Coaching Younger Children
Coaching can be quite an adventure, especially for younger students! Before diving into planners, tracking assignments, writing essays, and preparing for big exams, it’s important to focus on developing some foundational Executive Functions. Kids who start with these basic skills tend to transition into advanced ones more smoothly, especially as they move into middle and high school—and college!
The primary Executive Functions we are targeting at this age are:
Attention - The ability to focus on tasks, ignore distractions, and maintain concentration over time. Children with strong attention skills can prioritize their tasks and stay on track more effectively.
Cognitive Flexibility - The skill to adapt to new situations, switch between tasks, adjust to new rules, consider multiple perspectives, and think about diverse concepts simultaneously. It promotes problem-solving and creativity.
Working Memory - Working memory is the ability to hold and manipulate information temporarily. This skill is crucial for following multi-step instructions, such as those given in math problems or during classroom activities. Strong working memory supports learning and comprehension.
Regulation (of our thoughts, emotions, and our actions) - This function involves managing one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors effectively. It includes self-control, impulse regulation, and emotional awareness. Good regulation helps children navigate social interactions, cope with stress, and make thoughtful decisions.
These Executive Functions are interconnected and play a crucial role in a child's ability to succeed developmentally, academically, and socially!
Students at this age are incredibly curious and are still learning social cues and adult interactions. For that reason, I ONLY SEE ELEMENTARY-AGED STUDENTS IN PERSON. An occasional online call might happen, but most of our learning is face-to-face and hands-on. I find that connecting with my students and helping them understand their brains happens more effectively and creates more stable, longer-lasting change than a strictly online environment.