Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Grades 3-12

“Classroom teachers know they are teaching content and do it well. Yet more importantly, they are teaching their students how to learn and that takes executive functioning. Weathers’ book provides research-backed, immediately applicable strategies to support the development of executive functioning in one’s classroom. It’s beyond helpful, whether you finish feeling validated, get good reminders, or new learning. It’s worth the read.”

"I’m not exaggerating when I say that this is a must read for every single teacher on the planet! Weathers provides actionable, yet realistic steps, for teachers to take to consistently create more predictable learning spaces for all students. This work has a profound impact on all students, but chaos navigators, in particular, benefit. Chaos Navigators are our young people who are giving everything they have just to survive the lack of predictability they experience every movement outside of school. When teachers commit to the strategies outlined in this book they create havens for students, moments in their day that are safer, and that makes all the difference. Our chaos navigators are more likely to lean into their education and take the risks inherent to learning if they are in classrooms like those described in this book. Thank you for this absolute gift, Mitch!"

"In Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Mitch Weathers makes the case for universal classroom routines that free up students' mental bandwidth to focus on learning. Rather than struggle through the day trying to navigate different expectations in every classroom, students can rely on predictable structures for starting and ending every class, organizing their work, and keeping track of their progress. 



Today's students are struggling with motivation and self-discipline. Ignoring fads and hype, this book outlines simple processes every school can put in place to get students to believe in themselves and develop the habits they'll need for success in school and in life. Executive Functions for Every Classroom will become an instant classic and will transform the learning and trajectory of generations of students." 

"This book is a masterclass on how to create a predictable learning routine that guarantees your students' success. Mitch is my go-to executive functions expert and he's shared what works with you here."

“This text would be an outstanding start for a staff-wide book study. Systemic change geared towards altering a school culture where every student is empowered to succeed is the goal of this book. It all begins with a caring teacher providing students tools that promote executive function skills.”

"Full of simple, doable actions and clear, engaging examples to bring ideas to life, this book is an essential friend to bring clarity and organisation into your cl...

Mitch Weathers is a teacher and founder of Organized Binder, Inc. Together with the Organized Binder team, Mitch works with K-12 schools and colleges in the US and internationally to equip students with executive functioning skills. When he is not working with schools, you can find him running trails training for his next ultramarathon. He and his wife live in Northern California with their two daughters.

Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Lost in the Wilderness Navigating With Executive Functioning Skills The Two Challenges With Teaching Executive Functions Why Predictable Learning Routines? Three Keys to Teaching Executive Functions Chapter 1. Executive Dysfunction and Disengagement Struggling With "Studentness" We Cant Afford Executive Dysfunction Any Longer Chapter 1 Reflection Questions Chapter 2. Teaching Executive Functions What are Executive Functioning Skills? The Benefits Clarity, Routine, & Modeling Self-Regulation Through a Daily Routine Conclusion Chapter 2 Reflection Questions Chapter 3. Working Memory: Beginning Routine Designing a Beginning Routine Why the Old Beginning Routine Doesnt Work Strategies to Make Your Beginning Routine Better Beginning Routine Example Adjustments and Considerations Self-Regulation Through the Beginning Routine Conclusion Chapter 3 Reflection Questions Chapter 4. Working Memory: The Concluding Routine How to Receive Authentic Feedback Designing Your Concluding Routine Why the Old Concluding Routine Doesnt Work Strategies to Make Your Concluding Routine Better Concluding Routine Example Adjustments and Considerations I Dare You to Try It Self-Regulation Through the Concluding Routine Conclusion Chapter 4 Reflection Questions Chapter 5. Time & Task Management: The Agenda Developing Time & Task Management Skills Why the Old Agenda Doesnt Work Strategies to Make Your Agenda Better Agenda Template Adjustments and Considerations Self-Regulation Through Agendas Conclusion Chapter 5 Reflection Questions Chapter 6. Organization: Tables of Contents and Academic Toolkits What is a Table of Contents? Why the Old Table of Contents Doesnt Work Strategies to Make Your Table of Contents Better Table of Contents Example Adjustments and Considerations Academic Toolkits Academic Toolkit Example Self-Regulation Through Tables of Contents and Academic Toolkits Conclusion Chapter 6 Reflection Questions Chapter 7. Accountability: Portfolio Checks Accountability Starts With Expectations Accountability Through Portfolio Checks Designing Your Portfolio Check Portfolio Check Example Adjustments and Considerations Self-Regulation Through Portfolio Checks Conclusion Chapter 7 Reflection Questions Chapter 8. Goal Setting Why the Old Goal Setting Doesnt Work Strategies to Make Goal Setting Better Goal Setting Example Adjustments and Considerations Self-Regulation Through Goal-Setting Conclusion Chapter 8 Reflection Questions Chapter 9. Conclusion Self-Regulation Self-Efficacy and Internal Motivation Tenacity (Formerly Known as Grit) Executive Functions as Transferable Skills Content Area Gains Family Engagement Signing Off Appendix: Effect Size Glossary References