28 Jun How Executive Dysfunction Can Impact Learning
Cornerstone Protection
836 Euclid Avenue Suite 16, Lexington
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Amazing assistance provided by Shannon today on my security system. I’m so grateful for your prompt, efficient, professional, and courteous service. Put me down as a customer for life!
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One of the most painless experiences I've had. They came on time and was over the moon professional with still keeping a level of personability to it. The gentleman also went out of his way to say that my husband and Mines business … More was appreciated. Which is actually rare to be appreciated by such a great company. So thank you and we look forward to continuing services with this company.
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I am so happy we decided to go with cornerstone. They were quick and efficient. Shannon and the installer we very friendly. We got a lot of equipment and it was still within our budget. 10/10 would definitely recommend! Thank you
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Love the customer service and Shanon and his team go above and beyond for my restaurant. Couldn't of asked for a better security system and level of service that his team provides.
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I have been using Cornerstone Protection service for over 5 years and I'm really happy with the service and state-of-the-art equipments and it's futures are so much in advance and friendly, I highly recommend Cornerstone Protection … More Service any and all business that need a security protection days and nights specially after business hours(Cornerstone Protection is perfect solution for your business). Owner of Cornerstone Protection is proactive with their customers and their equipments. Good experienced with Cornerstone Protection!!!
Kanu Patel -
We had a very positive experience with Alissa as a tutor for our pod of 5th grade boys from January - June 2020. She cared a lot about the boys and worked hard to create meaningful activities for them. The pod experience was invaluable … More for all of our families during a difficult year and we were so grateful to have found this partnership! We also want to appreciate Craig for helping to match us with a tutor on very short notice after we had cycled through a few folks who were not able to see the commitment through. Thanks for sticking with us!
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Dusty was the exact person we needed to help our child finish out the school year. So grateful to him for the way he steadily encouraged her and helped her stay on track and organized. He is flexible, responsive to our needs/schedule as … More a family, and a delight to be with. We are also thankful that Craig at Themba Tutors really "gets it" and partnered us with such a wonderful tutor who was a great fit for our girl.
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My child worked with Gillian D virtually for math enrichment. She is an excellent teacher. She took time to understand my child's specific learning style and provided tools that would be engaging. She was kind and empathetic- really … More made it her goal to connect with my child and build trust and rapport. My child started the school year with confidence and without the typically "brain-drain" that occurs over the summer, thanks to Gillian.
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I am going into my second year as a Themba tutor. I have met so many great individuals while working for this company. Craig and the rest of the Themba team do such an excellent job picking and choosing Themba tutors that suit each client's … More individual needs! I look forward to meeting new tutors and clients in the 2021-2022 school year!
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Our son started in a new high school, 100% remote, and was really struggling with Latin and Physics. I found Themba Tudors online and had an initial call with Craig, who was very knowledgeable, responsive, and found 2 amazing tutors for … More us. Both the Latin and the physics tutors were fantastic, connected with my son really well and helped him go from 'failing' grade to 'honors'! I will for sure continue using (and recommending!) Themba Tutors. Thank you, C, K, and W!
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Brian is a fantastic executive functioning coach. Super helpful, flexible with hours, and tailored the experience to our needs.
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Giulia Mercuri is a great Italian tutor! She was very responsive and accessible. Giulia put a ton of effort into preparing for each session and really helped our son with test preparation and projects. We are grateful that she was able … More to help, especially since our son did not receive any live teaching during COVID. We are happy that she was referred to us! -
As an adult student diagnosed with a learning disability during grad school, I knew I needed help dealing with my Master's program's demanding workload. I was seriously considering dropping out when I was referred to Themba Tutors. … More I was paired up with a wonderful tutor, Julie, who was a total lifesaver. I learned many techniques that I can utilize in the future as I embark on the next phase of my career.
I can wholeheartedly say after working with Themba for two years that I would not have finished my program without this organization. And I am so thankful I selected them. -
We were introduced to a wonderful tutor: Mcedwyn. He and our son, a freshman in college, worked well together. As a result, our son’s grades significantly improved. The tutor taught our son subject content and various methods to effectively … More study for quizzes and exams. Our son was also taught time management and organization. My son’s experience with the tutor made the first year of college a less intimidating experience. -
We have been with our tutor, Cailin Schiller, for two years, from 5th - 7th grade. She started as an executive functioning tutor with my daughter. From the start, she demonstrated a depth of expertise and a selective use of techniques skillfully … More adapted to my daughter’s ADHD and Math disability. Cailin made Math accessible and understandable to her in a way that even her teachers had not been able to do. She differentiated reading, writing and math tasks and assignments to tailor them to my daughter’s unique learning differences. Not only did it have an effect on her grades and her work efficiency, but she finally could do her work with less anxiety. Even my daughter’s teachers used Cailin’s guidance to modify their work with her. But most importantly, she became my daughter’s favorite resource. I can’t say how invaluable Cailin has been to my daughter’s progress and well-being. I’d recommend her a million times over. She is a gem. -
Victoria is a superb tutor. She helped my high school age daughter with her writing. Victoria's skills as a tutor, as well as her sense of humor and her engaging personality went a long way with my daughter. -
Themba Tutors provided a leaning specialist that was a perfect fit for my daughter. I told them what we were looking for and they delivered. Our tutor is responsive and flexible and makes it easy for my daughter to reach out to her own … More her own, which gives her an added sense of responsibility over her learning. As a therapist myself, I now regularly recommend Themba to my patients. A much needed and well provided service to the community!! -
The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them! -
I'm so glad we were referred to Themba Tutors. After a great initial conversation to learn our needs, we were connected with an excellent tutor, Felicia, who is helping our high school daughter learn better organizational and executive … More skills. Highly recommended. -
We had a wonderful experience with our tutor Micaela. She helped our son not only academically but at every level. We will be forever grateful to have her in our lives. -
The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them!
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Paul Smith at Themba has been an exceptional tutor for my son, both in terms of teaching the subject matter and teaching how best to approach the process of learning math and executing assignments. We feel very fortunate to be working with … More Paul. -
We were very lucky to have found Edwouine Swift, my son's therapist through Themba Tutors. Thomas is 12 years old, and it is extremely difficult to get him to write. Edwouine just works her magic with him, he adores her and is so … More eager to follow her guidance. I have no doubt she will be a positive driving force in his academic future.
COULD EXECUTIVE DYSFUNCTION BE THE ROOT CAUSE OF YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING STRUGGLES?
How Executive Dysfunction Can Impact Learning
Have you ever wondered why your bright child struggles to finish homework assignments or chores? Or why do they need help following multi-step instructions? The problem may not be laziness or lack of motivation. It could be an underlying issue with executive function, the set of mental skills that helps us plan, focus attention, and juggle multiple tasks. If your child has trouble getting organized, managing time, controlling emotions, or adapting to changes, they may have executive dysfunction. This often invisible condition can wreak havoc on a child’s ability to learn and thrive in a classroom setting. The good news is, once identified, executive dysfunction is very treatable. Keep reading to find out if your child’s learning struggles could be rooted in problems with executive function and how targeted strategies and interventions can help set them up for success.
What Is Executive Function Disorder and How Does It Impact Learning?
Executive function disorder refers to difficulties with skills that help us plan, focus attention, and juggle multiple tasks. Kids with executive dysfunction struggle with things like:
- Organizing their time, belongings, and responsibilities. They have trouble planning and meeting deadlines.
- Controlling their impulses and adapting to change. They may blurt out answers or have angry outbursts.
- Shifting between activities. Transitioning from one task to another can be challenging.
- Processing and retaining information. They often miss important details and have trouble following multi-step instructions.
If your child exhibits several of these signs, an executive function deficit may impact their learning and behavior. The good news is there are habits and techniques you can implement at home and school to help build these skills.
Providing structure and routine, minimizing distractions, using visual schedules and checklists, and giving one direction at a time can help. Teach your child organizational strategies like color-coding their folders and planner. Set clear rules and reasonable consequences when those rules aren’t followed.
Executive function skills continue to develop into the mid-20s, so with patience, support, and the right interventions, kids can strengthen these abilities over time. The key is identifying the underlying issues, then giving your child the tools and opportunities to improve planning, focus, and self-control to reach their full potential.
If problems persist, consider speaking to doctors, therapists, and teachers about the next steps. With teamwork and the proper resources, executive function difficulties don’t have to hold a child back.
Signs Your Child May Have Issues With Executive Functioning
If your child struggles with staying organized, managing time, controlling emotions, or planning and prioritizing tasks, they may have issues with executive functioning. Some signs to look for:
- Trouble getting started or finishing tasks like homework, chores, or activities. Do they frequently procrastinate or feel overwhelmed by multi-step assignments?
- Poor time management skills. Are they often late, or do they have trouble estimating how long tasks will take to complete? Do they have difficulty switching between tasks efficiently?
- Difficulty managing materials and belongings. Are their backpack, desk, and rooms frequently messy and disorganized? Do they often lose or misplace items like pencils, books, keys, and electronics?
- Impulsiveness and poor decision-making. Do they frequently make hasty choices without considering consequences or alternative options? Do they have trouble adapting when plans change?
- Meltdowns and emotional outbursts. Do they have trouble controlling their emotions and reactions when frustrated, upset, or overstimulated?
If several of these signs sound familiar, your child may struggle with executive dysfunction. The good news is some strategies and interventions can help build these skills. Speaking to doctors, therapists, and counselors about evaluating your child for issues with executive functioning is a great first step. With the proper support and accommodations, kids with executive dysfunction can thrive.
Strategies to Help Build Executive Functioning Skills
Set clear rules and routines.
Establishing consistent rules and routines at home can help build your child’s executive functioning skills. Things like:
- Having a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule, even on weekends. This helps establish their body’s circadian rhythm and makes it easier to focus during the day.
- Designating specific spaces for doing homework, reading, and leisure activities. This clarifies what is expected in each area and helps avoid distractions.
- Setting timers to keep your child on a schedule. For example, set a timer for 30 minutes of homework, then a 5-10 minute break, then back to work. This chunking technique makes tasks feel more manageable.
Provide organizational tools.
Give your child organizational tools and teach them how to use them effectively. Some options include:
- A planner or calendar to keep track of assignments, activities, and events. Review it with them each day and week to provide guidance.
- A filing system for sorting papers into different subjects or classes. This makes finding what they need easier and avoids losing important documents.
- Checklists for common routines like packing a backpack, getting ready for school or doing chores. This helps give them a systematic process to follow.
Offer guidance and support.
Your child’s executive functioning skills still develop, so they need your support and guidance. Some ways to help include:
- Reviewing their planner and to-do lists with them each day. Provide reminders about what needs to get done and help them prioritize important tasks.
- Giving them prompts to start and transition between activities. For example, say, “Time to start your homework” or “Finish up your math problems and then take a quick break.”
- Praising their efforts and accomplishments to keep them motivated. Say things like, “I’m proud of you for starting your homework right away today.” Your encouragement and positive reinforcement can go a long way.
With consistency, the right tools, and your support, your child’s executive functioning abilities will strengthen over time. Be patient through the process and continue to provide opportunities for them to develop these crucial life skills.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Executive dysfunction could be the underlying issue impacting your child’s ability to learn and thrive in school. The good news is, now that you know what you’re dealing with, you’re in a much better position to advocate for your child and get them the help and support they need. Talk to their teachers, doctors, and therapists. Come up with strategies and accommodations that set your child up for success. Help build up those executive skills through practice and patience.
It may not happen overnight, but with understanding, advocacy, and the right interventions, executive function difficulties don’t have to define your child’s academic experience. Stay positive, keep trying different approaches, celebrate small wins, and remember that every child can grow and succeed in their own way. You’ve got this! With love, support, and the determination to never stop trying, you can help your child achieve their full potential despite the challenges of executive dysfunction.
Craig Selinger
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