Supporting Executive Functioning Skills in the Classroom: Why I Created a 24-Week Resource and How It Can Help Your Students
Why Executive Functioning Skills Matter for Every Learner
As a special education teacher, one of the biggest challenges I see my students face isn’t academic content — it’s the skills behind the skills. Things like starting a task, managing time, staying organized, and handling big feelings when something unexpected happens. These aren’t just classroom skills — they’re life skills. And for many neurodivergent students, executive functioning abilities don’t always come naturally.
That’s why I created the 24-Week Executive Functioning Skills Bundle — a resource designed to teach and reinforce these essential skills in a clear, supportive, and manageable way.
What Is Executive Functioning and Why Does It Matter?
Executive functioning is a set of mental skills that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle tasks. Think of it as the brain’s management system. When students struggle with executive functioning, you may see:
- Avoiding tasks or never starting them
- Forgetting materials or steps
- Meltdowns during transitions
- Struggling to solve simple problems
- Getting overwhelmed when routines change
The good news? These skills can — and should — be taught explicitly.
Inside the 24-Week Bundle
This bundle is flexible and easy to use, whether you're teaching in a special education classroom, general ed, a small group, or at home. It's broken down into 24 weekly themes, with each week targeting a core executive functioning skill, such as:
- Task initiation
- Time management
- Emotional regulation
- Transitioning between activities
- Organization
- Problem-solving
Each weekly set includes:
- A teaching passage or social story
- Visual supports and checklists
- Practice worksheets
- Real-life scenarios
- Reflection prompts
Use them daily or spread them out — I love them for morning meetings, SEL groups, or purposeful brain breaks!
Why I Use This Bundle Again and Again
What I loved most when creating (and using) this bundle was seeing how small, consistent conversations helped students grow. I watched students who once froze up during transitions begin to use a checklist and self-regulate. I saw kids start to ask for help instead of shutting down.
It’s also incredibly versatile — use it proactively to build skills or reactively to address challenges. It works well for upper elementary and middle school but can be adapted for other ages, too.
Who Is It For?
Originally designed for students with ADHD, autism, and executive functioning difficulties, this bundle has proven helpful for all students. General ed teachers, school counselors, and parents alike have used it to build structure and routines in meaningful ways.
Final Thoughts
Executive functioning skills influence everything — from learning and routines to social success and independence. Teaching them doesn’t just help kids stay on track — it sets them up for life.
If you’re a teacher, parent, or therapist looking for a ready-to-go way to support these skills, I hope this bundle is just what you need.
Click here to explore the full 24-Week Executive Functioning Skills Bundle — and let me know how it works for your students!
