Executive Function Skills in Action is a practical, research-informed toolkit designed to empower educators to teach executive function skills in a way that is engaging, accessible, and impactful.
The resource offers 12 ready-to-go session plans and activity sheets tailored for children aged 8–16, with extension ideas and suggestions for how new skills can be further developed at home. Each session targets a specific executive function domain, such as memory, task initiation, emotional regulation, and time management, providing clear scripts, fun games, and actionable strategies. Learners will be able to develop their own personalised toolkit, equipping them to navigate academic challenges and build independence, resilience, and self-advocacy.
Grounded in real-world classroom experience and aligned with current neuroscience research, Executive Function Skills in Action celebrates the unique profiles of all learners. Whether you’re a primary or secondary teacher, teaching assistant, SENCO, or speech and language therapist, this resource will help you unlock lifelong skills that empower learners to succeed both in school and beyond.
Table of Contents:
PART 1
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Working with Neurodiversity
Chapter 3 How to Run Groups
Chapter 4 Domains Explained
Chapter 5 Baseline Screening
PART 2
Chapter 6 Session 1: What is Executive Functioning?
Chapter 7 Session 2: Task Initiation
Chapter 8 Session 3: Organising Materials
Chapter 9 Session 4: Planning and Organising
Chapter 10 Session 5: Managing my Time
Chapter 11 Session 6: Task Monitoring and Self-Advocacy
Chapter 12 Session 7: Working Memory
Chapter 13 Session 8: Emotional Regulation
Chapter 14 Session 9: Coping with Change
Chapter 15 Session 10: Inhibition and Impulse
Chapter 16 Session 11: Self-Monitoring and Reflections
Chapter 17 Session 12: Summary Session
Chapter 18 Optional Additional Sessions
Neurodiversity Explained for All
Resolving Conflict
Goal Setting
Attention
PART 3
Appendices
New Vocabulary Week by Week
New Word Diary
Parent Consent Form
Certificate
Emojis
References
Index
About the Author :
Kathryn Walters-Weston is a Speech and Language Therapist with extensive experience working across mainstream and specialist settings. Throughout her career, Kathryn has worked alongside schools and educators, which has deeply shaped her understanding and approach. She is particularly passionate about supporting young people with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, and helping students to feel understood, supported, and able to thrive in all areas of school life. Kathryn’s work is grounded in a neuro-affirming approach, with a strong focus on supporting and developing communication in meaningful, inclusive ways. Kathryn has a varied career background which has included working as a yoga teacher, in events management, and also as a masseuse!
Beth Pinnell is a Speech and Language Therapist with a passion for supporting neurodivergent children and young people to understand themselves, communicate authentically, and thrive on their own terms. She currently works across specialist educational settings, supporting individuals with a range of communication and learning differences. Alongside her clinical work, Beth is the founder of a community-focused play and support space designed for toddlers, caregivers, and neurodivergent children. Her work combines sensory-informed practice, creativity, and real-life application to make strategies accessible, meaningful, and empowering.
Together, Beth and Kathryn run Boost Speech and Language Therapy, and manage a small team of therapists providing speech and language therapy services and training across the South West.
