In the fast-paced world we live in today, honing executive functioning skills has become more crucial than ever for our teenagers. These skills encompass a range of cognitive processes that enable individuals to manage their time, stay organized, plan ahead, and accomplish tasks effectively. Lisa Nehring understands the significance of these skills and has shared two remarkable tools to help teens master executive functioning: notebooks and calendars.
Notebooks: Unleashing Creativity and Organization
In the digital age, the tactile experience of writing in a notebook might seem old-fashioned, but its impact on executive functioning is undeniable. Lisa Nehring recognizes that the physical act of writing engages multiple senses, aiding in memory retention and cognitive processing. Notebooks become more than just pages; they are personal canvases for thoughts, ideas, and plans.
With the help of notebooks, teens can:
- Set Goals and Prioritize: Encourage your teens to jot down their short-term and long-term goals. Lisa suggests breaking down larger goals into manageable steps, promoting a sense of accomplishment with each milestone reached.
- Plan and Brainstorm: Notebooks offer an excellent space for brainstorming. Teens can outline projects, organize thoughts, and create action plans. Lisa emphasizes the importance of teaching teens to outline their objectives and strategies to achieve them.
- Reflect and Learn: Writing fosters self-reflection. Encourage your teens to dedicate a section of their notebooks to jotting down what they've learned from their experiences, whether they were successful or encountered challenges.
Calendars: Mapping Out Success
Calendars are powerful tools for time management and organization. Lisa Nehring recommends introducing teens to the world of calendars early on, helping them develop strong time-management habits that will serve them throughout their lives.
Here's how calendars can help teens:
- Visualize Commitments: With a calendar, teens can see their commitments, deadlines, and activities laid out in a visual format. This clarity helps prevent overcommitting and ensures they allocate time appropriately.
- Plan Ahead: Encourage your teens to plan ahead by marking important dates, events, and deadlines. This practice instills the value of foresight and planning, a cornerstone of effective executive functioning.
- Create Routines: Regular routines lead to better time management. Lisa suggests having teens create daily routines that incorporate study time, leisure activities, and other commitment. This fosters discipline and a sense of control.
In a world abundant with distractions, teaching teens to master executive functioning skills is an investment in their future success. Lisa Nehring's emphasis on utilizing simple tools like notebooks and calendars provides a practical approach to developing these essential skills.
So, whether you're a parent, educator, or a teen looking to excel in academics and beyond, take inspiration from Lisa's insights. Empower teens with the tactile creativity of notebooks and the structured organization of calendars. By integrating these tools into their daily lives, teens can take charge of their education, responsibilities, and future endeavors. The journey to mastering executive functioning begins with a pen, paper, and a willingness to learn and grow.
Lisa Nehring and her husband, Dr. David Nehring, a Clinical Psychologist, and Biblical Scholar speak together on a wide variety of topics, including education, classical education, vision, mission, parenting, marriage, and more.
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