The Missing Link to Help Them Think: Connecting Executive Function and SEL Skills to Boost Student Achievement

What if you could help your students who are struggling academically simply by teaching them executive function skills?

If you're a teacher, chances are you're familiar with the student who never finishes homework, the one who always interrupts, the one who can't seem to pay attention during lessons. Too often, we assume these characteristics are innate or chalk them up to lack of discipline, when in fact they are executive function issues that teachers can easily address—and even help to reverse—with a little guidance.

In The Missing Link to Help Them Think, veteran educator and bestselling author Marilee Sprenger imparts that guidance with a wealth of practical, research-based classroom strategies teachers can use to develop six core areas of executive function skills (EFS): impulse inhibition; working memory; attention and focus; cognitive flexibility; self-monitoring; and planning, organization, prioritization, and time management. In addition, Sprenger

• Explains how executive function skills bridge the gap between social-emotional learning and academics and how to develop both skill sets at the same time.
• Discusses the research on and neurological origins of different executive functions.
• Provides practical, easily implemented self-assessment tools that teachers and students can use to evaluate their strengths and needs related to executive functioning.

All students can improve their executive function skills and succeed in the classroom. With strategies and examples across grade levels and relevant to all subject areas, this thought-provoking book gives you the resources necessary to support them in this journey.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Components of SEL and EFS
2. Impulse Inhibition
3. Working Memory
4. Attention and Focus
5. Cognitive Flexibility
6. Self-Monitoring
7. Planning, Organization, Prioritization, and Time Management
8. SEL and EFS: Fulfilling the Dream

Appendix A: Universal Executive Function Strategies

Appendix B: Modeling

References

Index

About the Author

"Marilee Sprenger, the renowned "Brain Lady," has consistently delivered groundbreaking insights on the intersections of brain science, social-emotional learning, and effective teaching practices. In this book, Sprenger masterfully combines cutting-edge neuroscience with practical classroom strategies for nurturing both the minds and the hearts of students. Emphasizing the power of emotional connections for memory retention and engagement, The Missing Link to Help Them Think provides accessible, research-based techniques for creating inclusive, supportive, and dynamic learning environments. Whether you're looking to boost students' cognitive growth, enhance their emotional intelligence, or simply make learning more meaningful for today's classroom, this is the resource you've been waiting for!"
- Katie Garner, author of Secret Stories: Cracking the Reading Code with the Brain in Mind

"As an educator who has been teaching for more than 40 years on the neuroscience of play and the benefits of humor, I found The Missing Link to Help Them Think a must-read. Marilee Sprenger provides significant insights into the connection between executive function and social-emotional learning. She offers creative, playful strategies and hands-on activities for learners who cope with the challenges of underdeveloped executive function skills. The inclusion of self-assessment charts empowers both students and educators to be active participants in their learning journey."
- Mary Kay Morrison, author, educator, speaker, founder of Humor Academy, and director of Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor

"The Missing Link to Help Them Think is a great resource for anyone looking to merge social-emotional learning (SEL), brain science, and academic instruction. Marilee Sprenger has skillfully aligned the latest findings on brain research and SEL with clear, actionable teaching strategies for teachers. This indispensable guide recognizes that a child's cognitive and emotional development cannot be compartmentalized, and instead advocates for a holistic, integrated approach that acknowledges how children think and learn. For educators seeking to harmonize SEL with academic content, this book is the missing link you've been searching for. A must-read for anyone committed to nurturing the whole child and enhancing learning outcomes."
- Lori Loving, assistant regional superintendent, Regional Office of Education #33, Illinois

"This exciting and insightful book explores executive function skills and social-emotional skills, the two biggest needs in your students today. Expect to get dozens of actionable, easy-to-implement tools that ensure your students soar!"
- Dr. Eric Jensen, CEO of Jensen Learning

"Brain Lady" Marilee Sprenger has done it again! The Missing Link to Help Them Think puts the learning back into social-emotional learning. The co-learning aspect of transformative SEL explained in this book is critical to contemporary learning, where learning spaces are shared, effective, and respectful of every learner's needs, and promote belonging for all. This book is an overflowing toolbox of strategies for younger and older students alike. Whether you're working with children as a teacher or a parent, you need this book!"
- Mike Fisher, ASCD author