Get motivated and organized to thrive.
Master six core skills that form the foundation of success.
What is Executive Functioning?
Executive functioning is a psychological term for the skills that help us get things done. At Applerouth, we break them down into 6 core skills that can make the difference between stress and success in school.
What does EF encompass?
Let's break down these crucial skills, and all the subskills involved. These can make a big impact on your learning experience.
Planning
- Setting goals
- Prioritizing
- Time management
- Breaking big assignments into smaller tasks
Organization
- Creating and maintaining schedules/routines
- Using calendars + planners
- Keeping track of information + materials
Attention
- Shifting attention from tasks you like to ones you don't
- Keeping attention on a situation or task in spite of distractions or boredom
- Working memory - keeping information in mind to complete a task
Flexibility
- Making changes when needed
- Adjusting to obstacles, setbacks, new information, or mistakes
- Tolerating unexpected changes in plans
Self-Management
- Getting motivated + starting tasks
- Sticking with a task or project to meet a goal
- Managing emotions + anxiety
- Controlling impulses
- Handling frustration
- Self-awareness/self-reflection
Self-Advocacy
- Knowing when you need help
- Asking for help
- Finding helpful people, tools, or resources
- Knowing your strengths + weaknesses
Is EF Coaching the Answer?
Students with lagging EF skills can experience grades that don’t meet their potential, low academic confidence, and lack of motivation. We can help you break the cycle. Our EF Coaches work with a wide range of students in grades 4 through 12 and college, including:
- Students with demanding schedules
- Gifted and twice-exceptional (“2e’) students
- Students with ADHD, LDs (like dyslexia), or autism
Take a Quiz
Take the short quiz below to assess your student’s executive function skills.
Schedule a Consultation
Talk with a Program Director to learn more about executive functioning and your student's needs.
Start a Coaching Plan
Follow a schedule of weekly,
30 to 45-minute coaching sessions.
Support Your Student’s College Essays without Hijacking the Process
Guest speaker Susan Knoppow will show parents how to help their students navigate common essay challenges, provide meaningful feedback, and encourage an authentic voice – without overstepping.
"Our coach has been great at helping my son with strategies on how to stay organized, plan for the future, and remember what he has due/to do. She has managed to help my son do all of this without making him feel anxious or overwhelmed - he seems to feel more confident and in control."
Reviews
Applerouth Student, El Paso, TX
EF Coaching parent, Spring
EF Coaching Parent, Spring
STUDENT CASE STUDY
Background
Tammy was in 7th grade when her parents reached out to us. She was struggling with her executive functioning skills, and specifically, with a low C in her geometry class. As can be commonplace at her age, her social life was overshadowing her focus on academics. After assessing all the details, we matched Tammy with a Premium Applerouth Tutor with an aptitude for helping students shift their focus and manage their motivation. In Tammy’s case, the tutor recognized the importance of addressing executive function skills and study habits. She learned that she had the power to improve her low C in math on her own with simple habit tweaks.
Overall, Tammy’s executive functioning skills improved, and she learned the key skill of managing her priorities when necessary. Her tutoring journey continued into high school, where she was excelling in geometry class. This reflects the impressive gains that Tammy has made in her overall focus and in her executive functioning skills!
Approach
- Tammy came to us struggling academically. We identified one of the main causes to be a lack of executive functioning skills.
- With her newfound knowledge of executive functioning, Tammy was able to become aware of her most effective personal motivators.
- She was able to transition to structured, goal-oriented meetings throughout her time with us.
Outcome
Tammy, now a high school freshman excelling in geometry, demonstrates how improved organizational skills and motivation can help students excel by leaps and bounds. Tammy was able to move beyond her previous academic barriers with simple techniques. A little help can truly make big ripples in a student’s academic journey.
*Student's name and likeness have been changed for privacy.
Applerouth's Process
From advisement to post-service follow up, we come alongside you on your journey.
1. Craft a plan.
Schedule an appointment with a Program Director to discuss which of our learning experiences would work best for you.
2. Tutor matching.
Get matched to the perfect tutor for you, based on learning needs, personality, and educational goals.
3. Start learning.
Make leaps and bounds in whatever it is you need help with the most - and then some. Get ready to feel more confident by the end.
Skill Quiz
Take the short quiz below to assess your student’s executive function skills.
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