Task avoidance is a common challenge among middle school students, often leaving teachers frustrated when students fail to get started on assignments. Whether a student has trouble coming up with ideas, struggles to begin working, or finds it difficult to generate solutions to problems, these behaviors can be linked to an executive function skill deficit […]

Helping middle school students take initiative is critical to their success. Taking the initiative includes starting tasks independently, overcoming procrastination, and confidently engaging in learning. Middle school students, particularly those in grades 5-8, are at a crucial stage where building strong executive function skills can significantly improve their academic performance and self-confidence. Teaching executive function […]

One of the most common struggles teachers observe in their classrooms is when students fail to initiate tasks. Whether it’s starting an essay, preparing for a test, or even engaging in a class discussion, some students consistently hesitate before taking action. This challenge isn’t simply about motivation—it often stems from an executive function skill deficit […]

Helping students “use initiative” to start tasks is a critical part of teaching executive function skills. Task initiation can be a significant challenge for young learners, especially when they face assignments they don’t enjoy or find overwhelming. By engaging students in meaningful discussions and providing them with the right executive function tools, educators can empower […]