Executive Functioning and the Brain, Go Beyond Post-its and Planners

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. 

Ready to dive a little deeper into what executive functioning means and how it impacts students in the classroom? Access my slides here. 

Slides

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.

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! 

Unlocking Your Potential: A Workbook for Developing Executive Functioning Skills for Teens

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See printable packets at Teachers Pay Teachers here.

Packets & Printables