
When children have trouble with executive function, there needs to be an emphasis on how children learn best. Here are the best tips to improve executive functioning skills at home and school.
Learn about executive function challenges in middle schoolers. Find out how to help kids in grades 6 to 8 with executive function skills like working memory.
What are the 7 types of ADHD? Let's talk about Dr. Amen's framework of seven types of ADHD, why they're helpful, and how they can help.
This resource on working memory includes tips and strategies to improve working memory, as well as working memory activities for kids.
Kids and young adults need extensive practice in strengthening their executive functioning skills. Executive functions are the processes in our brains that help us accomplish all tasks from beginning to end. We use them when we plan our day, organize our materials, begin a chore, focus on important
What is Executive Functioning? Executive functioning, or what I like to call the conductor of the brain, is the process of the mind gathering together and making sense of all the information we receive from our instruments or senses. Helping us to create meaning from what we see, hear, touch, taste and experience, executive functioning also allows us to focus our attention, think about new information, and make connections to what we already know. People Have Trouble Understanding Executive Functioning Problems Many teachers and parents have trouble understanding how simple tasks such as remembering appointments, using an agenda or turning in assignments can be difficult, but unfortunately these and other similar tasks can be extremely challenging for some individuals. However, the good news is the part of the brain that manages executive functioning, which is called the frontal lobe, continues to develop through high school and college. Therefore, many kids that struggle with executive functioning can significantly improve their abilities. Come Learn about the Executive Functioning Screener! CLICK HERE You Might have Executive Functioning if: Here are 11 common signs of executive functioning disorder: You have trouble maintaining a planner or agenda for recording assignments. You have trouble planning long term projects and often complete them at the last minute.You often forget papers, notebooks and other materials needed for school or homework. You have a hard time estimating how long a task or project will take. You have trouble starting your homework independently. You are easily distracted. You have a hard time keeping track of your possessions and often lose important materials. You have trouble listening to and following multistep directions. You have trouble transitioning from one task to another. You have trouble keeping appointments. You have trouble keeping your bedroom and book-bag organized. Come Learn about the Executive Functioning Screener! CLICK HERE What are Some Common Myths and Truths? Myth: Kids with executive functioning weaknesses are lazy and unmotivated. Truth: Most of these kids are motivated and hard-working, but they have trouble maintaining attention and stamina. As a result, these students are often misread and misunderstood. It is important to realize that weak executive functioning skills are NOT the result of laziness, lack of effort, or carelessness. In fact, criticizing these learners and providing negative feedback and pressure often worsens these difficulties and can trigger feelings of helplessness. Myth: ADHD and executive functioning issues are the same. Truth: Attention is only one small piece of the executive functioning skills that the brain performs. Therefore, some kids with executive functioning challenges do not have ADHD. Likewise, there are some kids with ADHD that do not struggle with other areas of executive functioning such as planning, time management and organization. What the research is discovering, however, is that there is a positive correlation between those with ADHD and executive functioning disorder.Myth: All kids should be able to learn executive functioning skills.Truth: Just like some kids are blind or paralyzed, other kids have learning disabilities that make executive functioning extremely difficult. In fact, some individuals have such a difficult time with executive functioning skills, they require support from technology and people (such as personal assistants or secretaries) throughout their life. Myth: Kids can't get school accommodations for executive functioning problems. Truth: With proper testing, many of these kids are diagnosed with a learning disability or ADHD. With a diagnosis, students can get an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan that can offer reasonable accommodations. What Can be Done to Assist These Capable Learners? 1. Maintain a structured, daily routine. 2. Teach them how to set priorities. 3. Generate a consistent homework plan. 4. Break large assignments into manageable tasks. 5. Make to-do lists. 6. Demonstrate time management skills by generating self imposed deadlines. 7. Teach study skills and test taking strategies. 8. Provide incentives and positive reinforcement. 9. Utilize graphic organizers for planning ideas and writing. 10. Teach metacognitive skills by thinking through thought processes aloud. 11. Be patient and supportive. Where Can I Get Ready Made Materials and Exercises that Help Develop These Skills? The Executive Functioning Cognitive Remedial Bundle offers a comprehensive approach to improving a student’s planning, time management and organization abilities. This bundle offers a discounted suite of downloadable activities, games, and handouts that were designed to help learning specialists, educational therapist and even parents assist students in developing executive functioning skills. To get a free sampling of activities from Planning, Time Management and Organization for Success (one of the publications in the bundle), CLICK HERE If you would like a free copy of the images in this blog, CLICK HERE Please note that these images are copyrighted and should not be used on your own website without prior permission. Cheers, Dr. Erica Warren Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning and Dyslexia Materials. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses. · Blog: https://learningspecialistmaterials.blogspot.com/ · YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/warrenerica1 · Podcast: https://godyslexia.com/ · Store: http://www.Goodsensorylearning.com/ & www.dyslexiamaterials.com · Courses: http://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/ · Newsletter Sign-up: https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/69400
Practical impulse control strategies to assist both you and your child to cope better with this executive skill weakness or improve it.
Dealing With Morning Tantrums & Meltdowns | Preschoolers | Older Children | Childhood Anger | Executive Functioning
Executive function skills and attention are closely related. This blog covers all aspects of executive functioning and attention.
A therapist's guide to executive function and what all therapists (OT/PT/SLP) need to know about executive function skills.
Executive functioning skills are important for learners at all ages. Sometimes people hear the term and assume it's only for older kids, but I'm here to dispel that myth! Even our youngest of learners should learn and practice stills for paying attention, using self-control, getting organized, using
Executive dysfunction is a brain-based impairment that impacts a person's ability to analyze, organize, decide, and execute things on time. It causes assignments to be lost, deadlines to be missed, and projects to overwhelm. Learn how to recognize the signs of executive dysfunction, and how to differentiate them from ADHD and/or learning disabilities.
Dealing With Morning Tantrums & Meltdowns | Preschoolers | Older Children | Childhood Anger | Executive Functioning
When children have trouble with executive function, there needs to be an emphasis on how children learn best. Here are the best tips to improve executive functioning skills at home and school.
This handout provides information about what executive functioning is-and what it isn’t- in easy-to-understand language. It also identifies eight key aspects of executive functioning and includes tips for how to help children develop executive functioning skills. The Understanding Executive Functioning series is a powerful resource to empower educators and parents with the knowledge they need to help students who experience issues with impulse control, emotional control, flexible thinking, working memory, self-monitoring, planning and prioritizing, task initiation, and organization. All children can benefit from improved executive functioning skills, but these skills are especially critical for children affected by ADHD and Learning Disabilities.* The Understanding Executive Functioning Series is designed to provide parents with specific information that they can use to help their child develop in an area of weakness. The Understanding Executive Functioning Series is the perfect handout for parent-teacher conferences, IEP meetings, or in the context of I&RS or RTI meetings. The Understanding Executive Functioning Series provides answers to questions parents are asking and unites teachers and families as partners in education- because in a perfect world, that's how it should be! This download is for the one-page Understanding Executive Functioning Overview Handout. Note: You can purchase the full Understanding Executive Functioning Series at a discounted Price! *These handouts are resources designed for educators and DO NOT include any reference to a diagnosable medical condition. As a resource designed for educators, all information contained within the Understanding Executive Functioning Series is skill-specific and focused on addressing an observable behavior.
This resource on executive function tests includes descriptions of formal and informal executive function tests for kids and teens.
Executive functioning skills are in everything that we do. They include our ability to have self-control, develop a plan, manage our time, begin an assignment, remember important information, and persevere through a challenging task. Executive functioning skills are definitely academic skills, but t
BrainBehaviorReset™ program is a 1-on-1 exclusive program for families who want to get the best possible care for their children’s mental health. For inquiries, you can call us at 203-826-2975.
These free graphic organizers can help kids break writing assignments into smaller steps. Each printable template comes with a filled-in example.
What’s it like to struggle with executive functioning, or executive dysfunction? See how problems with executive function can affect a child’s daily life.
Tests for executive functioning issues look at skills like working memory, set shifting, and idea generation. Find out how these tests for executive function work.
Time management skills are essentially life skills. Kids and young adults need this skills now and in the future. All educators and parents want our learners to be able to work independently, use time well, and complete tasks on time. In order to meet these expectations, students need to learn, unde
Kids and young adults need extensive practice in strengthening their executive functioning skills. Executive functions are the processes in our brains that help us accomplish all tasks from beginning to end. We use them when we plan our day, organize our materials, begin a chore, focus on important
Unsure how to explain learning and thinking differences to your child’s teachers? Use these tips to start a conversation.
Learn key executive functioning skills by age, and engaging executive functioning activities to boost development for toddlers, kids, and teens!
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