Executive Functioning

Ways to support your learner in the quest to improve executive functioning skills

OR….

Why can’t my child remember to turn in homework?

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Or…

The book bag. I can’t. I literally can NOT EVEN.

OR…

Powerschool. NO. Not without a support group and a safe space.

Intro

Today we will explore:

The definition of executive function.

Examples of what it might look like at home and at school.

Ways to support your learner as they strengthen their executive functioning skills.

What exactly is “executive function?”

Executive function and self-regulation skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. Just as an air traffic control system at a busy airport safely manages the arrivals and departures of many aircraft on multiple runways, the brain needs this skill set to filter distractions, prioritize tasks, set and achieve goals, and control impulses.

Center on the Developing Child Harvard University

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What brain functions are involved?

Working memory controls our ability to hang onto and use information over short periods of time.

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Mental flexibility lets us shift attention and rules of engagement when different demands are placed on us.

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Self-control allows us to set priorities, delay gratification and resist impulsive, non productive decisions

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We learn these skills and they can improve

Attention Control

Inhibitory Control

Working Memory

Cognitive Flexibility

Reasoning

Problem Solving

Planning

HOW MIGHT DIFFICULTIES PRESENT?

*BLURTING

*OVER REACTING

*GETTING STUCK

*FORGETTING DIRECTIONS

*INACCURATELY PREDICTING TEST SCORES AND PROJECT SUCCESS

*INABILITY TO PRIORITIZE MOST IMPORTANT TASKS

*FREEZING WHEN IT IS TIME TO START PROJECTS

*MISPLACING MATERIALS, HOMEWORK AND BOOKS

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WHAT “SCAFFOLDS” HELP AT HOME

ESTABLISH ROUTINES

CREATE HOMEWORK SPACE

MINIMIZED CLUTTER AND DISTRACTION

CREATE AND USE LISTS

MAKE THE AGENDA A SET PIECE FOR ORGANIZATION

CLEAN OUT NOTEBOOKS/BOOKBAG WEEKLY

CHECK POWERSCHOOL ONLY ONCE A WEEK

ENCOURAGE AGE APPROPRIATE SELF ADVOCACY

USE HOUSEHOLD CHORES AS SAFE PRACTICE

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Who needs executive function support?

Students with ADD.

Students with OHI issues.

Students on the Autism Spectrum

Students who are Gifted

Students who are under environmental stress

Students who are waiting for their frontal lobes to fully develop

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All of us can benefit from executive function support.

Routines make everything better!

Thanks!

Contact me:

Kate Kennedy

Director of Gifted Education

Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools

919-967-8211

kkennedy@chccs.k12.nc.us