Executive Function

Blake is struggling to keep his schoolwork, his papers and his things in order. Assignments and permission slips always go missing. Even the class pet disappears (only to be found nesting inside Blake's overstuffed, completely cluttered, bursting-at-the-seams school desk)! With a much-needed assist from his teacher and a timely baseball analogy, Blake finally learns how to get organized.

This story introduces and encourages readers to use SODAS (Situation, Options, Disadvantages, Advantages, and Solution) as a way to logically and thoughtfully figure out how to solve any problem, from the silly to the serious. What's the Problem? adds to the wildly popular Executive FUNction book series.

Focus. Focus. Focus. That's the advice Blake frequently hears but fails to follow. Blake stumbles from one mishap to another because of a complete lack of concentration. He carelessly demolishes a Lego volcano in his rush to look out a window. A baseball bruises his elbow (and ego) because a dirt clod takes his focus off the game. And he ends up all wet when he interrupts his own story to do something foolish. Can using manipulatives, including squishy erasers, stress balls and glove taps, help Blake maintain focus and strengthen his concentration muscles?

Braden's schoolwork seems to be getting tougher. Word problems are more complicated. Reading passages are longer. When he's quizzed on details, they seem to be getting lost in translation. And this is carrying over to home too! With help from a caring teacher and plenty of opportunities to practice at home, Braden starts to learn and practice strategies for improving his working memory! Author and school counselor Bryan Smith offers another funny but relevant story in the very popular Executive Function book series. The included strategies are sure to be useful to all young people (and adults)! Examples model breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable tasks, using mnemonic devices, visualization, and other practical tools for improving working memory!

When Braden wakes up to pouring rain that cancels a championship baseball game he's been excited for, he goes on an overreacting tailspin! Will he be able to recover and practice the tips of flexible thinking? Find out in this comical story.

Blake and Mom explore WHY Blake doesn't want to get started, and they go through a few simple steps on how to take initiative and get things done. Will Blake be able to use these steps to get started on his work at home and school? Find out in the very popular Executive FUNction series.