The skills of executive function are integral to our ability to learn and successfully function in a broad range of daily activities. As more has been learned about these critical skills, it has become clear that teachers of young children can make a real difference in their development. In yet another confirmation of the genius of Dr. Montessori, the development of the skills of executive function is quite compatible with Montessori pedagogy and practice. in this session, you will learn about the skills of executive function, their equivalent in Montessori theory, and the basics of the development of these skills in our classrooms. Walk away with the concrete examples of skill development and knowledge that you can apply immediately to your classroom and at home.
In this video
A child who seems lazy, or forgets what you just asked. Pamela Shanks explains executive function for parents and teachers of children from 3 to 6: working memory, flexible thinking and self-control. The talk looks at the years from three to six and at when to worry. One part is about what poor self-control can look like, with a finger game and a meltdown over a triangle.
Chapters
- 0:00 Pamela Shanks, and struggles mistaken for laziness
- 4:11 What executive function is: the brain's air traffic control
- 8:12 Working memory, mental flexibility and self-control
- 11:42 Why ages three to six matter, and Montessori normalization
- 14:55 When to worry, and signs of poor memory and flexibility
- 19:58 Poor self-control: a finger game and a triangle tantrum
- 23:31 Building skills with meaningful work and specific feedback
- 27:16 Teaching step by step, with songs and extra organization
- 32:14 Thinking out loud and linking to what children already know
- 34:32 How play and group games build these skills
