On the 12 day of Christmas…
Yes, this is the last of these posts, but no, of course it won’t be the last time I mention executive function.
To close the 12 Days of Christmas series of EF related posts, it seemed sensible to share again some of the texts that I have consulted when working with students to develop tailored support for executive function. The list is not exhaustive, and if you would like more information or suggestions for where to go next, please feel free to get in touch via the comments, contact page or sidebar .
For Parents and Educators
Executive Function “Dysfunction”: Strategies for Educators and Parents
Moyes: Jessica Kingsley Publishers (2014)
An accessible little book with easily relatable vignettes and practicable recommendations, presented in short chapters. Whilst it lacks some of the depth of other books on this list, it may be a good starting point.
Executive Functions: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Evolved
Barkley: The Guilford Press (2012)
An in-depth look at executive functions and their role in human development.
Kids in the Syndrome Mix of ADHD, LD, Autism Spectrum, Tourette’s Anxiety, and More!
Kutscher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers (2014)
An exploration of the impact that EF and other, often co-occurring neurological differences can make on learning, development and behaviour, with support ideas.
Dawson and Guare: Guildford Press (2008)
A useful resource for parents and educators, covering the impact of EF difficulties on everyday activities, with practical suggestions for use at home and school.
That’s the Way I Think: Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ADHD Explained
Grant: Routledge (2009)
Accessibly presented with helpful vignettes – particularly suitable for explaining differences in learning, perception and behaviour to older students, family members or inexperienced teachers.
Classroom Ideas
Assessment and Intervention for Executive Function Difficulties (School-Based Practice in Action)
McCloskey, Perkins and Van Divner: Routledge (2009)
Whilst this is the most prescriptive of the books on the list, it’s structure may be helpful for less experienced teachers or when considering a whole school approach. Comes with a companion CD including resources, charts, hand-outs and assessment and interview forms.
Executive Function in Education: from Theory to Practice
Meltzer (ed.): Guildford Press (2007)
13 chapters by researchers and clinicians, ranging from definitions to practical classroom strategies. Research and evidence based, with a clear goal at providing sensible and practicable classroom solutions. Ideas range from 1:1 intervention to whole school strategies across subject areas as well as ages and stages of students’ development.
Kaufmann: Brookes Publishing Co. (2010)
Addresses many of the same concepts as the two preceding titles, updated and highly accessible to teachers.
Cannon, Kenworthy Alexander, Adler, Werner and Anthony: Brookes Publishing Co. (2011)
Created as a scheme of work to support groups of students with autism, highly adaptable to any social/communication support group, or whole class circle time in primary (elementary) school settings, can also be drawn on to plan and resource 1:1 sessions aimed at promoting flexibility in students of all ages.
Working Memory and learning: A Practical Guide for Teachers
Gathercole and Packiam Alloway: Paul Chapman Publishing (2008)
Whilst the recommendations will be familiar to experienced, competent teachers, the book’s neat size makes it a handy single reference of reminders for use in the everyday classroom to support students whose learning is impacted by working memory difficulties.
If you have books that you would like to recommend to others looking for information and support related to executive function, you are welcome to add these in the comments!
A collection of blog posts and longer articles related to executive function can be found here.
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Skills for study 