Please read the list below about executive functioning skills. Most people can relate to at least one area that needs improvement. Our Think Tank kids most often need improvement in multiple areas.  

Executive functioning skills include a range of cognitive processes essential for effective planning, organization, and self-regulation. Here are some key skills:

1. Self-understanding: Recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses. 

2. Organizational skills: Keeping track of assignments and responsibilities. 

3. Time management: Prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively. 

4. Emotion control: Regulating emotions in various situations. 

5. Behavior control: Managing impulses and behaviors. 

6. Flexibility: Adapting to changes and new situations. 

7. Initiative: Acting (taking action) without being prompted. 

8. Attention and working memory: Focusing on tasks and retaining information. 

Improvement of executive functioning skills is a goal of our think tank program.

Classroom time includes weekly: 

• Read aloud time, with thorough group discussion (students are not required, but encouraged, to read aloud in class)

• Cursive handwriting practice - parents may choose to do the homework practice, much like one would practice piano outside the weekly lessons

• Spelling lessons and practice -

• Writing prompts—Students will not be given a blank sheet of paper and asked to "write" without setting the stage with interesting writing prompts or utilizing student ideas. (Parents may use this method at home as desired.) There is no such thing as writer's block, so we won't use those words; instead, we will try to resolve underlying issues. 

• Grammar lessons and practice—The student writings will contain some grammar errors that we will use to "teach" the class (at a later time, not identifying the source). In addition, we will use high-interest stories that contain errors and ask your student to be the detective and locate the errors.

• Comprehension - will be a daily life skill, practiced during the 4 hours of our time together.   

• Laughter! - a goal for every day!

Please do not buy any curriculum/texts for these classes until you hear from Mrs. Stuart following this letter. You will hear from her after you reply to this email. She will let you know what to buy for class.

The Think Tank program includes 4 hours of class time a week, and most assignments will be completed in class. In addition to class projects and work, students in TT2 might need to spend about two hours per week on assignments. We will work with the parents to decide what is best for their students. Students in TT2 will participate in basic writing exercises including essays and poetry.  

All Think Tank students need to be able:

• To integrate with other students and learn in a classroom environment

• To try! The willingness to try to follow instructions given is expected.

• To have respectful behaviors toward teacher and peers - very minimal arguing or "talking back"

• To be Self-disciplined within a group learning environment - no leaving the room/making weird noises/follows the CHE covenant

Main objectives and goals for both classes:

1. We will encourage students who are strong readers and can write stories to continue to develop their own style. We will use their writings to teach grammar and spelling as needed. Therefore, grammar errors and spelling will be tied to their work instead of random worksheets.

2. Spelling: The goal is for the students to progress from where they begin in the Fall until the last week of the Spring semester. We will utilize various proven methods to help your struggling speller improve in all areas of language arts. 

   
   

MATERIALS NEEDED IN CLASS 

Pen/pencil 

Binder/spiral notebook 

Computer (optional) for writing. 

Assigned books (Books will be assigned as needed) 

Google Classroom 

Students and/or parents will be required to sign into Google Classroom each week to receive homework and communications from Mrs. Stuart.

Cell Phone Policy 

Cell phones must be put away while in class unless instructed by the teacher to do so for class purposes. Parents must contact the front desk if there is a need to get a hold of their student.