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
Many high school students have challenges that follow them into college, but it is possible to break the cycle. One Applerouth student, Jasmine, was struggling with high school AP Calculus and AP Physics when she and her parents came to us for help. With the guidance of an expert mathematics tutor, Jasmine realized her abilities to excel in calc and physics – she just needed someone to cut out the confusion, and take the time to clarify things enough so she could ride that boost of confidence. When Jasmine later transitioned to college, she happily reported to her tutor that she was able to smoothly and successfully complete college-level statistics.
Another student, Jay, sought our help as he was graduating from high school. He had been feeling overwhelmed by the transition to college-level classes, which is a feeling many students share. We know it often only takes a few habit adjustments to clear their way for success…so we got to work, and so did Jay. Applerouth matched him with one of our tutors that we knew would be great at providing academic and strategic support, while helping Jay to establish a stronger foundation of executive functioning skills. Jay made huge strides and learned to settle into his new expectations in a college environment. He had a successful freshman year of college, but more importantly, he has walked away with stronger study skills that he can use throughout his academic career.
Approach
- When Jay and Jasmine’s parents found us, they were feeling apprehensive about their students’ struggles with subjects they knew would only become more challenging in college. First, their tutors addressed the challenges they were experiencing in their high school AP classes. After working from that level, they began to start focusing with them on what to expect – and the habits that are most helpful – in the college environment.
- Once Jay and Jasmine began college, their Applerouth tutors continued to assist them in navigating their classes in order to make sure they never fell behind. This is important because the sooner you bring light to confusion, the quicker and easier it is to untangle!
- They continued to focus on sharpening their executive functioning in order to adjust to the new pace that university classes demand. In the process, they gained better learning skills they can use time and time again.
Outcome
Both Jasmine and Jay successfully overcame their academic challenges, preparing for and keeping pace with college classes. They gained resilience and effective learning strategies they could use in both high school and college, as well as in their overall lives.
*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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