Posts Tagged ‘executive functioning’
📚 From Academic Burnout to Belonging: A Student’s Journey at TSS
By: Connor Jones | Current TSS High School Student From the outside, TSS is very hidden and unassuming. Driving through Rosslyn, you’d never notice its existence. I never knew how much it would help me. I came to TSS at the beginning of this year. I was at Washington-Liberty High School in Arlington before this. It was overwhelming. I’d always been a good, studious student, but school was getting to be too much. I took the hardest classes because I loved learning, but instead of facilitating my learning, it felt like I was caught up in a cycle of overwhelming busywork that burned me out. I lost my love of learning. New schools are always very scary to go into blind. I knew only one person at Sycamore, and I hadn’t talked to him since elementary school. So you could imagine my relief when, from the moment I walked into…
Read MoreRaising and Educating Our Children During Uncertain Times
Since the new administration took office, there’s been a noticeable surge of anxiety in our community and across the DMV. Many of us are grappling with a sense of unease, unsure how to navigate the wave of political shifts without being consumed by them. How do we provide guidance and support when our fundamental rights and values seem to be called into question? Learn how to stay grounded and seek balance—at home, at school, and in our community.
Read MoreParent Education Speaker Series: Parent Like A Coach by Jane Singleton
Discover how to “Parent Like a Coach” and empower your teen to build independence, confidence, and essential life skills. Join Jane Singleton as she shares practical strategies to help parents foster growth and prepare teens for success in college and beyond. Learn tools to set realistic goals, adapt communication, and support your teen’s journey to adulthood.
Read MoreFrom Graduation to Greatness: Learn How a Gap Year will Enhance Your Teen’s Growth Trajectory
The transition from high school to college can feel overwhelming for both teens and their families, especially when considering a gap year.
That’s why we’ve invited Seth Kessler, Co-Founder of GapWell, to speak to our parents about “From Graduation to Greatness: Learn How a Gap Year Will Enhance Your Teen’s Growth Trajectory.”
In this presentation, we’ll explore the benefits of a gap year, how to determine if it’s the right fit for your teen, and strategies for planning a meaningful gap experience. Join us for valuable insights and practical advice to help your teen thrive during this important stage.
Read MoreYour Neurodiverse Teen and the Launch to College
The transition from high school to college can be incredibly challenging for neurodivergent teens and their families.
That’s why we’ve invited Dr. Andrea Malkin Brenner to come speak to our parents about “Your Neurodiverse Teen and the Launch to College”.
In this presentation, we’ll explore how parents can support their teens in building the self-advocacy skills they need for academic and social success while transitioning from a “fixer” role to a “supporter” role. Join us for helpful insights and practical strategies to guide your teen through this critical stage.
Read MoreFrom Struggling Student to Successful Teacher: My Journey with Executive Functioning Challenges
I was a backpack stuffer. All the papers I received during the day were crumpled and stuffed at the bottom of my backpack, crushed by the weight of objects I didn’t need. I couldn’t find anything. Homework assignments were turned in late or not at all. Permission slips never made it to my parents. And I would rather not discuss what happened to my lunch. I failed every binder test. I didn’t know how to put papers in my binder or manage my time. I couldn’t break down long-term projects into manageable chunks. I struggled. All of this conspired to tank my self-esteem. I wanted to do well in school but didn’t know how. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Looking back, I now know I needed help with executive functioning. Executive functioning is managing time, focusing attention, remembering instructions, prioritizing, and completing multiple tasks. This applies to school, home,…
Read MoreExploring Executive Functioning Skills & Parent Tips
Executive functioning skills are all the skills needed to engage in goal-directed behavior, such as planning a vacation or organizing a birthday party. We use them every day, throughout the day. Many people think of it as organizational skills, but it’s much more. Executive functioning skills also help us with emotional regulation. The Three Categories of Executive Functioning Skills: Executive Functioning is Situational If we think about a student being given an assignment or an activity to do at school, we can describe several different executive functioning skills needed to complete this task successfully. The student first needs to select an approach and figure out how to start the activity. Once they have started, how do they sustain focus and motivation? If they have questions or get stuck, can they ask for help? Then, how do they know when they’re done and have satisfied the requirements? Another area that requires…
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