Session 1: Introduction to Executive Functioning (EF) Skills

Goal: To understand the core components of executive functioning and their importance in learning and behavior. 

Key Topics: 

1. What is Executive Functioning? 

○ Definition and overview of EF skills 

○ The three primary EF domains: working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control 

○ How EF skills affect learning, behavior, and social-emotional development

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2. EF and its impact on students 

○ Differences between general education and students with learning disabilities (LD), ADHD, and other special needs 

○ Recognizing EF challenges in the classroom 

3. The Role of the Educator 

○ Understanding the educator’s role in fostering EF development 

○ Creating a classroom environment that supports EF growth 

○ Building positive student-teacher relationships 

Session 2: Developing Working Memory in the Classroom

Goal: To explore strategies for enhancing students’ working memory, which is essential for academic tasks. 

Key Topics: 

1. Understanding Working Memory:

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○ What working memory is and how it impacts learning (e.g., following directions, problem-solving) 

○ The link between working memory and academic success 

2. Common Challenges: 

○ Students who struggle with retaining instructions, following multi-step tasks, or organizing thoughts 

3. Classroom Strategies to Support Working Memory: 

○ Using visual aids and graphic organizers 

○ Chunking information and breaking tasks into smaller steps 

○ Repetition, rehearsal, and mnemonic devices 

○ Scaffolded learning techniques and scaffolding prompts

Session 3: Cognitive Flexibility and Problem-Solving

Goal: To develop strategies for fostering cognitive flexibility, which allows students to adapt and problem-solve effectively. 

Key Topics: 

1. What is Cognitive Flexibility? 

○ Understanding cognitive flexibility and its role in problem-solving and adapting to new situations 

○ How cognitive rigidity manifests in students with special needs 

2. Supporting Flexibility in the Classroom: 

○ Encouraging growth mindsets and self-regulation 

○ Teaching students how to approach problems from multiple angles 

○ Using flexible thinking to manage frustration and disappointment 

3. Practical Techniques: 

○ Role-playing and simulations to practice adaptive thinking 

○ Strategies for teaching “thinking out loud” to help students verbalize their thought process 

○ Using flexible schedules and activities to promote adaptability

Session 4: Enhancing Inhibitory Control and Self-Regulation

Goal: To explore techniques for teaching students how to regulate their impulses and manage emotions in the classroom. 

Key Topics: 

1. What is Inhibitory Control? 

○ Defining inhibitory control and how it relates to self-regulation (e.g., controlling impulses, waiting turn) 

○ Connection between inhibitory control and social behavior 

2. Classroom Strategies for Building Inhibitory Control: 

○ Teaching self-monitoring and mindfulness 

○ Use of visual cues, signals, or timers to remind students to pause and reflect ○ Behavior contracts, rewards, and positive reinforcement 

3. Managing Emotional Regulation: 

○ Tools for students to express and manage their emotions (e.g., emotion charts, journaling) 

○ Creating a calm down corner or safe space 

○ Using role-playing to practice emotional regulation

Session 5: Creating a Holistic Approach to Supporting EF Skills

Goal: To create comprehensive, individualized plans for students that integrate EF support across subjects and environments. 

Key Topics: 

1. Integrating EF Support into Curriculum: 

○ How to weave EF-building strategies into daily lessons (e.g., morning routines, transitions, group work) 

○ Using formative assessments to identify EF strengths and weaknesses 2. Individualized Supports for Students with Diverse Needs: 

○ Adapting EF strategies for students with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and other challenges 

○ Collaboration between general education and special education staff for EF support 

○ Parental involvement and the role of home-based strategies 

3. Promoting Long-Term EF Development: 

○ How EF skills are important for post-secondary success and lifelong learning 

○ Strategies for promoting EF skills beyond the classroom (e.g., internships, extracurricular activities)