Executive Functioning Support in Schools: Beyond the Basics of Checklists, Timers, and Sticker Charts
Do you work with students who:
πExperience anxiety and overwhelm with new challenges, despite talking about it in therapy or learning about "feelings words" to describe emotions?
πRefuse or avoid difficult tasks, despite getting punishment/rewards?
πStruggle to complete academic work such as writing, or anything that doesn't give immediate gratification?
πComplain of boredom and don't persist through repetitive tasks?
πHave difficulty filtering distractions or controlling impulses?
πMiss assignments, lose track of their things, run late and miss deadlines, even though they're using lists and other organizers?
πMisunderstand directions and struggle with transitions and appear several steps behind?
πHave emotional outbursts when asked to move from one activity to another (especially if they're asked to stop doing something they enjoy)?
πMake self-defeating comments or can't envision themselves being successful in unfamiliar situations?
These are often labeled as "behavior problems" or "lack of motivation"...
But often they're executive functioning issues in disguise.
Many school teams know that executive functioning is important. Some of them are even showing students strategies to improve behavior and organization...
Yet students still struggle, despite using visual schedules, behavior charts, checklists, and planners.
This is often because schools are giving kids the TOOLS and STRATEGIES without teaching them the executive functioning skills they need to use them effectively.
Many times school teams are making at least one of three common mistakes.
But before I reveal what they are...
Let me take a second to introduce myself and why I'm sharing this with you.
I'm Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan...
I help K-12 therapists design interventions that support language, literacy and executive functioning.
With 18+ years in the field and helping hundreds of school-aged therapists, I've discovered that one of the most powerful ways you can serve your caseload is to support your school team in implementing executive functioning support.
Executive functioning skills are the mental processes that help us:
Self-regulate and engage in goal-directed behavior.
Think ahead and make plans by predicting what might happen.
Regulate emotions and control impulses.
Problem-solve without needing explicit directions.
Adapt to changes in routines or unplanned events.
Think of multiple options for working through situations (have a βplan Bβ).
Self-monitor and make adjustments to plans with the end goal in mind.
Break down complex tasks in to steps and know where to start.
Estimate how long a task takes and what steps to take to reach an end goal.
Use future thinking abilities to prepare for unfamiliar situations.
Filter irrelevant vs. relevant information and apply it.
Many school teams think they're working on executive functioning, but they're making at least one of three mistakes:
MISTAKE #1:
Doing the executive functioning FOR students
If students are copying down to-do lists on a planner without engaging in internal planning and self-talk, they aren't practicing executive functioning. As a result, they'll have difficulty using the strategy independently.
We need to explicitly teach them to use these skills while they're using external tools and strategies and fade prompts strategically. Many people don't realize they're doing the internal planning FOR students and making them prompt-dependent.
MISTAKE #2:
Not modeling self-talk.
While we don't want to act as kids' executive functioning and make them prompt-dependent, we also don't want to throw them off the deep end without support. Some people make the mistake of underestimating the amount of EXPLICIT teaching kids need to talk themselves through complex tasks.
If students are struggling with executive functioning, they're not engaging in the self-talk needed to plan ahead, estimate how long things will take, how to adjust a long the way, and how to reflect afterwards. If this isn't taught directly and modeled, kids will not learn how to do it.
MISTAKE #3:
Not addressing time blindness.
Knowing what to do is just ONE of the skills needed to engage in goal-directed behavior. We also have to be able to estimate how long something will take. Thatβs why we need to teach kids to sense time WHILE theyβre doing multi-step tasks.
Most timers being used are too abstract to do this effectively; especially when we are setting the timers up for kids instead of having them initiate and actively use these tools.
In order for kids to use STRATEGIES to plan ahead, self-regulate, and reach their goals, executive functioning needs to be taught EXPLICITLY using the following components:
If your students don't know WHEN, HOW, and WHY to use a strategy, they won't be "motivated" to use it, no matter how much you reward them.
They need the RIGHT support that helps them read situations, know what strategies to use and the steps to use them, and how to adjust along the way
This is how we "motivate" kids to work through learning curves so they can build skills and self-confidence and intrinsic motivation...and this needs to happen in multiple settings.
I'll show you how to do this in the
Time Tracking Journal.
The Time Tracking Journal is a strategy that helps kids independently complete daily tasks like academic assignments, functional tasks, or classroom routines WITHOUT arguments and constant prompting.
"I have been very impressed with the progress I am seeing in my clients as I incorporate your suggestions. Confidence, comprehension, and participation (as well as grades) are all going up. Thank you for all that you do for our profession.β
-SKYLEE NEFF, UTAH
Sign up for the Time Tracking Journal and get step-by-step training and materials to help students build independence and confidence with complex daily tasks.
Here's what you'll get:
Executive Functioning Crash Course
In this video tutorial, you'll learn:
- The essential skills kids need to be attentive, focused, and regulated.
- What's happening when kids kids appear like they're ignoring you or being willfully defiant.
- Why some children aren't finishing simple day-to-day tasks, or make frequent mistakes on tasks they know how to do.
- How to help your children establish critical thinking skills and the ability to adapt to changes in routines.
The Motivation Module
In this training, you'll discover:
- Why some struggle to keep track of their things and turn work in on time (hint: It's not about how intelligent they are).
- How to improve time-management skills while building self-esteem and confidence.
- The 4 skills kids need to develop intrinsic motivation and resilience when it comes to challenging tasks
- How to get kids out of their comfort zone in a healthy way.
Supporting Positive Behaviors Training
Once you complete this training, you'll know:
- How to decrease arguments and increase mental flexibility, so kids can adapt to changes in routines and environments.
- How to increase tolerance for new challenges and help kids persist through non-preferred tasks.
- Simple ways to redirect and encourage kids to work through learning curves without power struggles.
Time Tracking Journal Tutorials
In these video tutorials, you'll learn:
- How to help kids improve time-management skills and time-perception during common daily activities.
- How to help kids understand how βdoneβ looks so they can understand your expectations.
- How to help kids get tasks done effectively and efficiently, so they can experience a feeling of success.
Time Journal Language Training
In this training you'll discover how to:
- Model language that enables independence, resilience, and strategic thinking (instead of prompt-dependence).
- Encourage problem-solving in the moment, kids learn to self-reflect and consider multiple options for completing tasks.
- Redirect students in a way that facilitates self-regulation without being punitive.
Plus, you'll get access to the downloadable Time Tracking Journal and supplemental documents:
Get the Time Tracking Journal today and help your students build intrinsic motivation, self-confidence, and independence they need to thrive.
- Executive Functioning Crash Course: Learn the skills kids need to be attentive and independent during daily tasks ($37 value)
- The Motivation Module: Build intrinsic motivation and confidence ($27 value)
- Supporting Behavior Training: Increase tolerance for learning curves without constant arguing ($27 value)
- Time Tracking Journal Tutorials: Improve time-perception, time-management, planning, and self-evaluation ($97 value)
- Time Journal Language Training: Improve problem-solving, shifting, and decrease prompt-dependence ($197 value)
- Time Journal E-book/Slides: Resources you need to support generalization ($197 value)
TOTAL VALUE = $582
Get the Time Tracking Journal for just $97.
You can sign up for the Time Tracking Journal risk-free.
If you still donβt feel confident and focused with your interventionβ¦
β¦ Then all you need to do is email me within 60 days your purchase at talktome@drkarenspeech.com and show me that youβve made a reasonable attempt to use it, and Iβll give you a full refund β no hassle.
Building executive functioning skills goes beyond copying to-do lists in to a planner.
If kids are going to effectively use strategies (like planners, checklists, timers), they need to engage in the internal thought processes needed to know WHEN to use the strategy and HOW to use it.
Many times we assume kids are "lazy" or "unmotivated", when they just haven't learned to use the internal self-talk that needed for planning and self-regulation.
We need to model and teach these skills EXPLICITLY.
I help you do this with the Time Tracking Journal.
FAQs about the Time Tracking Journal...
Who is the Time Tracking Journal for?
The Time Tracking Journal is for teachers, social workers, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, counselors, occupational therapists, music therapists, and other specialized service providers working with kids in the school systems.
Parents who want to support their kids in the home environment can use it as well. School administrators who want to learn more about executive functioning support are also welcome to sign up.
What kinds of students can benefit from this strategy?
The Time Tracking Journal is designed to help students improve their executive functioning. Diagnoses that impact executive functioning could include, but are not limited to:
ADHD, autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, depression, anxiety, developmental language delay, dyslexia, dysgraphia, intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and other developmental disabilities.
The purpose of the Time Tracking Journal is to support the internal planning that is required for both academic and functional tasks; which can have an impact on both skills and mental health. This strategy is beneficial for students who are verbal and able to engage in back and forth dialogue.
Is this strategy neurodiversity-affirming?
Any intervention that effectively addresses executive functioning is, by definition, neurodiversity affirming because it will help clinicians consider a clientsβ neurological profile and interests, while at the same time teach them strategies that help them become resilient and adaptable.
An intervention is βneurodiversity- affirmingβ if it gives the client what they need in order to be successful, and this strategy will do that. I am not neurotypical and have considered lived experience when designing the strategy; however it's primarily been designed using evidence from peer-reviewed research and clinical case study evidence.
What if my kids don't like writing? Will they be able to use a "journal"?
I've created this resource in a "journal" format because of several reasons. First, I want to be able to easily lay out the steps for YOU, the person who is helping the child. Oftentimes adults don't realize where kids are getting stuck in the process, so the format is designed to help you become more aware of the complexity and planning involved in daily tasks that are easy for you, but difficult for kids.
Additionally, I've used this format so that I can make internal thought processes more visual. This format allows you to do that. The point is not to give you another piece of homework to do; but rather to give you a strategy to be more successful with the things you already have to do. The "journal" is just a tool; eventually you'll be able to walk through the steps in your head.
And most importantly, so will the kids! Doing the planning "in your head" is what executive functioning is.
How do I access the Time Tracking Journal once I sign up?
The training and materials that come with the Time Tracking Journal are 100% online with self-led video trainings, online documents, and printable downloads. You'll get immediate access to everything once you sign up.
When you sign up, you get a login to an online members area where you can log in and watch the trainings and download materials. You'll be able to go back and re-watch trainings as many times as you want.
Can I use the trainings as CEUs?
Because the Time Tracking Journal is designed for multiple disciplines, the trainings in this program are not CEUs. However, you may still be able to use them as part of your certificate renewal for certain licenses depending on their requirements.
For example, the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association will accept hours from non-CEU providers as professional development hours if they provide documentation of attendance for sessions. If you would like to use some of the trainings within this program for license renewal, please email me at talktome@drkarenspeech.com for more information.
How long do I get to keep access?
As soon as you join, youβll receive access to all materials described on this page. Youβll have lifetime access to all materials and trainings.
Still have questions?
Just send me a note by emailing talktome@drkarenspeech.com and I'll be happy to answer.
Imagine how amazing it would feel to see your students approaching challenging tasks with confidence...
Getting their assignments turned in on time...
Thinking ahead, instead of waiting until the last minute...
Completing work without needing constant prompting...
Engaging in class, instead of avoiding work...
Starting work independently, instead of arguing...
Looking forward to school, and feeling excited about the future.
You can help make this happen with the Time Tracking Journal.
See what others are saying about Dr. Karen's programs:
"Dr. Karen leaves out the fluff and gets straight to the facts...She brings a much-needed element of simplicity to an otherwise very broad area of language therapy.β
-RACHEL SMITH, UTAH
"Language can be sooooo complex and overwhelming and she organizes it in a way that makes sense.β
-WENDY EINHORN, CALIFORNIA
"I had a great session with one of my struggling 3rd graders...I told him how grown up his long sentences sounded. He loved it!"
-JESSICA HARMON-JOHNSTONEAUX
Get the Time Tracking Journal today and help your students build the executive functioning skills they need to thrive.
- Executive Functioning Crash Course: Learn the skills kids need to be attentive and independent during daily tasks ($37 value)
- The Motivation Module: Build intrinsic motivation and confidence ($27 value)
- Supporting Behavior Training: Increase tolerance for learning curves without constant arguing ($27 value)
- Time Tracking Journal Tutorials: Improve time-perception, time-management, planning, and self-evaluation ($97 value)
- Time Journal Language Training: Improve problem-solving, shifting, and decrease prompt-dependence ($197 value)
- Time Journal E-book/Slides: Resources you need to support generalization ($197 value)
TOTAL VALUE = $582
Get the Time Tracking Journal for just $97.
Here's more feedback about Dr. Karen's work:
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