This is a whistle-stop - if you're interested to do your own research, check out this booklist, or see the research links at the end of the blog. There's a graphic that's been doing the rounds for a while now. It states, somewhat alarmingly, that certain children's and young people's executive function (EF) development is… Continue reading Simplifying executive function
Category: Executive Function
Key aspects of EF
8 of the key aspects of executive function that can be supported at home, school or work so that everyone can achieve their goals
Supporting working memory at school
Working memory (WM) is one of the cognitive executive functions (EF). WM and EF difficulties in general are factors in many neuro-developmental conditions. This makes so much of what happens at work, university, school or indeed many everyday situations more challenging than it needs to be. The good news is that there are plenty… Continue reading Supporting working memory at school
Working Memory
Often, the first time parents hear the term Working Memory (WM) is when their child undergoes assessment for learning difficulties. Teachers generally understand that a student's WM dictates the relative ease or difficulty with which they 'hold' information for short periods of time, say to follow classroom instructions, write and spell accurately or complete a mathematical… Continue reading Working Memory
EF infographics
Teachers and parents will express their confusion at a learner’s behaviour, particularly if they do not always display the maturity or organisational skills of peers in their age group. This could be attributable to weaknesses in executive function, which is typically slower to develop in children with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia as well… Continue reading EF infographics
5 memory boosters
5 ideas to boost learning when memory and organisation make things hard
5 thoughts on homework
5 ideas to make homework meaningful and manageable
8 ideas to promote listening skills
Listening skills, like any others, often need to be explicitly taught.
Supporting visual strengths and needs
For certain students, traditional teaching methods are not always sufficient, and sometimes not appropriate, no matter how sensitively planned and delivered. This may be for many reasons, including physiological, developmental and neurological differences. Some students, including many with with ADHD, autism and specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, have what is known as a 'spiky'… Continue reading Supporting visual strengths and needs
Classroom visuals and displays
A few ideas on maximising the impact of posters and other classroom displays.
5 ideas for an inclusive classroom
An infographic of strategies to make classrooms more supportive of all students
10 books on Executive Function and Related Learning Needs
10 books on executive function
Supporting EF with displays and visual prompts
Posters and visual timetables can be very useful both in the classroom and at home, particularly for students with learning differences. The key is to teach learners how to use them.
Executive function, mathematics and problem-solving
Executive function deficits can impact on mastery of mathematical skills. Read about how this can be supported here:
Language and Literacy
Sharing ideas to boost children's communication skills and promote literacy development.
Routines can help
Routines can play a vital part in academic success and life beyond school.
Lightening the Load
In this post I am sharing one of the strategies that has helped my students.
Homework
Homework is an acknowledged area of challenge for students with learning difficulties, not least because of the demands on executive function.
It will get easier
Some things are automatic from the get-go, others gradually develop automaticity.
Classroom Survival
Ideas for parents to share with teachers, and for teachers to test for themselves.
Skills for study 