Let’s be real, teaching executive functioning skills is not for the faint of heart! These are essential, mental skills that help us function across the day. Executive functioning skills consist of skills like organization, time management, and work initiation. Often times with students, it seems like us teachers can easily surrender to, “Well, they’re always going to be a super rigid thinker,” or “They’re just really messy!”
What if you could actually teach these skills?
We’ve all heard the saying, “The first step is admitting you have a problem!” Well, we need our students to realize that some or many of these executive functioning skills are growth areas for them.
I created sets of visual e-books that focus on executive functioning skills for this reason specifically. How can students become more organized if they don’t really even know what that means? These e-books use real photos ONLY to ensure they are accessible for students across the age span, and include diverse photos of children. They explicitly define executive functioning skills like flexible thinking and mindfulness. 
Many of my students are reluctant readers.
I totally understand. Many of my students over the years would have ran away and hid if I asked them to independently access these e-books. I created companion narrated videos where I read the e-book aloud. This allows students to access these at home, independently at a center, and gives students the access they need.
Tips included!
I didn’t leave you hanging. In addition to defining the skills we’re hoping to strengthen in our students, every e-book has tangible skills students can try. Not all minds are the same, so I ensured I added multiple exemplars so students could try a variety of tools and rely on which ones work specifically for them.
These e-books read a bit like social scripts, and are perfect for individual students or whole class access. In fact, I used the focus e-book with a whole cohort of 4th grade students! They mention and rely on the skills taught all. the. time.
Check out the bundle that includes all of the executive functioning e-books I have created, and take a look at individual topics if there’s a specific one you’re looking for.
What other e-book topics would be helpful to add to this product line? Comment below and let me know!
Teaching executive functioning skills is HARD. Try these e-books and lessen the load!
