Executive functions are the operations in the brain responsible for the execution of skills and behaviors utilized to complete desired tasks. Challenges with executive function affect children in a variety of ways and sometimes appear similar to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), partly because ADHD is a developmental problem with executive functioning skills. Children who struggle with executive function might have difficulty prioritizing or completing tasks, following step-by-step instructions, switching from one task to the next, and organizing their time or belongings.
With the uncertain nature of today’s school schedule and a total upset in routine, children who struggle with executive functioning may be having more difficulty than usual. In an effort to remain supportive, we’ve put together the following list of 10 resources, designed to help manage executive function-related challenges.
- Book: Smart But Scattered: Executive Skills
As a bestselling book, Smart But Scattered by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare covers the latest research in child development regarding the “executive skills” required to remain organized, focused, and productive. The revolutionary approach provides easy-to-follow steps to recognize strengths and weaknesses, and offers an abundance of activities and techniques to boost executive function skill sets. - Webinar: Executive Function Strategies for Remote Learning With Geraldine Pesacreta
On September 15th, 2020, executive function expert Geraldine Pesacreta of Hill Learning Center put on a special event to address unique learning strategies and techniques parents can use at home and in remote learning environments. These methodologies are designed to support students who struggle with executive function, whether they are at home or at school to improve organization, time management, planning, and independence. - Understood.org: 6 Low-Cost Tools
Understood.org is an excellent resource for information on many learning challenges, and this particular article by Amanda Morin discusses six low-cost tools to help students who struggle with organization. From visual checklists to analog clocks, this list describes innovative ways for parents and students to use affordable tools to their advantage. - Hill Learning Center: Executive Function E-Book
The Executive Function E-Book is an intricate, comprehensive guide that offers a closer look at what executive function is, how to identify certain difficulties, and tips to address these challenges. Free to download, this E-Book gives specialized instruction for parents and teachers to better understand and manage the struggles associated with executive function. - Dyslexia Resource: Executive Functions Awareness Video
The Dyslexia Resource is a non-profit organization launched by The Schenck School in Atlanta, Georgia that aims to empower communities to better serve dyslexic learners. They’ve put together an informational awareness video that covers executive function in detail, and in just a few minutes, they provide extremely valuable information for students, teachers, and parents. - Book: 50 Tips to Help Students Succeed
Author Marydee Sklar brings years of experience to the table with her book of executive function-related tips called 50 Tips to Help Students Succeed: Develop Your Student’s Time Management and Executive Skills for Life. She provides solutions to help students overcome the inability to get started on work and projects, manage their time, organize their materials, and more. - App: Notes
The Notes app for smartphones is a simple, free tool that both students and parents can utilize to keep track of assignments, projects, itineraries, schedules, and more. - Online Course: Executive Function Skills and Strategies
Hill Learning Center’s online course, Executive Function Skills and Strategies, introduces educators to four main components of executive functioning: preparedness, intentional focus, initiative, and classroom learning skills. Teachers learn how to identify signs of executive function struggle and how to help students most effectively. - Podcast: TiLt Parenting, Masterclass in Executive Functioning Part 1 and Part 2
Seth Perler, an Executive Function Coach/Education Coach, is a featured guest on this two-episode “masterclass,” in which he and the host discuss what executive function is, how Seth works with families, and several methods of working with those with executive function difficulties. They also cover how parents can co-regulate emotions and the roles of “mindfulness, mindset, and motivation.” - App: Focus Keeper
As another valuable app for those with executive function challenges, Focus Keeper is designed to help improve productivity through the use of timers with several bells and whistles.
We can make a difference. Hill Learning Center is dedicated to transforming students with learning differences and attention challenges into confident, independent learners. Contact us if you’re interested in taking the next step.