What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursAssessment
At the end of each class session I will invite students to share a "take away" of something they have learned. I will also offer an optional self assessment sheet that teens can use after class to reflect on what they learned and find a way to apply their new skills to everyday life.Grading
If a student shares a completed self assessment sheet with me within two weeks of the last class meeting I will be happy to provide a narrative evaluation for the course.Class Experience
Preteens with ADHD and other learning differences find planning, prioritizing, and organization challenging. Learners will have the opportunity to learn more about how executive function skills avoid procrastination, plan ahead, and how to find an organizational system that works for them. Learners will practice scenario based problem solving, share their own experiences, and learn tools that can help them strengthen their ability to employ these vital executive function skills. Each class will include: 1) An introductory question related to the executive function skill of the day. 2) An overview of that executive function skill and how it can make everyday life and academic life easier and more fun. 3) An opportunity to brainstorm scenarios that require students to use the executive function skill of the day and to develop some potential responses to them. 4) Receive a concrete support or activity that they can use to practice their executive function skills in this area. 5) If there is time, students will have the opportunity to ask questions about ADHD and executive function and/or do a quick share with other students. Themes for the Day: Day 1: Planning (Why it is important to plan ahead) Day 2:Prioritizing: (Identifying time sensitive and important projects and getting them done first) Day 3: Organization (Finding the organizational system that works best for your brain.) ****My Refund Policy **** Courses/ Camps: Free transfers upon request when sections are available. Full refund upon request up to one week before the start of class.
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of planning, prioritizing and organizing. They will leave class with some concrete tools to manage their executive function challenges.
Syllabus
3 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Planning
Learners will discuss the importance of having a plan and learning to manage projects. The teacher will share a short presentation on the the importance of planning ahead and the benefits of having a plan for more complex projects. Learners will also practice planning a special project or event.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Prioritizing
Learners will share some priorities and discuss how they differ from other family members. Learners will create a mind map of their priorities and choose the most important from each category. The teacher will share a short presentation on different ways to prioritize. If we have time, we will do other activities that help us practice this skill.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Organization
The primary focus of this lesson will be on physical organization. Learners will discuss what makes it challenging to get organized and how it feels to be in an organized space. The teacher will share a short presentation on the topic of organization. We will also discuss email organization and the teacher will share templates that make email communication easier.
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
Class supports executive function development in neurodivergent learners including autistic learners as well as those with ADHD and anxiety. Templates are shared in PDF and Google Doc form to support learners with dyslexia and dysgraphia.
Parental Guidance
Since this is a class for ADHD learners, subjects such as 504 plans, Individual Education Plans, and the use of medication to manage ADHD may come up. In terms of medication, I always address this when it is mentioned by saying that it can be very effective to help learners manage their ADHD, but different families handle this differently. I also mention other ways to manage ADHD such as exercise and structure.
Supply List
Please try to print out any handouts or guides posted in the Outschool classroom before class begins. Whenever possible, I also try to offer alternatives such as Google Doc versions. It is a good idea to have a pen or pencil, paper, and colored markers or colored pencils available at every class.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
California Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
California Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from University of California, Santa Cruz
Bridget Smith is a teacher and parent with ADHD. Her focus on Outschool is supporting students with ADHD, other neurodiverse learners, and students with learning differences. She has taught over 5000 learners with ADHD and executive function challenges here on Outschool. She is a credentialed teacher who has taught preschoolers through adult learners. Bridget is credentialed by the State of California to teach K-12 Students.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$52
for 3 classes3x per week, 1 week
45 min
Completed by 33 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-13
3-12 learners per class