Strategizing Solutions

Tag: Education

  • Understanding Executive Function Skills

    Understanding Executive Function Skills

    Assessing executive abilities in both yourself and your child is an important exercise that offers insights into shared strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas where differences may arise. Executive skills are essential cognitive capabilities that encompass planning, organizing, time management, sustained attention, cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, and more.

    There are numerous free assessments available online to evaluate your Executive Function strengths and weaknesses. Here are a couple of assessments that I find valuable. They all are created by Dr. Peg Dawson and Dr. Richard Guare, esteemed authors of the book Smart But Scattered. I highly recommend exploring this book, as it is a fantastic resource for understanding and improving executive function skills. Remember, even the most organized among us could use a little help navigating the chaos of life!

  • The 3-Minute Rule: Your Secret Weapon Against Procrastination

    The 3-Minute Rule: Your Secret Weapon Against Procrastination

    Be honest—how many times have you ignored that one tiny task (like replying to a short email) only to find it haunting you later like a ghost in your inbox? Or maybe you let a sink cup sit there long enough to start its own ecosystem? Those little jobs might seem harmless, but when they pile up, they’re like gremlins: small, annoying, and multiplying when you’re not looking.

    Enter: The 3-Minute Rule.

    What Is the 3-Minute Rule?

    The 3-Minute Rule is basically a productivity hack disguised as common sense. It goes like this: if a task takes three minutes or less, do it immediately. No bargaining, no “I’ll do it later,” no dramatic sighing while scrolling on your phone. Just do it.

    Examples?

    • Reply to that two-sentence email.
    • Toss the junk mail in the trash.
    • Rinse the dish (instead of building a leaning tower of cereal bowls).
    • Pay the bill that takes less time than checking Instagram.

    It’s not about rushing through life—it’s about stopping the small stuff from turning into a mountain of stress. Think of it as housekeeping for your brain.

    Why Does It Work?

    1. Prevents Overwhelm: You never let the molehills turn into mountains.
    2. Quick Wins: Tiny victories feel good—like checking something off your list instantly.
    3. Builds Momentum: Completing something small gives you the push to tackle bigger tasks.
    4. Reduces Mental Clutter: Fewer “ugh, I still need to do that” thoughts bouncing around in your head.

    Basically, any moment that might otherwise be wasted can turn into a productivity booster.

    Reflect and Adjust

    Ask yourself:

    • What little tasks am I actually doing right away?
    • Which ones am I still pushing off (and why)?
    • How can I tweak my routine so the 3-Minute Rule feels natural instead of forced?

    Final Thoughts

    The 3-Minute Rule isn’t about speed—it’s about strategy. Every quick task you finish clears out mental clutter and saves you from future chaos. Try it for a week, and you might be surprised how much lighter your brain (and your to-do list) feels.

    Remember: if it takes less time than scrolling TikTok, just get it done.

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  • What Are These Fancy Executive Functioning Skills Anyway?

    What Are These Fancy Executive Functioning Skills Anyway?

    Executive Functioning Skills (EFS) are like the bossy bosses in our brains that help us get things done without losing our minds. Imagine them as the secret agents making sure you don’t forget your keys or wear your shirt inside out. These skills include planning (the mastermind), organization (the neat freak), time management (the clock whisperer), metacognition (the thinker), working memory (the memory wizard), self-control (the superhero),
    attention (the focus guru), flexibility (the adaptability champ), and perseverance (the never-give-up trooper).

    • Planning: It’s like creating a game plan before you dive into something, making a checklist so you don’t end up painting your cat instead of the fence.
    • Organization: Think of it as your brain’s Marie Kondo, keeping things tidy and making sure you don’t lose your homework under a pile of socks.
    • Task Initiation: The art of not procrastinating, especially when faced with dreaded tasks like cleaning dishes or solving algebra.
    • Time Management: Using your time wisely to avoid last-minute panic attacks and actually have time for fun stuff too.
    • Attention: The power to focus, ignore distractions, and zone in on what really matters, like avoiding daydreaming during math class.
    • Metacognition: Thinking about your own thinking, crucial for acing tests and not accidentally wearing your shirt inside out.
    • Working Memory: Think of it as your brain’s sticky notepad, holding onto important info while you multitask like a pro. It’s like having a mental juggling act, keeping track of numbers, details, and directions without dropping the ball.
    • Self-Control: Hitting pause on impulsive decisions, like not interrupting the teacher mid-sentence or resisting the urge to eat dessert first.
    • Flexibility: Rolling with the punches when things don’t go as planned, like when your experiment turns your volcano into a fizzy mess.
    • Perseverance: Pushing through challenges like a champ, trying new tactics, and never giving up, even when frustrations make you want to scream.

    Why Dive into the Wacky World of Executive Functioning Skills?

    These skills are like the Avengers of our brains, saving the day in every sticky situation. They help us ace projects, find our lost shoes, and resist the urge to break into a happy dance in the middle of a serious meeting. Mastering them sets you up for success, both in school and the wild world beyond. So, let’s give a round of applause to our brainy buddies, the Executive Functioning Skills! 🧠🌟

  • Hello World!

    Hello World!

    Hey everyone, and welcome to my little corner of the internet – where I am all about making education, ADHD, and Executive Functioning a breeze (well, as breezy as they can be)!

    I’ve been rocking the classroom for over 25 years, teaching Social Studies to some seriously awesome middle schoolers at an AWESOME Central Ohio middle School. But wait, there’s more! When the school day ends, I switch gears and become an Executive Function Coach, helping students and families conquer the chaos and master the art of getting stuff done.

    But let me rewind a bit. My journey into the world of ADHD and Executive Functioning started with a little family adventure. Yep, you guessed it – my own kiddo hit some speed bumps along the way. Cue the learning curve! Through all the ups and downs, I’ve gained some serious insights into what it’s like to navigate ADHD and Executive Functioning hurdles.

    Now, here’s where the fun kicks in. I’ve made it my mission to dive headfirst into learning and growing right alongside my students and fellow parents. From earning certificates to nerding out at professional development events, I’m all about adding some extra sparkle to my teaching toolkit.

    So, why this blog? Well, I’m all about creating a space where we can swap stories, share tips, and maybe even share a few laughs about the wild ride that is tackling ADHD and Executive Functioning challenges. Because let’s be real – a little laughter goes a long way when you’re juggling school, work, and everything in between!

    Thanks for joining me on this adventure! Together, let’s turn those everyday hurdles into triumphs – one blog post at a time. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen!