Actionable Examples from the Podcast

✅ The Five-Minute Start Strategy – Set a timer for just five minutes and have students begin with the easiest part of the task. Once completed, they can choose to continue or take a break.

✅ Traffic Light Task System – Organise assignments using green (easy), yellow (medium), and red (difficult) coding. Students always start with green tasks to build momentum.

✅ Dopamine Boosters Before Work – Allow students to listen to gaming music, have a healthy snack, or share two fun facts about their special interest before starting tasks.

✅ Multi-Step Instruction Breakdown – Provide visual step-by-step instructions instead of verbal multi-step directions. Print or display each step clearly.

✅ Equipment Management System – Create organized pencil cases with only essential items, provide backup supplies at the door, and use color-coding systems.

✅ Time Timer Visual Support – Use visual time timers that show time passing rather than just digital numbers to help students with time blindness.

✅ Body Movement Task Breaks – Send students on classroom errands, have them do simple movements, or allow brief special interest discussions to reset their brain state.

✅ Defined Group Work Roles – Assign specific jobs to each group member (timekeeper, recorder, materials manager, reporter) rather than leaving roles undefined.

✅ Now-Next-Later Visual Framework – Use visual schedules showing current task, next activity, and later reward to maintain motivation and reduce anxiety.

Great Resources to Support and Understand Executive Functioning

Sue Larkey Books