Thinking flexibly is one of the most important executive function skills students need to develop in order to thrive academically and socially. Flexibility helps students navigate unexpected changes, approach learning creatively, and adapt to challenges with confidence. For teachers working with students in grades 1–12, understanding and teaching flexibility skills is an essential part of […]

Planning is one of the foundational executive function skills that students need to succeed academically and in life. By incorporating planning into executive function instruction, teachers can help students organize their time, balance their responsibilities, and achieve their goals. Whether working with first graders or high school seniors, teaching planning skills equips students with tools […]

Organization is a critical executive function skill that empowers students to effectively develop and use systems to manage materials and information. When educators model organization in their daily routines, they demonstrate the practical benefits of staying prepared and organized. Students who struggle with organization often misplace their belongings, arrive unprepared, or spend valuable time searching […]

When you model planning skills for students, you teach them how to create and follow steps to achieve their goals within a set timeframe. Planning is an essential executive function skill that helps students manage their time effectively, but many struggle with this area. They may start tasks at the last minute, inaccurately estimate how […]

Working memory is an executive function that describes the ability to use and recall information stored in the memory to complete tasks. When you model working memory strategies, you give students practical ways to stay on task, pay attention, and remember important information. Students who struggle with working memory often have a short attention span […]

Task Initiation is an executive function that describes the ability to get started on projects, assignments, and tasks without procrastinating. Students who struggle with task initiation are often seen as lazy or unmotivated, but many times they are just stuck without a clear understanding of how to tackle even seemingly small tasks. These students have […]

To help students develop critical executive function skills, it is essential to model emotional control in your classroom. Emotional control refers to the ability to manage one’s feelings while completing tasks and working toward goals. Students who struggle with emotional control often react strongly to triggers or problems, making it difficult for them to focus […]

As educators, one of the most impactful ways we can support students in developing flexible thinking is by ensuring we model flexibility in our daily interactions and routines. In education, flexibility is a vital executive function that describes the ability to adapt to changing conditions by revising plans or switching strategies. Students who struggle with […]

Self-monitoring is a vital executive function skill that enables individuals to evaluate their own performance and behavior within a given situation. To help students develop this crucial ability, educators can model self-monitor in everyday classroom interactions. Modeling self-monitor not only guides students in building self-awareness but also equips them with the tools they need for […]

Model self-control to create a classroom environment where students learn to pause, think, and act intentionally rather than impulsively. In the classroom, students struggling with self-control often face challenges regulating their behavior, leading to disruptions and missed learning opportunities. Teaching self-control is essential but demonstrating it through intentional modeling is often the key to helping […]