The importance of flexibility in the classroom cannot be overstated. Many middle school teachers have encountered students who struggle when plans change, who find it difficult to understand other perspectives, or who have trouble considering multiple solutions to a problem. These challenges often stem from deficits in executive function skills, specifically in the area of […]

Emotion regulation is a key component of a child’s ability to navigate social and academic environments. Many students in grades 1-4 struggle with emotional control, which can manifest in difficulty identifying their feelings, managing reactions, and handling worry. These challenges are directly linked to deficits in executive function skills. By implementing executive function instruction, teachers […]

Flexible thinking is a crucial executive function skill that allows students to adapt to changing situations, shift their thoughts when necessary, and transition smoothly between tasks. However, when students struggle with flexible thinking, they may exhibit behaviors such as difficulty managing emotions when situations change, resistance to shifting thoughts, and challenges in transitioning between activities. […]

Student behaviors in the middle school classroom often provide critical insights into a student’s executive function learning needs. When students struggle to react in proportion to a problem, have difficulty calming down after feeling upset, or lack an understanding of what causes emotions, they may be experiencing an executive function skill deficit in emotional control. […]