We rejoice in a child's first steps... walking is a skill that comes with development, practice and time. Walking is a milestone. Executive skills are too! ...content coming soon!

  Metacognition: Teach self-monitoring to help kids evaluate their own learning process:

• Before starting a task: 
  • What do I already know?
  • What should I do first?
  • Why am I doing this?
• During the task: 
  • How am I doing?
  • Am I focused?
  • Do I need to adjust?
• After the task: 
  • How did I do?
  • What strategies worked?
  • Could I improve next time?

Work Production & Task Initiation: Building a Plan

Many kids with ADHD struggle to get started and follow through. By implementing these strategies, we can help ADHD learners navigate challenges, build confidence, and develop essential executive function skills.

• Set Time-Based Goals –  Focus for short periods (5-20 minutes depending on ability). Treat struggles as data and adjust as needed.
• Reward Small Efforts – Small, consistent rewards create dopamine boosts that enhance motivation. 
  • Praise should Notice (acknowledge effort), Name (be specific), and Nurture (encourage continued effort).
• Visual Steps for Tasks – Checklists help with sequencing. Let them cross off steps and earn small rewards. ADHD kids benefit from immediate reinforcement.
• Adjust  Expectations – Create a “just right challenge” so they don’t give up. 
  • Consider the 3-year developmental delay common in ADHD.
  • Focus on effort rather than the outcome.
  • Encourage independent attempts before offering help.
• Use Declarative Language – State out loud your plan then say part of the process aloud and let them complete the sentence.
• Teach Time Awareness – Time tracking is a challenge for many ADHD learners: 
  • Estimate how long tasks will take, then check the actual time spent.
  • Use sand timers and clock-based visuals.
• Rate the Task – Ask: “On a scale of 1-10, how hard is this?” 
  • If they say "10," break the task into       smaller pieces to lower the difficulty.
  • Can they start if it now feels like a “3”?
• WAIT Before Assuming Defiance – Kids with ADHD often need up to 7 seconds to process a request. Give them time before repeating      yourself.
• Visualize the Brain Working – Help them picture their brain making superhighways of connections when they focus.
• Build in Choice & Control – Offer options (e.g., choosing which math problems to do first).
• Use “Forced Choice” Reinforcers – Identify motivators tailored to their unique wiring: 
  • Adult approval
  • Competitive recognition
  • Peer recognition
  • Independent rewards
  • Consumable rewards (snacks, small treats)