Promoting Executive Function in the Classroom

Accessible and practical, this book helps teachers incorporate executive function processes - such as planning, organizing, prioritizing, and self-checking - into the classroom curriculum. Chapters provide effective strategies for optimizing what K'12 students learn by improving how they learn. Noted authority Lynn Meltzer and her research associates present a wealth of easy-to-implement assessment tools, teaching techniques and activities, and planning aids. Featuring numerous whole-class ideas and suggestions, the book also covers the nuts and bolts of differentiating instruction for students with learning or attention difficulties. Case examples illustrate individualized teaching strategies and classroom accommodations. Fifteen reproducibles are included; the large-size format facilitates photocopying and day-to-day reference.This book will be invaluable to classroom teachers and special educators in grades K-12, teacher educators, school psychologists, and neuropsychologists.

I. Understanding Executive Function: The Challenge for 21st-Century Teachers 1. Understanding, Assessing, and Teaching Executive Function Processes: The Why, What, and How, Lynn Meltzer 2. Creating a Classroomwide Executive Function Culture That Fosters Strategy Use, Motivation, and Resilience, Lynn Meltzer and Surina Basho II. Scaffolding Executive Function Processes into the Curriculum Content 3. Goal Setting, Planning, and Prioritizing: The Foundations of Effective Learning, Kalyani Krishnan, Melissa J. Feller, and Melissa Orkin 4. Organizing: The Heart of Efficient and Successful Learning, Kalyani Krishnan and Melissa J. Feller 5. Remembering: Teaching Students How to Retain and Mentally Manipulate Information, Donna M. Kincaid and Nancy Trautman 6. Shifting and Flexible Problem Solving: The Anchors for Academic and Life Success, Lynn Meltzer and Jennifer Sage Bagnato 7. Self-Monitoring and Self-Checking: The Cornerstones of Independent Learning, Jennifer Sage Bagnato and Lynn Meltzer 8. Emotional Self-Regulation: A Critical Component of Executive Function, Judith A. Stein III. Case Studies: Addressing Executive Function Weaknesses across the Grades, Lena Hannus-Suksi, Laura Sales Pollica, Wendy Stacey, Melissa J. Feller, and Jason Bendezu Appendix: Reproducibles for the Classroom