<![CDATA[My Site - Conference Handouts]]>Tue, 12 May 2026 02:49:25 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[From Tiktok to tasks: Boosting Executive Functioningin the Classroom]]>Wed, 19 Apr 2023 23:06:36 GMThttps://www.mrscarterhla.com/conference-handouts/executive-functioning-and-the-brain-go-beyond-post-its-and-planners
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After going to a Learning & The Brain and hearing a session on Executive Functioning I have gone down a rabbit hole. I have been working on a workbook with journal prompts and activities as well as a presentation for teachers in my district for our latest staff development day. See my slides from that day below. 
From TikTok to Tasks: by Nichole Carter

Admin Presentation

Principals TikTok to Tasks: by Nichole Carter
This was a presentation for administrators that focused more on building implementation ideas along with getting to know executive functioning deficits and how to support them in the classroom.

Teacher Presentation

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Ready to dive a little deeper into what executive functioning means and how it impacts students in the classroom? Access my slides here. 
Here is the document used in the presentation to take notes. You can find the template on Canva.
Executive functioning skills are crucial for teens to excel in school and beyond. These cognitive processes, including working memory, cognitive flexibility, organization, time management, response inhibition/impulse control, emotional self-control, auditory attention, visual-spatial processing, task initiation, and focus and task completion, play a pivotal role in students' ability to manage tasks, plan and prioritize, regulate emotions, and achieve academic success.

Executive functioning skills for teens can be developed and strengthened to support academic success. Let's talk about some practical tips and strategies that teens can implement to enhance their executive functioning skills and thrive in school.

Understanding Executive Functioning Skills and Their Impact on Academic Success

Executive functioning skills are the cognitive processes that enable individuals to manage and regulate their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions to achieve specific goals. These skills are critical for academic success as they help students with tasks such as planning, organizing, initiating and completing assignments, managing time effectively, staying focused, and regulating their emotions.
Teens with strong executive functioning skills are better equipped to handle the demands of school, including managing multiple assignments, organizing study materials, managing time, and staying focused during class. On the other hand, students with weak executive functioning skills may struggle with time management, procrastination, forgetfulness, impulsivity, and difficulty shifting between tasks, which can significantly impact their academic performance.
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Strategies for Enhancing Executive Functioning Skills in Teens

Fortunately, executive functioning skills can be developed and strengthened with practice and support. Here are some practical strategies that teens can implement to enhance their executive functioning skills and improve their academic success:
  1. Develop self-awareness and self-regulation: Help teens develop self-awareness by encouraging them to reflect on their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Teach them self-regulation strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and self-talk to manage stress, frustration, and impulsivity. These skills can help teens improve their emotional self-control and response inhibition, critical for academic success.
  2. Practice cognitive flexibility: Cognitive flexibility, or the ability to adapt and switch between tasks or perspectives, is essential for academic success. Encourage teens to engage in activities that challenge their cognitive flexibility, such as puzzles, games, and brainstorming sessions. Teach them strategies to shift between tasks, manage transitions, and adapt to changing situations.
  3. Provide opportunities for reflection and self-assessment: Regular reflection and self-assessment can help teens monitor their progress, identify areas for improvement, and set goals for growth. Provide opportunities for teens to reflect on their executive functioning skills, such as journaling, self-assessment questionnaires, or feedback sessions. Encourage them to set realistic and achievable goals for
  4. Create a structured environment: Establishing a structured environment with designated spaces for studying, organizing materials, and managing time can help teens develop organization and time management skills. Encourage them to keep a tidy study area, use calendars or planners to track assignments and deadlines, and create a system for organizing their school materials.
  5. Set clear goals and prioritize tasks: Help teens set clear goals and priorities for their academic tasks. Teach them to break down large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks, and encourage them to prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines. This will help them develop planning and organization skills, and stay focused on their academic goals.
  6. Practice time management: Time management is a crucial skill for academic success. Encourage teens to use a schedule or a planner to allocate time for homework, studying, extracurricular activities, and leisure time. Teach them to estimate the time required for each task and stick to the schedule, while also allowing for flexibility and breaks.

To see many more examples of activities, as well as journal prompts see my workbook on amazon! 
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Unlocking Your Potential: A Workbook for Developing Executive Functioning Skills for Teens

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See printable packets at Teachers Pay Teachers here.

Recent Admin Questions & Follow Up

I recently did a session with all middle school administrators and they had some very good questions that I wanted to follow up with, For example they were curious about how technology use, sleep, and lack of physical activity could attribute to some of the behaviors they were seeing in their buildings. I also brought up planners, as I am want to do, and one admin followed up with a question about the efficacy of a digital planner over a paper physical planner for executive functioning skills. Here is what I was able to find out. 
Impact of Technology Use and Executive TechnologyThere is ongoing research exploring the impact of technology on executive functioning skills in youth. However, it's important to note that research in this field is dynamic, and new studies may be conducting as we speak. Here are some general observations based on research up to now:

  1. Attention and Focus:
    1. Some studies suggest that excessive use of digital devices, particularly smartphones and social media, might contribute to attention and focus challenges in young people. Constant notifications, multitasking, and frequent device use could potentially affect sustained attention.
  2. Impulse Control:
    1. The instant gratification provided by technology, such as social media likes or immediate access to information, might impact impulse control in youth. Some researchers are investigating how the design of digital interfaces influences impulsive behaviors.
  3. Cognitive Flexibility:
    1. The digital environment, with its rapidly changing content and diverse stimuli, may contribute to the development of cognitive flexibility. On the other hand, concerns have been raised about potential negative effects, such as reduced tolerance for delayed gratification.
  4. Working Memory:
    1. The use of technology, particularly interactive and multimedia content, may have both positive and negative effects on working memory. Educational apps and games designed to challenge working memory can be beneficial, but excessive screen time might have adverse effects.
  5. Screen Time and Sleep:
    1. Research suggests a link between excessive screen time, especially before bedtime, and disrupted sleep patterns in youth. Sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive functioning, including executive functions.
  6. Social-Emotional Skills:
    1. Technology can also influence social-emotional skills. Social media interactions, for example, may impact emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. The constant comparison and exposure to curated online lives might affect self-esteem.

It's important to approach this topic with nuance, recognizing researchers are exploring how the quality and purpose of technology use, as well as the type of content consumed, influence executive functioning.

Physical Movement and Executive FunctioningPhysical movement and exercise have been associated with various cognitive benefits, including positive effects on executive functioning skills, in children and adolescents. Some things to think about in relation to physical movement and executive functioning skills, particularly in the age range of 10-13:
  • Enhanced Cognitive Functions:
    • Research suggests that regular physical activity positively influences cognitive functions, including executive functions like working memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility.
  • Attention and Concentration:
    • Physical movement has been linked to improvements in attention and concentration. Short bouts of physical activity during the day, "brain breaks," may help rejuvenate attention spans.
  • Working Memory:
    • Engaging in activities that involve both aerobic exercise and cognitive challenges, such as sports or dance, has shown to have a positive impact on working memory.
  • Cognitive Flexibility:
    • Activities that require coordination and adaptability, such as dance or certain sports, can contribute to the development of cognitive flexibility.
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF):
    • Physical activity has been associated with increased levels of BDNF, a protein that supports the growth and maintenance of neurons. BDNF is linked to improved cognitive function and may play a role in executive functioning.
  • Mood Regulation:
    • Exercise is known to have positive effects on mood and emotional well-being. Improved emotional regulation can indirectly contribute to better executive functioning.
  • Classroom Performance:
    • Studies have explored the impact of physical activity programs in schools on academic performance. Incorporating physical education and movement breaks into the school day may positively influence executive functions.
  • Timing and Frequency:
    • While acute bouts of exercise can have immediate cognitive benefits, there's evidence suggesting that regular, sustained physical activity over time is associated with more consistent improvements in executive functions.
  • Outdoor Activities:
    • Exposure to natural environments and outdoor activities may have additional cognitive and psychological benefits. Time spent in nature has been associated with improved attention and reduced stress.
  • Individual Differences:
    • It's important to recognize that the relationship between physical activity and executive functioning can vary among individuals. Factors such as fitness level, the type of activity, and overall health play a role.
Digital or Paper Planner for StudentsThe choice between a digital or analog planner often depends on individual preferences, learning styles, and organizational needs. Here are some considerations based on general trends:
Digital Planner:
  • Accessibility: Digital planners can be accessed across multiple devices, providing convenience and accessibility, especially for adolescents who are already accustomed to using smartphones, tablets, or laptops.
  • Reminders and Alerts: Digital planners often come with features like reminders and alerts, helping students stay on top of assignments, deadlines, and other commitments.
  • Integration with Technology: A digital planner may integrate with other productivity tools and apps, creating a seamless experience for students who prefer a more tech-centric approach.
Paper/ Analog Planner:
  • Tactile Experience: Some students find the tactile experience of writing things down on paper helpful for memory retention and organization.
  • Reduced Screen Time: Adolescents who already spend a significant amount of time on digital devices may appreciate a break from screens by using a physical planner.
  • Customization: Analog planners can be customized with various layouts, colors, and designs, allowing students to personalize their organizational tool.
Considerations:
  • Learning Style: Some individuals have a preference for visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learning. Understanding a student's learning style can help in choosing a planner that aligns with their preferences.
  • Trial and Error: It's not uncommon for students to try both digital and analog planners to see which one works best for them. Some may even use a combination, depending on the situation.
  • Executive Functioning Skills: The choice of planner can also depend on a student's executive functioning skills. For example, those who struggle with organization may find digital tools with reminders more beneficial.



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]]><![CDATA[Google Slides Infographics]]>Fri, 14 Jun 2019 16:34:24 GMThttps://www.mrscarterhla.com/conference-handouts/google-slides-infographics
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Slide Deck Used Today

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Let's share our examples of what we created, and also crowd source some examples of where we might use infographics in our lessons.
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I think teaching students about infographics and having them make a preexisting infographic in google slides is a helpful intro to creating their own from their own research or data collection. This lesson was written for fourth grade and has been taught multiple times.

It is challenging!

​Would be a lot easier if students have been exposed to a lot of google slides and shortcuts, or are older.
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I would use this slide deck for another shot at recreating an infographic, really building those slides skills. Or if you are doing this activity with secondary students these infographic are a little bit more challenging and would be better practice for them.
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This is the deck that I use to show different examples of infographics, to show students the forced copy of their own version, and what I manipulate and later delete when teaching the intro lesson.
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This is the student copy, with a lot less options. If your students need more practice, or are more advanced try the portrait version up above.
]]><![CDATA[Google Slides Animations]]>Fri, 14 Jun 2019 16:27:28 GMThttps://www.mrscarterhla.com/conference-handouts/google-slides-animations
The objective of this lesson is that students will create an animation in Google slides and will better understand some of the functions of google slides at the end of their animation. This will give students another tool in their tool box in terms of being able to explain their thinking.

Slide Deck Used Today

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Collection of animations from today's session and lesson ideas.
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Lesson plan for google slides animation (written for 5th grade but introduction of these concepts could easily go 3rd grade to 12th grade. Just would take varying amounts of time. The end products will obviously also be varied depending on grade.
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Google Slides Animation Instructional Videos
Create by my coworker Eric Lemoine
]]><![CDATA[Develop, Create, Inspire Change: Sketchnotes]]>Mon, 10 Apr 2017 19:51:12 GMThttps://www.mrscarterhla.com/conference-handouts/develop-create-inspire-change-sketchnotes-spring-summit
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Let's Connect! 

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Slide Decks

Teacher Version

Elementary Slide Deck

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Ready to do this with your elementary classroom? Use this slide deck to walk through the basic skills. Click the one pager handout below or the flipbook for the students to use to draw along with you.

Secondary Slide Deck

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Ready to do this with your secondary classroom? Use this slide deck to walk through the basic skills. Click the one pager handout below or the flipbook for the students to use to draw along with you.​

Sketchnote Flip Book

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Make a copy and change it up. I will have a five day intro to sketchnote lessons coming up, it is currently in action at Beaver Acres Elementary with the 4th grade team over there. 

Sketchnote One Pager

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I would recommend this one pager for secondary, it is easy to slip into a three ring binder and use as a cheatsheet whenever doing sketchnotes.

Sketchnote Lesson Supports

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Anchor Chart Ideas, a five week lesson plan for introducing sketchnotes, lesson ideas for nonfiction text features- with associated links. ​

My Video Series on Sketchnotes

Reading Resources

My Own Book on Sketchnoting!

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I have been writing a book on Sketchnoting in the Classroom for ISTE Publishing and it will be released just in time for ISTE19! Stay tuned for more information! Plenty of book extra's will be here on this website! Bookmark today! 

Online Resources

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Slyvia Duckworth's Flickr
Edtech Team Webinar on Sketchnotes
Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything: Sketchnoting
Heck Awesome Doodles
Sketchnote Army
Cool Cat Teacher's Sketchnoting Resources
The Learing Rush: 50 Ideas & Resources
Brain Doodle Lessons

Podcast & Video Resources

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iPad Apps 

Do your students have access to iPads? Here are the best FREE apps for sketchnotes. If you would like to draw on your iPad with me today then I would recommend Paper by 53, as my go to. If you are thinking about getting serious with sketchnotes then I would recommend Procreate, it is what I use. ​
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Paper® is the immersive sketching app for capturing ideas anywhere. Over 25 million people have found their personal creative space in Paper—handwriting notes, drafting, diagramming, sketching, and giving form to their vision
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Create vector artwork with image and drawing layers you can send to Adobe Illustrator CC or as flat images to Photoshop CC.
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Doodle Buddy Gold is the most fun you can have with your finger! Finger paint with your favorite colors and drop in playful stamps. Connect with a friend to draw together over the Internet.
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Procreate is the most powerful sketching, painting and illustration app ever designed for a mobile device, built for creative professionals.
$9.99 Currently in Apple Store | NOT FREE! |

Chromebook Options (touch screen only)

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Have you played around with Google Jamboard! If you are a google district this is the way to go! It is a part of your google account so students don't have to create an account. It is collaborative like all google products. You get more on the app for iPad which is a bit odd but it works so well. Personal preference is paper or iPad but this will work. 
Sumopaint
Ziteboard (this one is collaborative)
Aww App

Doodle Challenges

#doodleaday
#sketch50
#sketchcue- newer and 28 prompts leading up to the CUE conference
#oodlesofdoodles- instagram drawing challenge
Session Feedback Form
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Curious About My Own Journey?

Click here to see my blog posts on how I got here. 

Like what you are learning? Sign up for the newsletter!

]]><![CDATA[Develop, Create, and Inspire Change with Bullet Journaling]]>Wed, 22 Feb 2017 20:17:29 GMThttps://www.mrscarterhla.com/conference-handouts/february-22nd-2017
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Today's Slide Deck!

Student Resources

Today's Handout

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Print this out back to back if you would like to recreate this with other staff or students. 

I would really recommend bullet journaling for secondary classrooms, and/or components of bullet journaling within the confines of student planners if your school is already using student planners.
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If you need a journal to get you started come see me! Explore some of the resources below, or the resources I brought with me. You all have pens and tape to get you started! 
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Youtube Playlist

Digital Bullet Journals

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Goodnotes 

GoodNotes lets you take beautiful handwritten notes and annotate PDF documents. The handwritten notes are searchable and are created using a pioneering vector ink engine. Thanks to iCloud sync, your documents in GoodNotes will synchronize between your iPad and iPhone automatically
Click the button below to get a template for a digital planner I made! 

Some items to get you started...

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$16.99
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$19.97
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$8.99
​*These are journals I made, they are paperback and hardback and there are a ton of cover choices. This one seems to be the most popular seller though.
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$11.59
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$14.98
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$26.99
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$7.99
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$14.99
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$9.99
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$5.99
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$15.49
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Let's Connect

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]]><![CDATA[Camp Chromebook: Hyperdocs]]>Sat, 20 Aug 2016 20:34:59 GMThttps://www.mrscarterhla.com/conference-handouts/camp-chromebook-hyperdocs
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Collaborative Notes

Everyone has access to this and can take notes collaboratively! So take notes as we explore and discuss today. You can add these to your drive by going to File> Add to My Drive
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Google Doc Challenge

Let's make sure you have the skills to start creating your hyperdocs!
  1. Open up Google Drive
  2. Create a test folder
  3. Create a new document titled "test doc"
  4. Change the background color of the doc
  5. Change the doc from portrait to landscape
  6. Create a 3x2 table
  7. Color the top row of the table (label each column with favorite website, favorite music, favorite food) 
  8. Create a link to your favorite website
  9. Add a picture of your favorite musician or type of music
  10. Add a picture of your favorite type of food
  11. Share the document with someone near you
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Google Slides Challenge

  1. Create a new slide deck call it "test deck"
  2. Change the font on the title slide (look at color, size and style) add more fonts to your library
  3. Add an image to a new slide
  4. Add a video to a new slide (find a five minute timer or an audio only video)
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Getting Started with Hyperdocs

Let's take a look at how to get started from Lisa Highfill
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Explore some Examples

Take a look at some examples and start building your own! 

Google Forms

Google Slides

Google Maps

HyperMaps
Hyperdoc Lesson Examples
Hyperdoc Website
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Your Turn

Decide on a possible way to deliver the content. Pick a few videos, articles or activities and make something! We will share if there is time at the end. 

If you would like to simply take time to find to look at more examples feel free!  ​
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​Thank you! I welcome your feedback!

PD Feedback

Special thanks to Lisa Highfill for all her great ideas and sharing of knowledge!
If you are interested in learning more check out Lisa and her colleagues new book!

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]]><![CDATA[Camp Chromebook: Interactive Lessons]]>Wed, 17 Aug 2016 18:18:22 GMThttps://www.mrscarterhla.com/conference-handouts/camp-chromebook-interactive-lessons
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Collaborative Notes

Everyone has access to this and can take notes collaboratively! So take notes as we explore and discuss today. You can add these to your drive by going to File> Add to My Drive.
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​Create Your Youtube Channel

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If you haven't already you need to go to your School District youtube account and officially start it. Just click the button below and on the left hand navigational tools click on "my channel" and go through the few prompts. 

​*If your school blocks youtube then you can create a free gmail account to access youtube.
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Youtube Playlists

Take a look at some of the videos I have grabbed and added to my playlist. You can add to my list by clicking the second button. Saving videos you see that you like or make you think can be a convenient way to save resources.  ​
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Getting Started (skip 4)

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Take a Look at At a Few Options

Let's explore a few ways you could use these videos to start a conversation with students.

Interactive Google Forms

Interactive Google Slides

Feel free to click on the links to see the activities as the students would! ​

Interactive Google Map

A few more examples:

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Your Turn

Decide on a possible way to deliver the content. Pick a few videos and make something! We will share if there is time at the end. 

If you would like to simply take time to find more videos feel free to use the time for that as well. ​

​Thank you! I welcome your feedback!

PD Feedback Survey
Special thanks to Lisa Highfill for all her great ideas and sharing of knowledge!
]]><![CDATA[ISTE 2016 Student Centered Classroom]]>Tue, 21 Jun 2016 19:55:45 GMThttps://www.mrscarterhla.com/conference-handouts/iste-2016-student-centered-classroom
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​Student-Centered Classroom: Pedagogical Redesign for the Digital Age

The purpose of this session is to teach the attendees all about how to create more student centered classroom from an innovation strategist expert.  You will hear examples, get resources, and be inspired!

First take this quick survey to let us know what you want to get out of today's session!

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Slide Deck

Breakout Sessions

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Classroom Redesign

Look at the resources provided via pinterest, draw your room using one of the iPads, or use one of the classroom online design tools. Create a to do list for your classroom redesign.
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Blended Learning

Look through the resources provided via pinterest then crowd source some different websites & activity ideas on a google hyperdoc for share out.
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Unconference for Students

Look at resources and then use Adobe Spark Video, Videolicious, or Telestory and create a video explaining an unconference and how that might be used in a classroom setting for students.
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Genius Hour

Look through the resources then use Canva, Adobe Spark Page, or PicktoChart to create a group infographic about student centered learning & genius hour, each person is responsible for a section of the infographic.
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Making & Tinkering

Look at the resources, make something, and then share out by using chatterpix of your creation explaining the maker movement and how that might fit into your classroom.
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Share Out

1. A person in the group that is proficient in Twitter can log into twitter to share the work. If you don't have a twitter account ask one of the presenters to come help.

2. Grab the link or photo/video from the camera roll and tweet it out please use the hashtags  #iste2016 and #scc16
]]><![CDATA[Genius Hour: Promote Engagement with Technology and Personalized Education]]>Thu, 18 Feb 2016 21:41:31 GMThttps://www.mrscarterhla.com/conference-handouts/genius-hour-promote-engagement-with-technology-and-personalized-education
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Slide Deck Used Today

Please make sure to join the Schoology course before the end of the presentation. The instructions for how to join the course are in the collaborative notes below.

Click Here for the Collaborative Notes

Conference Handout

]]><![CDATA[OTEN Flip Your Class: a Feasible Guide to Flipping Your Content]]>Thu, 18 Feb 2016 21:19:21 GMThttps://www.mrscarterhla.com/conference-handouts/oten-flip-your-class-a-feasible-guide-to-flipping-your-content
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Prezi Used Today

Click here for the Collaborative Notes

Conference Handouts

Additional Resources Used Today

Flipped Classroom is Not... Graham Johnson
WSQ Chat Ideas
Flipped Classroom Video for Students- Nichole Carter
Parent Letter Resource List

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