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Train Your Brain: Executive Function Self Paced Study (All Ages)

Executive Functioning Skills are critical. They are a better predictor of academic and behavioral outcomes than IQ or SocioEconomic Status (Pascual et al, 2020).
Nanci Norelli Smith, PhD
Average rating:
4.6
Number of reviews:
(758)
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What's included

5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content

Class Experience

An extensive body of literature in cognitive education proves that when kids are taught about how their brains work, they learn better. Pediatric Psychologist and Executive Function expert Dr. Lynne Kenney says "when children learn about how their brain works and why a particular task or activity will improve their thinking, learning or behavior, they become an integral part of the learning process. Their knowledge and active involvement in understanding why they are being asked to do a specific academic task makes them more motivated learners."

Your brain is the "boss" of your body. 
But did you know that in your brain is the boss of the brain?
It's an area called the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC). It's job is to direct our brains to get things done, whether it is finishing (or starting) homework or a chore, managing time wisely, paying attention and being flexible.
 We will explore different aspects that make up executive functioning.
Each week of this 5 week class will cover different topics.
Week 1:  Planning, organizing and time management
Week 2: The "Selfs": Self Talk/Self Thought (Metacognition) and Self-Control 
Week 3: Getting started (Task Initiation), Attention and Working (short term) Memory
Week 4: Flexible Thinking and Grit (Perseverance)
Week 5: Emotional Regulation, Prioritizing, Problem Solving (hindsight and foresight)

Syllabus

5 Lessons
over 5 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Intro to Executive Function
 Planning, Organizing and Time Management 
Lesson 2:
The "Selfs" Executive Functions
 Self talk (metacognition) and self control 
22 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Getting Started, Attention and Memory
 Task initiation, attention and short term (working) memory 
19 mins of video lessons
Lesson 4:
Flexibility and Perseverance
 Flexible thinking and Grit 

Other Details

External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
  • Youtube
Joined April, 2020
4.6
758reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree in Psychology from University of Connecticut
New to Outschool? Use code NanciNo2020 to save $20 today! Can be applied to any class on Outschool including mine.

Get $12 off my class "Ink to Better Think: Sketchnoting for Boosting Executive Function (Neurodiverse)" with coupon code NORELBDBBC12 until Jan 7, 2025. Get started at https://outschool.com/classes/ink-to-better-think-sketchnoting-for-boosting-executive-function-neurodiverse-qtCxr6mj and enter the coupon code at checkout.



My passion is educating children (and parents) about executive functioning and its developmental importance. Too many kids get labeled as "lazy" or "troubled", when a lack of skill is the culprit, not a stubborn "will".   
This has led to extensive professional development training in executive functioning from leading experts in the field including an advanced certificate in EF for children and adolescents, and an advanced EF Mastery course of evidence- based strategies in attention, memory and self-regulation. More specific to ADHD was an intensive evidence-based Strategies course for managing ADHD across the lifespan.

I am a certified provider of the  PEERS® program, an evidence-based social skills program developed at UCLA for children through young adults on the Spectrum. 

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology from Fairfield (CT) University, and Masters and Doctorate degrees from UCONN in Biobehavioral Science.                         
 

            
One of my 6 children is autistic and has adhd, and three others have ADHD; I have ADD myself.  
I celebrate neurodiversity and see it as a superpower!

I am a self taught artist,  and volunteer for WA based non- profit "Paws with Cause", which uses art to raise money and awareness to help shelter pets get adopted and cared for.
I was recently interviewed on a podcast I was interviewed on a podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adhd-for-smart-ass-women-with-tracy-otsuka/id1443678424?i=1000634888729

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Self-Paced Class
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$10

weekly or $50 for all content
5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

Completed by 64 learners
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Ages: 7-11

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