"I can't choose work!" Is it lollygagging or executive functioning

1.5 CPDs, Run Time: 1:20:12

Do you have a student who just wanders your classroom and can't seem to choose a work?  This workshop will consider possible reasons for this type of behavior, including a deeper look into executive functioning. We will define executive functioning, how it affects student behavior, and the difference between normal and impaired executive functioning. We will present an observation tool to create a student action plan using strategies that will enable you to guide the child through stages of development to build toward independence.

Joni Harris has been a lead teacher at the Shelton School in Dallas, Texas, for 19 years and an instructor with the Shelton Montessori Training Center for the Cultural and Classroom Leadership courses since 2013. She has a bachelor's degree in special education, AMS Early Childhood certification, and is a Certified Academic Language Practitioner and dyslexia therapist. She presented at the AMS Event 2017 on addressing oral language disorders and in 2022 on enticing children into written expression.

Pauline Novak is AMS-credentialed (Early Childhood, Elementary I), a Certified Academic Language Therapist, and has been a trainer for MACAR and EC Montessori courses. Founder of Montessori Coaching for Learning Differences in Annandale, Va., she provides dyslexia tutoring for children and training for teachers. She has an MEd and MAT and certificates as a principal, special education, and generalist EC-4. She currently serves on the ALTA board and was an AMS board member.