LD/ADHD Initiative Executive Functions Modules

1. LD/ADHD Initiative Executive Functions Modules Session Two Strategy Sheets Elementary

2. Executive Functions Session 2 Strategy Sheet ElementaryHow Do I Develop Shifting and Initiation Skills? Definition: Shifting Impact: Shifting Gets stuck on a topic or tends to perseverate • Freely moves from one situation, activity, or aspect of a problem to another as the situation demands • Makes transitions and solves problems with flexibility Definition: Initiate Impact: Initiate • Begins a task and works independently • Is a self- starter • Trouble getting started on classwork, homework or chores LD/ADHD Initiative Department of Special Education and Student Services, HCPSS What might this look like in your classroom?

3. Executive Functions Session 2 Strategy Sheet ElementaryHow Do I Develop Shifting and Initiation Skills? Environmental Supports Teaching Strategy Cue the student (external to internal) Teach wait/stop Teach delayed gratification Go over rules/agenda/schedule posted in your room on a regular basis Ask students to put away materials before the next activity and/or get materials ready for the next activity Highlight and model the first step. Give examples of how to jump-start the first step Have a “how-to-begin” card on students’ desks to help remind them how to jump start • Post classroom rules/agenda/schedule and review regularly • Prepare students for changes in the schedule or agenda • Provide time for gathering of materials before beginning key directions or instructions • Build independence by explaining, modeling and then fading prompts (gradual release of responsibility) • Ask students to check visually posted agenda/directions • Have peer buddies help students who have shifting/initiation difficulties • Use a timer or an on-line visual stopwatch/timer, monitor when they move and start another activity, and tell them how long they have to complete it. • Prepare students ahead of time for shifting or changing activities LD/ADHD Initiative Department of Special Education and Student Services, HCPSS What might this look like in your classroom?

4. Executive Functions Session 2 Strategy Sheet ElementaryHow Do I Develop Planning/Organization Skills? Definition Planning/Organization Impact Planning/Organization Difficulty planning for long term assignments Difficulty organizing timelines, prioritizing, and getting started Often procrastinates or has difficulty finishing tasks before starting another • Anticipates future events or consequences • Uses goals or instructions to guide behavior in context • Develops or implements appropriate steps ahead of time to carry out a task LD/ADHD Initiative Department of Special Education and Student Services, HCPSS What might this look like in your classroom?

5. Executive Functions Session 2 Strategy Sheet ElementaryHow Do I Develop Planning/Organization Skills? Environmental Supports Teaching Strategy Walk through the planning process and gradually prompt students Involve students as much as possible in the planning process once you have been providing models Ask questions to get students to prioritize (What do you need? What should you do first?) Use analogies Use class generated rubrics Use preferred activities or mastered skills as a starting point Prompt prioritizing by asking your student what needs to get done first Scaffold (whatever assistance is needed to move from prior knowledge & skill to the next level of knowledge and skill) to understand concepts and tasks Breakdown long-term assignments into subtasks with due dates • Provide a plan/template • Provide planning tools (calendar, agenda book, technology) • Provide a visual (e.g. roadmap) to think about the planning required to complete a task or assignment • Create plans or task checklists for students then cue students to check off each step as completed • Model note-taking • Create templates for visual organizers • Give master copies of lecture notes or have students fill in the blanks on a note-taking sheet LD/ADHD Initiative Department of Special Education and Student Services, HCPSS What might this look like in your classroom?

6. Executive Functions Session 2 Strategy Sheet ElementaryHow Do I Develop Organization of Materials? Definition: Organization of Materials Impact: Organization of Materials Difficultyorganizingstudy area and binders, Lack of structure in place to keep areas neat (bookcase, materials, sports equipment) Does not place belongings or equipment in proper places, Misplaces permission slips, homework, materials • Keeps home and school materialsorganized • Able to organizebackpack and belongings LD/ADHD Initiative Department of Special Education and Student Services, HCPSS What might this look like in your classroom?

7. Executive Functions Session 2 Strategy Sheet ElementaryHow Do I Develop Organization of Materials? Environmental Supports Teaching Strategies Build bridges from the familiar to the unfamiliar by discussing changes in environment or routine Make desk cleaning a joint project – organize your materials/desk at the same time as the students and explicitly explain how to organize Practice and model organization strategies allowing time to adjust to routine Model multiple ways of approaching organization Teach tricks and technology to help with organizational weaknesses Practice packing and unpacking student backpacks and use a timer to see how quickly they can do it • Create a consistent, predictable environment • Establish routines and schedules • Post visual cues and highlight changes to the daily routine • Have students turn in homework to a specified location (i.e. same location in all grade level classrooms) • Give the students plastic bins labeled for possessions • Use timers – visual, digital, and online • Use three ring binders, accordion folders, color coded folders for each subject or completed vs. not completed work • Provide additional support during transitions and when new concepts, tasks or environments are introduced • Photo books: Take a picture of what desks or areas in the classroom should look like when organized LD/ADHD Initiative Department of Special Education and Student Services, HCPSS What might this look like in your classroom?