Executive function toolkit: getting things done and scheduling

 

Executive functioning (EF) is the ability to plan and manage one’s life. It includes things like time management, task initiation, problem solving, verbal reasoning, persistence, attention and emotional regulation. Many people with EF challenges struggle to get things done.

 

1. The "Non-Negotiable" Schedule Trick 📅
   Just like basketball practice or doctor appointments, study time goes directly into their calendar. Here's why this works: When study time is treated as important as other activities, it's no longer optional. No more "I'll do it later" excuses!

 

2.      Time robbers “The concept of “time robbers” can be a fun way to call to attention all the little (or maybe not so little) things we do that take away from our goal. “ (Van Zandt). Identify your time robbers and think up ways to prevent them. If you get up to get a drink repeatedly, have a bottle of water on standby. If you look out the window and get distracted, do not face the window. Silence notifications on your phone and set it out of reach.

 

 

 

3.      https://gpsparentseries.org/events/sarah-ward-kristen-jacobsen/

4.      Checklists are a marvelous tool for getting things done. They help surgeons perform their work successfully and pilots fly their planes. Make a list, you might have parts of a job listed (clean your room might include- dishes to dishwasher, dirty clothes to hamper, clean clothes to dresser/closet, school supplies on desk, bed made) and cross things off as you go.

5.      Establish routines. Bedtime might include pick up your toys, get backpack ready for school tomorrow, put electronic devices on charger, brush teeth, wash face, put on PJs, put dirty clothes in the hamper, read a story with an adult, go to bed. Coming home from school might be: have snack, go to the bathroom, do your homework, complete your chores. A checklist or picture schedule could be used to help ensure each step gets done. Once the child is very successful with the routine, you can wean them from the routine list. If they get off track, ask, “What is the next step?” Having routines for daily/ weekly tasks saves mental energy and ensures things get done.

6.      Get things Done (GTD) system- David Allen’s strategy is described by Rebekah Pierce is good for older children and adults and will require lots of training and support.

1.      Capture- write down all the things that need to be done. Electronics might be useful, or might be a distraction, you have to experiment to see what works for you. Photos or event reminders might be used. Todoist is an app that might be useful for older children and adults. Google calendar might be useful for some.

2.      Clarify-

1.      anything that needs 2 minutes or less, do now.

2.      Delegate what can/should be delegated

3.      Give it a due date

4.      Delete unimportant things

5.      Be specific as possible

3.      Organize- Categorize items (homework, chores, recreation,…) and determine the time needed to complete them

4.      Engage- do it

1.      Context- what can be done now (riding in the car you cannot compose a paper, but you might be able to listen to an audiobook)

2.      Time- how much time is available now. Match required time with available time

3.      Energy- how much energy do you have to complete the tasks. Put hard/demanding tasks when you have energy

4.      Priority- what is most important

5.      reflect

Source: https://lifesuccessforteenswebinar.com/training?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email+marketing&utm_campaign=Back+By+Popular+Demand:+Straight-A+Student+Tips+for+the+New+School+Year+%F0%9F%93%9A+(12-07-2025)

https://lunchbuddiesplus.wordpress.com/2018/04/19/time-robbers/

Van Zandt, L. (2017) https://eastersealsdfvr.wordpress.com/2017/06/13/executive-functioning-skills-co-op-model-part-3-time-robbers/