Executive Function in the Classroom: Practical Strategies for Improving Performance and Enhancing Skills for All Students

by Christopher Kaufman

Students with strong executive function skills hold the keys to school and social success—from attention and impulse control to time management and organization. Now K–12 teachers have a practical, highly readable guide to enhancing these critical skills for all students, with and without learning disabilities. Through the author's memorable metaphors, classroom examples, and crystal-clear explanations of brain functioning, teachers will immediately grasp what executive function is and how it affects their students' learning and behavior. Then they'll get the explicit, research-based guidance they need to
An unparalleled practical resource on one of today's most critical education topics, this sourcebook equips teachers with everything they need to detect and solve their students' executive function challenges. They'll get a wide range of ready-to-use strategies based on best practices, visual aids that make new concepts instantly understandable, and photocopiable forms to help students improve in specific executive function areas. A perfect resource for effective, affordable professional development, this teacher-friendly guide lays a clear and simple path to stronger executive skills for all students-and lasting academic and social success. Help students improve in key executive function

Genres: Education

280 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2010

Reviews

[Brittney Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book did a great job breaking down all that goes into executive functioning deficits into something more consumable. It’s written in a way that makes it feel like you’re listening to a presentation / having a conversation with the author. He’s made it relatable to the frustrations teachers face when working with students with EF deficits and provided many clear, explicit strategies to help in areas core areas like writing, math, reading comprehension. It is even further broken it down into what strategies can help individual parts of executive functioning (working memory, frustration/impulsivity, inattention…). There are many-many templates and resources in this book that are easy to use because of how much depth goes into explaining when/how to use them. Note: In talking with middle/elementary school teachers, they noted how the book referenced some math strategies that are not aligned with current curriculum implementation recommendations.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I'm a little bit nutty when it comes to books like this. I was given this book as a summer reading assignment from my school and I'm grateful that this book fell into my stack of books to read so easily! I loved it and believe everyone who interacts with children (teachers...parents...everyone!) It is so readable and gives great practical information and advice on how children (and adults) process information. It has a great overview of how different areas of the brain work, particularly how our prefrontal cortex helps to manage all ares of the brain. Executive function needs to be the current big push in education. Teachers who read and follow the information given herein will help their students in ways that can help them learn so much more effectively! Parents will be able to understand their child's processing needs and how they can assist their child to become a more effective learner. Anyone who works with children will gain greater insight into why they "do what they do." Again a great read for all!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! If you ever get the chance, go see Kaufman present at a workshop. He has an interesting way of bringing the information to life so that it's meaningful and memorable. He does a great job of tying the information presented to practical strategies for the classroom. Great resource for teachers, principals, special educators, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, parents, social workers, therapists, etc.

[Maggie Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for work. A great book that packages an explanation of executive functions and their neurological bases in a form that is accessible to parents and educators. The strategies and recommendations provided are thorough and practical. Definitely recommend this for teachers, parents, and anyone who works with kids with executive function weaknesses!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, readable, and best of all, understandable! If you ever get a chance to see Chris, jump on it. His workshops are among the most useful you'll ever attend.

[North Landesman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many good strategies, examples. Writing can be a bit dense.