In high school classrooms, managing emotions is often the unseen key to unlocking a student’s full potential. Teachers encounter students who struggle to cope with feelings of overwhelm, have difficulty managing emotions in challenging situations, or frequently react with anger to triggering events. These behaviors are more than just discipline issues—they are clear indicators of […]

Few strategies are as simple yet powerful as journaling when it comes to teaching executive function skills in elementary classrooms. In fact, journaling to improve emotional control not only helps young students reflect on their emotions but also supports their development of self-regulation, builds self-confidence, and meets diverse student learning needs. Journaling is a practical […]

Reflective journal writing is one of the most powerful executive function tools teachers can use to build students’ self-awareness and emotional control. By incorporating reflective journal writing into executive function instruction, middle school teachers can help students recognize their emotions, understand the causes behind them, and practice responding in ways that support their goals and […]

An emotional control discussion is one of the most powerful tools middle school teachers can use to build student self-awareness and teach critical executive function skills. By creating space for open conversations about how emotions impact learning and behavior, we empower students to reflect, support one another, and build habits that improve their academic and […]