The Executive Function Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep 11: Helpless? "Bad kid?" The third option: strategies! Feb 28, 2020

Show notes

When we ask kids to be good at pretty much everything (all academic areas, plus PE, plus social-emotional skills) without considering where they start or what challenges they face, we push them into one of two roads: 1) the frustrated and helpless, maybe take a chance and ask for help (and risk being seen as "dumb" by others road or 2) the act like I don't care and maybe even bad enough to get kicked out of this class because I hate it anyway road. Not great options. But, when we help kids embrace strategizing the struggle, we can present them with a third road: 3) the this is hard but I'm going to try some strategies because everyone needs help and new approaches sometimes road. Listen in to learn how to get your child or class to see and travel this third road. Hey kid pep talk is at 12:58. All my love to my EF tribe, Sarah

Audience: Students and parents, school context

Ep 10. How to get un-stuck and start a task (strategies for task initiation) Feb 14, 2020

Show notes

Getting started on anything is tougher than we might think...The amount of brain processes that are involved in taking any first step will astound you. And, luckily, we can strategize to support many of them! Hey Kid Pep Talk is at 20:28. And PS my mouth said "deficit" when my brain meant "detriment," advanced apologies to my grammar peeps! All my love, Sarah

Audience: all ages and contexts

Ep 9: Results Feb 06, 2020

Show notes

If your kid seems genuinely baffled by the results of their actions...this episode is for you! Kids with EF needs often feel like life happens to them, and they need support to see that they indeed have more power than they think! Today I teach you how to "close the feedback loop," helping kids see that their choices create consequences (positive and negative!) This is a beefy episode, worth a few listens. Your challenge this week is to start pointing out what your child does right, specifically connecting their choice to the positive results they created, in the moment. You'll start to see an empowered shift in your child or student! Hey Kid Pep Talk is at 11:55. All my love, Sarah

Audience: Students and parents, school context

Ep 8: Paying attention...it's not what you think! Jan 30, 2020

Show notes

We’re talking about attention. Not the kind that comes naturally or you want to give freely, but the kind we ask kids to pay. Today I’m going to teach you quick strategies to improve your child’s attention and improve your understanding of your child’s brain! This episode celebrates our bright and misunderstood kids' success stories! Hey Kid pep talk is at 17:40. All my love, Sarah

Audience: all ages and contexts

Ep 7: How to set up a planner or agenda with your child! Jan 23, 2020

Show notes

Which planner is best for my child with executive function needs? Digital or paper? Or, is it better to make one on our own? Where do you start? This episode explores all of these questions and more! Learn what is essential, optional, and customizable for a planner for students middle school through college! Downloadable planner pages to try out are at sarahkesty.com/episode7. All my love, Sarah

Audience: all ages and contexts

Ep 6: Reflections and Resolutions for students who struggle Dec 30, 2019

Show notes

New year, new semester...they often mean a fresh start. But, using the same methods to get the "fresh start" just won't work. Learn how to monitor and improve your reactions when your child or student "misbehaves," how to use reflective listening to get great reflections from your child, and how to use in-the-moment feedback to support your child's resolutions or goals. New Year, here we come! For a list of the questions and talking points in this episode, visit SarahKesty.com. Pep talk is at 20:30. All my love and Happy New Year! Sarah

Audience: Students and parents, school context

Ep 5: How to study (and not waste time or go against your brain) Dec 16, 2019

Show notes

We tell our kids to "study" for tests...but we hardly tell them how. It could be because we don't actually know either! This episode shares the top strategies for studying anything, at any grade level. It also tells you what not to do (i.e. cram all night or reread the text) so that your efforts aren't going against your brain. Science taught me these tips. I tested them with my students. Now I'm sharing them with you! Pep talk is at 15:45 and will share the strategies in student-friendly language. We got this, my wonderful tribe! All my love, Sarah

Audience: Students and parents, school context

Ep 4: Last minute grade-saving strategies that work! Dec 12, 2019

Show notes

The semester's almost over, and you're likely feeling the pressure. It's important to know where to put your last-minute energy to get the most from your efforts. Listen this week to learn top strategies for grade saving now and next semester. These methods work from middle school through college! Grades are not who your child is, but they do matter for their future. Hey kid Pep Talk is at 14:30. Our challenge this week is to just get through, and there are some great graphics (to use as visual prompts on your phone background etc) at facebook.com/executivefunctionpodcast. Sending all my love to you! Sarah

Audience: Students and parents, school context

Ep 3: How do I best help without over-helping my kid with executive function needs? Dec 05, 2019

Show notes

Do you worry that you help your kid too much? Maybe you stress that they'll never be independent but then still find yourself bailing them out in the 11th hour? Knowing how much and what type of help to give is tricky! This episode gets you out of old patterns and into new ways to help your child when you Strategize the Struggle! Hey Kid! Pep talk is at 18:30 Visuals of the questions to ask are at: sarahkesty.com/episode3. Thanks for listening! If you haven't already, please rate and review our show! It really does help! All my love, Sarah

Audience: all ages and contexts

Ep 2: Why smart kids fail school Nov 28, 2019

Show notes

This episode asks you to challenge your assumption that the "behaviors" that drive you crazy are choices, not missing skills. Our kid pep talk will reveal three teacher secrets that every kid needs to remember! And our example story may sound just like a kid you know and love!

This week's challenge is available at sarahkesty.com/episode2 (a reflection to start wondering if it's behavior or a missing skill). In this episode, you will hear: 1:06 Meet Aubrie--a brilliant student who lacks executive function; 7:30 2 important differences about Aubrie's success; 9:03 Why smart kids fail; 11:00 Are you making an assumption that inhibits growth and peace?; 11:10 Oh Should!; 15:20 A reflection for a healthier dynamic; 20:00 Pep talk!

I can't wait to hear what you think! Let me know on social or at sarah @ sarahkesty.com. Have a great week and all my love,

Sarah

Audience: Students and parents, school context

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