Task
Initiation
Show what “done” looks like to remove ambiguity
Label index cards with steps or cues for a task
Adjust open-ended assignments to be more closed-ended
Create study plans
Designated time slots/start times to do specific tasks
Make first-then plans to provide motivation
Emphasize that mistakes are a part of learning
Break down/chunk assignments, projects, and information to make more straightforward
Rubrics and study guides to focus efforts
Visual schedules to establish a start and an end
Visual timers to jump start efforts
-
Time timer
-
Sand timer
-
Visual countdown app
Checklists or picture list to describe details of a task or routine
References
-
Beck, C. (2019). Executive Functioning Skills Activity Guide. www.theottoolbox.com
-
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (2014). Enhancing and Practicing Executive Function Skills with Children from Infancy to Adolescence. www.developingchild.harvard.edu.
-
Dawson, P., & Guare, R., (2018). From Executive Function Skills in Children and Adolescents. New York: Guilford Press. Third Edition.
-
Dawson, P., & Guare, R. (2009). Smart but scattered: The revolutionary “executive skills” approach to helping kids reach their potential. Guilford Press.
-
Demonstrated Success. (2022, February 11). Classroom strategies to foster executive functioning for children [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OwZMX11daA
-
Forgan, J. W., & Richey, M. A. (2015). The impulsive, disorganized child: Solutions for parenting kids with executive functioning difficulties. Prufrock Press Inc.​
-
Harkla. (2022, February 22). Top 7 Executive Functioning Strategies for Kids [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2N0_zBYLlk
-
Kenworthy, L., Anthony, L. G., Alexander, K. C., Werner, M. A., Cannon, L., & Greenman, L. (2014). Solving executive function challenges: Simple ways to get kids with autism unstuck and on target. Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
-
Meltzer, L. (2010). Promoting executive function in the classroom. The Guilford Press.
-
O’Brien, J., & Kuhaneck, H. (2019). Case-smith’s occupational therapy for children and adolescents (8th ed.). Elsevier.
-
Soclof, A., & Christie, L., (2020). Executive Functioning: Teaching Children Organizational Skills [Online course]. Professional Development Resources.
-
Ward, S., & Jacobsen, K. (2014). A clinical model for developing executive function skills. Perspectives on Language Learning and Education, 21(2), 72–84. https://doi.org/10.1044/lle21.2.72
-
Wolraich, M., & Hagan, J. F. (2019). ADHD: What every parent needs to know (3rd edition). American Academy of Pediatrics.