Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Executive function book recommendations?

Something Mich said in another thread made me wonder about this. I actually think DS7's executive function skills (organisation, staying on task, etc. etc.) are at least average for a 7yo, but of course they are far behind average for a child doing some of the work he's doing, and occasionally this is a problem for him. I'm wondering whether it would be possible and useful to "hothouse" his executive function a bit using ideas from any of these books, just to let his life go a bit more smoothly. Has anyone considered or done this, or does anyone who's used any of these books an opinion on which might be useful for this purpose (and, preferably, not too patronising)? Some I've looked at on Amazon are:

- No mind left behind
- Smart but scattered
- Late lost and unprepared

Example situation: DS recently wasted an entire maths session in class because he couldn't work out which question he'd got to. The details don't matter; I find it hard to believe even now but he was obviously sincere! The root cause was that he expected to have working on a piece of paper where there was none because he'd done the question in his head. He asked the teacher but she couldn't/wouldn't help, and by the time he'd worked it out the maths time was over. (I don't know how long it was, could have been 10 mins or 40.) Of course, in that specific case, once we talked about it it was easy for him to decide on a scheme to make sure that specific problem doesn't happen again, but it's indicative - he's doing different work from the others in the class in a situation where no help is available, and although he generally manages splendidly, it's tough.

This is an ongoing BATTLE for us with DD11, who is doing work that would probably significantly challenge most MG 13-16yos. Her EF skill set is pretty much average/slightly ahead of average... but it certainly isn't in the stratospheric range that her academic gifts are.

I've read through part of 'Smart but Scattered.'

It looked REALLY good, and I'm considering buying it.

The two authors have written other books for professionals working with adolescents and children, and they are apparently very well regarded in the field. In other words, "hothousing" or teaching EF skills is their specialty.

I really liked the no-nonsense approach to things that I saw in that book.

We have to be able to get DD to at least "average" EF for an 18 yo by the time she's about 16, or there's not going to be any safe way for her to go to college... and this is easily the biggest challenge we've faced as parents.

It feels so wrong to push them when they aren't quite ready developmentally...

but it may be the 'least worst' thing, at least in some cases.

I have No mind left Behind and Late Lost and Unprepared. Both are excellent. I prefer the former to help understand EF and how it can play out and the later for some tips that are realistic to put into action.

I have used both Smart but Scattered and Late, Lost and Unprepared with my DS who has major EF deficits and recommend them both highly.

I like smart but scattered but it isn't the sort of book one can give to the child and expect them to do it.. howlermonkeys DD excepted. At least it is fasinating.
The Organized student is excellent for assignment and paper handling.
My favorite tip for hothousing EF is to use flylady.net oneself and use the Reily Missions for the kids.

Smiles
Grinity

Heheheh... well, while she could certainly read it, that would assume a level of compliance with our wishes on this subject that I'm pretty sure she doesn't possess and isn't inclined toward.

So no, the book is for us, not DD11. Just to be clear.

I just thought it looked like the sorts of very practical advice that would actually stand some chance of working for, well, "real" parents. Like me.

It's terrific to hear that others also thought the other two selections were good ones.

I never actually used their advice about how to teach EF but instead I looked for ways to help DS Use his strengths to fill in for his weaknesses and to help Ds have some knowledge of what to work on.
I looked for real life situations that would encourage growth in whatever EF function I had identified as flavor of the month.

Thanks everyone - at any rate it looks as though there isn't a bad choice from among the three books I listed! Grinity: I've tried Flylady more than once, but I always get to the point where I CANNOT STAND THAT TONE ONE MOMENT LONGER! But maybe I should delve into it once more and rewrite in my own words :-)

You'll figure out something ColinsMum...((hugs))
Grinity

Thank you so much for posting about these books!! Exactly what we are looking for to help our 'scrambled' DD.