Executive Functioning Skills
Executive Functioning : what is it & how does it relate to secondary school
What does this mean and how does it relate to your young person
What is Executive Functioning
Access the teen form here to find out more about your’ young person’s profile.
How to support Secondary Students
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Acts on impulse
Acts without thinking
Gets in trouble for talking too much in class
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Says, “I’ll do it later” and then forgets about it
Forgets homework assignments or forgets to bring home needed materials
Loses or misplaces belongings such as coats, mittens, sports equipment, etc.
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Gets annoyed when homework is too hard or confusing or takes too long to finish
Has a short fuse; easily frustrated
Easily upset when things don’t go as planned
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Difficulty paying attention; easily distracted
Runs out of steam before finishing homework or other tasks
Problems sticking with schoolwork or chores until they are done
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Puts off homework or chores until the last minute
Difficulty setting aside fun activities in order to start homework
Needs many reminders to start chores
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Trouble planning for big assignments (knowing what to do first, second, etc.?
Difficulty setting priorities when has a lot of things to do
Becomes overwhelmed by long-term projects or big assignments
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Backpack and notebooks are disorganised
Desk or workspace at home or school is a mess
Trouble keeping bedroom or locker tidy
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Has a hard time estimating how long it takes to do something (such as homework?
Often doesn’t finish homework at night; rushes to get it done in school before class
Slow getting ready for things (e.g., appointments, school, changing classes?
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If the first solution to a problem doesn’t work, has trouble thinking of a different one
Resists changes in plans or routines
Has problems with open-ended homework assignments (e.g., doesn’t know what to write
Key areas of Executive Functioning support
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Learn to recognise and appreciate individual strengths and challenges.
Lay the foundation for skill development based on a deeper understanding of how to set up goals
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Dive into fundamental time management skills tailored for teens.
Practical guidance on creating a weekly schedule aligned with personal and academic goals, strategies to manage initiation and procrastination
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Develop effective study techniques and organisational skills for academic success.
Explore strategies for building resilience, adapting to changes, and overcoming challenges.
Reflect on achievements, create a personalised reflection plan, and explore resources for ongoing support.
About Vanessa
Vanessa is a subject expert in executive functioning and language development, with over a decade of international experience as a speech pathologist. She has successfully operated Speech Pathology clinics in Tokyo, Sydney, and Auckland, with a particular passion for working with high school students. Through her customised coaching programs, Vanessa has helped over 1000 students enhance their language, literacy, and executive functioning skills. Respected by peers and high schools, Vanessa also understands the importance of collaborating with educational staff and parents to ensure her strategies achieve their intended goals.
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