Creating a Brain Toolbox: Building Executive Function Skills to Help your students thrive!
with Sarah Kesty
It started with a 7th grade “binder party”
We saw: physical chaos. 
He needed: organization strategies.
We stopped guessing, and we started listening
We saw: limited work engagement
She needed: self-awareness and access tools.
It wasn’t a matter of IF, but of HOW
We saw: waiting for help, prompt dependence
They needed: to learn how to “student”
What is “Executive Function?” 
3 Main “Branches”
• Future Skills
• Emotions and Attention
• Learning and Memory
Future skills 
Include: 
• Organizing
• Planning
• Prioritizing 
• Visualizing
• Initiating
We see their deficits as:
• Forgetting assignments
• Difficulty starting tasks 
• Not returning work (done or not) 
• Working really hard but on low-value assignments
• Losing/hunting for the same things every day 
Emotions and attention
Include:
• Emotional Regulation
• Attention and Focus
• Energy Regulation
• Inhibit Impulses
• Anticipating and meeting own needs
• Self-monitoring
We see their deficits as:
• Losing one’s cool
• Difficulty focusing 
• Attending to “wrong” things
• Feeling “odd” or left out
• Getting stuck with an emotion
Learning and Memory
Include:
• Working memory
• Steps and routines
• Processing Speed
• Flexible thinking
We see their deficits as:
• Forgetting steps to tasks 
• Foggy thinking 
• Difficulty with recall
• Struggles with synthesizing information 
• Challenges with writing
Impaired EF Skills are associated with…
• Learning Disabilities
• Autism
• ADHD and ADD
• Behavior Disorders
• Traumatic Brain Injuries and Stroke Victims
• Associated with poverty
• Associated with Mental Health Disorders such as depression and anxiety
Update Your Tree
Roots of EF Development:
• Self-Awareness
• Strategies
• Practice
• Reflection
The Biggest Idea
Detective Perspective
When your child struggles, ask yourself:
? What skills could they be missing?
? What strategies do they need?
? What can we change in the environment?
Key Phrases to Indicate Missing Skills
“Should” 
You know that when you come into class, you should set up your device… 
You’re in 6th  grade, you should…
“Just” 
Just study more.
Just sit down and focus.
Just ask for help. 
So. Much. Hope. 
Tomorrow at our conference:
Roots
Water
Sunlight
All without adding to your plate!
Thank you!
Sarah Kesty
Sarahkesty.com
sarah@sarahkesty.com
The Executive Function Podcast
2