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| © 2012 Good Sensory Learning |
Teaching executive functioning skills is a must
in this fast paced day and age. Although some find it a "no
brainer" to organize, plan and manage time, many students struggle with
this skill. In addition, the technological tools such as smart phones, that
teachers and many adults use to assist them with reminders and the maintenance
of routines is not allowed in schools due to the distracting nature of these
gadgets. So how can we teach this skill?
- Make sure that the environment
is organized and it is maintained on a daily basis.
- Set an example. Use a
planner and create a structured routine for yourself and use labeled
boxes, shelves and filing systems so that everything has it's place.
- Praise self initiation. In the beginning, rewarding kids
for executive functioning skills will provide greater motivation.
- Organize time and post it
around the house or classroom so that a daily routine can be established.
- Provide structure by offering a
lot of support in the beginning.
Do the process together and slowly pull away as the needed skills
are acquired independently.
- Give reminders and help
students come up with systems so that they can remind others as well as themselves.
- Use calendars. Show the different calendar
options to students and let them pick their preference. Some students need to see the “big
picture” and may prefer a month or two at a glance, others may choose one or
to weeks at a time, and then there are those who like to manage one day at
a time. Checking and
maintaining these calendars at allocated times on a daily basis is
important.
- Stay calm and supportive. Maintaining a mindful and peaceful
demeanor will help to create a “safe” environment where students can learn
from their mistakes.
- Avoid negative labels such as
careless or unmotivated as it will only create negative energy. For many, name calling will make
children feel helpless to the point where they stop trying.
- Provide breaks. For many, the maintenance of executive skills is exhausting and scheduling unstructured breaks can help provide some “down time.”
Here is a free downloadable PowerPoint on the topic
