Executive Functioning

Pick Up Sticks: An Essential Skill Builder!

As an elementary school counselor, I am always on the lookout for innovative and effective ways to teach social-emotional skills to the students I work with. Amidst the myriad of resources available, I have found that classic table and floor games offer a delightful and engaging approach to developing essential life skills.  One classic game […]

Pick Up Sticks: An Essential Skill Builder! Read More »

Ned’s Head: An Engaging Game and Powerful Teaching Tool

As an elementary school counselor, I’m always on the lookout for engaging tools to teach social-emotional skills. Enter What’s in Ned’s Head, a whimsical game that has become a favorite game in my counseling sessions. This quirky and delightful game not only captivates young minds but also provides practical ways to illustrate inside-the-head and outside-the-head

Ned’s Head: An Engaging Game and Powerful Teaching Tool Read More »

Help Kids See Into the Future: A Tool for ADHD

Does your child frequently show up unprepared for events or activities, resulting in negative consequences?  Do you find yourself feeling frustrated by their inability to plan ahead or make thoughtful decisions? Are your well-intentioned warnings ignored by your child, despite their feelings of regret later?  If these challenges resonate with you, you are not alone.

Help Kids See Into the Future: A Tool for ADHD Read More »

Standing Out & Blending In – Lessons from a Sea Dragon

Have you ever seen a sea dragon? When encountering the awe-inspiring beauty and gracefulness of a sea dragon gliding through the water, it’s hard not to be captivated. These majestic creatures possess a remarkable ability to blend into their surroundings, ensuring their safety and survival in the vast ocean. As I stood in wonder, observing

Standing Out & Blending In – Lessons from a Sea Dragon Read More »

Exploring the Great Outdoors: 5 Benefits for Children

Recently, I took a leisurely walk with some friends. One friend brought along her preschool-aged children, and watching them explore and interact with nature was a joyous sight. It was a breath of fresh air, both literally and metaphorically. The experience made me reflect on the incredible importance of outdoor adventures for young children, particularly

Exploring the Great Outdoors: 5 Benefits for Children Read More »

A Mental Dress Rehearsal: Planning in Your Mind

As the sun begins to set, you find yourself sitting behind the wheel of your car, ready to embark on a flurry of evening activities. As you navigate the familiar route home, your mind springs into action, engaging in a mental dress rehearsal of the tasks that lie ahead. You mentally choreograph the evening’s agenda—picking

A Mental Dress Rehearsal: Planning in Your Mind Read More »

Finger Traps: Fun Toys for Powerful Lessons

Finger traps are simple yet intriguing little toys made from woven bamboo, paper, or plastic. They consist of a hollow, tubular structure with open ends. When you insert your fingers into each end and attempt to pull them out, the trap tightens around your fingers, making it challenging to free yourself. The more you try

Finger Traps: Fun Toys for Powerful Lessons Read More »

 If You Give a Kid a Cell Phone: Nurturing Digital Citizens

We live in an age where technology has become an integral part of our lives, and children are being given cell phones at younger and younger ages. Inspired by the beloved children’s book “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” let’s delve into the topic of giving a kid a cell phone and the crucial

 If You Give a Kid a Cell Phone: Nurturing Digital Citizens Read More »

Affirmations: Powerful Little Pep Talks for Your Brain

Hi everyone! Have you ever heard of affirmations? Affirmations are simple, positive statements that we repeat to ourselves to provide encouragement and motivation. And did you know that they are based on science? Our brain’s language is repetition. Whatever we say or think or do repeatedly sticks in our brain. When we practice doing something

Affirmations: Powerful Little Pep Talks for Your Brain Read More »

Winter Fun Boosts Executive Function Skills in Children

Winter is the perfect time to have some fun and strengthen those important executive function skills in children! Executive function skills include things like planning, decision making, problem solving, and impulse control, which can help kids do better in school, make healthier choices, and build better relationships with others. So, let’s bundle up and get

Winter Fun Boosts Executive Function Skills in Children Read More »