Most teachers would agree that supporting a child/student with deficits in Executive Functioning skills experience ongoing challenges inside the general education classroom and throughout their school day. These students often times miss whole parts of valuable instruction because their thoughts drift off in another direction, or they are distracted by the girl three seats away twirling her rainbow pencil with the unicorn on top, or they cannot shut out extraneous sounds going on around them to listen to what is important. Our purpose is to provide you with information and Assisitive technology supports that teachers and/or parents can directly utilize when faced with teaching this sect of students.
Our students who have challenges in the area of organization, attention, impulsivity and/or distractions or Executive Functioning require an added layer of Assistive Technology devices or supports so they can be successful in the school setting. How do we facilitate performance through Assistive Technology? The answer is, we facilitate performance through UDL (Universal Design for Learning) , PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Supports), low-tech supports and high tech supports. Additionally, we address the academic and social needs of the student. Through UDL, we can ensure we are offering multiple means of engagement, multiple means of expression, and multiple means of representation.
This is another helpful resouce when learning Assistive Technology that is available for Executive Functioning along with academics, and social-emotional :Learning Works For Kids
Our students who have challenges in the area of organization, attention, impulsivity and/or distractions or Executive Functioning require an added layer of Assistive Technology devices or supports so they can be successful in the school setting. How do we facilitate performance through Assistive Technology? The answer is, we facilitate performance through UDL (Universal Design for Learning) , PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Supports), low-tech supports and high tech supports. Additionally, we address the academic and social needs of the student. Through UDL, we can ensure we are offering multiple means of engagement, multiple means of expression, and multiple means of representation.
This is another helpful resouce when learning Assistive Technology that is available for Executive Functioning along with academics, and social-emotional :Learning Works For Kids
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NO-TECH ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR EF
In the past several years, fidgets have entered the classroom and the research shows that when utilized as an AT device some fidgets actually provide sensory through motor and tactile input without disrupting your neighbor. As well, fidgets can provide support with. focus and attention to our students who have difficulty in this area of executive functioning. Below are 3 of my student top picks and teacher AND student approved. |
THE WOBBLE STOOL is a great no-tech AT support that ranges in size from pre-k to upper grades. Wobble stools are student tested and teacher approved along with being ultra durable. The wobble seat not only helps strengthen kid's core, it increases their concentration, supports engagement for longer periods, and even enhances spatial learning. They run about 60-80$ per stool and worth the investment.
Wobble Seat
Wobble Seat
HIGH-TECH AT FOR EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING
My Token Board
This digital token board is accessible to those that utilize apple products. Apple offers this app for free which is customizable to help motivate students with task initiation, on task behaviors and work completion. It is a reward system that provides a clear visual for children with needs at all ability levels. This token economy is a system that is based on positive reinforcement and systematic reinforcement of targeted behaviors. With this app, the student has a variety of token icons that they can choose. from and a variety of rewards to choose from as well. The adult may choose how many token’s (1, 3, 5, or 10) the student must earn in order to earn the reward. This can support our students with reinforcing positive choices, initiating tasks, on task behaviors, and work completion.
My Token Board
This digital token board is accessible to those that utilize apple products. Apple offers this app for free which is customizable to help motivate students with task initiation, on task behaviors and work completion. It is a reward system that provides a clear visual for children with needs at all ability levels. This token economy is a system that is based on positive reinforcement and systematic reinforcement of targeted behaviors. With this app, the student has a variety of token icons that they can choose. from and a variety of rewards to choose from as well. The adult may choose how many token’s (1, 3, 5, or 10) the student must earn in order to earn the reward. This can support our students with reinforcing positive choices, initiating tasks, on task behaviors, and work completion.
CHOICEWORKS Choiceworks is an excellent AT for our student sect who need frontloading in regards to their daily schedule to support their organizational skills (EF). Kids on the spectrum also benefit from this app
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Habio is a great AT to support kids with executive functioning skills like remembering when homework is due, upcoming projects/tests or even to support healthy habits like drinking water. It also has a journaling tab and will track your progress. This AT is best suited for middle schoolers+.
ADDITIONAL NO TO LOW-TECH IDEAS
School can be hard for students with Executive Functioning challenges because there is a large emphasis on paying attention in class, sitting in desks for long periods of time, organization/sequencing tasks, and controlling impulses. Many of our student's who struggle with EF need consistent rules, intentional scaffolding and. clear routines to be successful. Below you will see a list of evidence-based no-to-low-tech AT that support our students with EF difficulties. This AT can be implemented into a student's daily routine and embedded into their curriculum.
Prioritizing one or two of these supports to implement is best for the student. Likewise, this supports the teacher and support staff to provide predictable consistent implementation.
School can be hard for students with Executive Functioning challenges because there is a large emphasis on paying attention in class, sitting in desks for long periods of time, organization/sequencing tasks, and controlling impulses. Many of our student's who struggle with EF need consistent rules, intentional scaffolding and. clear routines to be successful. Below you will see a list of evidence-based no-to-low-tech AT that support our students with EF difficulties. This AT can be implemented into a student's daily routine and embedded into their curriculum.
Prioritizing one or two of these supports to implement is best for the student. Likewise, this supports the teacher and support staff to provide predictable consistent implementation.
- Written and posted daily schedules and assignments
- At least one day notice (when possible) for schedule changes
- Consistent schedules (as much as possible)
- Pair verbal directions with visual instructions (task cards, demonstration, etc.)
- Chunk assignments or test questions with breaks and positive feedback in between
- Develop a private signal or cue to the student to redirect their attention for on-task behavior
- Offer UDL/DI when possible, while focusing on the student's personal needs.
- Allow the student to stand while working or listening
- Use chimes, songs, bell, timer-- to signal transitions.
- Provide cue (1-2 minute notifications) before an activity is about to end or begin
- Utilize color. It is effective in getting attention.
- Be aware of competing sounds in your room environment (such as noisy heaters or air conditioning unit) and minimize when possible.
- Read aloud test questions. Although the student may have average or above average reading ability, teacher read directions/ questions supports student to maintain focus.
- Allow sound reducing headphones.
- Make sure the classroom environment is not overstimulating, by reducing any possible distractions and allow students to sit near the teacher for proximity control
- Utilize assistive technologies like flexible desks and chairs are options that can be helpful to students with ADHD.
- Provide positive and immediate feedback for good and wanted behavior.
