7.16 Executive Functioning Demands

7.16 Executive Functioning Demands

Author: Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi June 28, 2025 Duration: 1:09:19

What's really happening when students struggle to stay on task, complete assignments, or transition between activities? In this illuminating conversation with literacy experts Dr. Matt Strader and Dr. Douglas Fisher, Shannon and Mary delve into the complex world of executive functioning and its impact on classroom performance.  Executive functioning isn't just about behavior—it's about cognitive processes happening in the brain's prefrontal cortex. Both guests help us understand the crucial distinction between the neurological processes of executive functioning and the observable skills of self-regulation. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:


  1. McGraw-Hill Science of Literacy Library:
    A free resource hub containing blogs, videos, research reports, and more— designed to connect teachers with practical classroom resources and Professional Learning tips.
  2. Dr. Douglas Fisher's website
  3. Dr. Matt Strader on LinkedIn
  4. Executive Skills and Reading Comprehension:  A Guide for Educators by Kelly Cartwright and Nell Duke *Amazon affiliate link
  5. Center on the Developing Child from Harvard University
  6. Deborah Phillips-EF as the "air traffic control system"
  7. Lynn Meltzer- mountain versus trees (cognitive flexibility)
  8. Amy Berry- Teacher expectations on engagement
  9. Timothy Shanahan's blog from 2022 on Executive Functioning and Reading
  10. Center on the Developing Child (Harvard University):  EF- video
  11. Unmasking Autism by Devon Price *Amazon affiliate link*
  12. FCRR: Alphabet Arc
  13. Promoting Executive Functioning in the Classroom by  Lynn Meltzer   *Amazon affiliate link*
  14. Cognitive Challenges  article by Stephen Chew and William Cerbin
  15. Bandura-outcome expectations
  16. Understood.org:  What is neurodiversity?

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In the Reading Teachers Lounge, hosts Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi pull up a chair for a conversation that feels both deeply professional and warmly familiar. These two elementary reading teachers and Atlanta neighbors discovered a shared, fervent passion for literacy over a local dinner, realizing they were kindred spirits in their mission. That initial chat never really ended, and now it forms the heart of this podcast. Each episode invites you into their ongoing dialogue, where practical classroom strategies, reflections on what works, and thoughtful discussions about reaching every single learner are all on the table. It’s a space designed for fellow educators, dedicated parents, and anyone invested in how children learn to read, offering tangible ideas rather than abstract theory. The tone is collaborative and grounded in real classroom experiences, reflecting a joint belief that literacy is foundational. By tuning in, you gain access to their collective experience and earnest curiosity, all focused on the complex, rewarding world of teaching reading. This isn't about performance; it's about sharing a genuine professional conversation from their lounge to yours, making the Reading Teachers Lounge a unique podcast for those who live and breathe language education.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 129

Reading Teachers Lounge
Podcast Episodes
7.17 Impactful Interventions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:13
Shannon and Mary chat with Dr. Katie Pace-Miles about MTSS and RTI, sharing practical tips for delivering effective reading interventions, choosing quality resources, and running efficient team meetings to support strugg…
7.15 Language Demands [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:24
Shannon and Mary talk with Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez about supporting Multi-Language Learners, exploring language development, daily classroom language demands, and practical strategies to help MLLs thrive. The inf…
7.14 Literacy Leaders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:53
Shannon chats with Laura Stewart (from 95 Percent Group) about bold moves that literacy leaders can take to transform the literacy practices in their learning communities. Laura provides stories and strategies relating t…
7.13 The Right Things for Our Learners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:41
Shannon and Mary welcome Dr. Timothy Shanahan to the Reading Teachers Lounge to quiet the noise within the literacy community and help us all realize the MOST important things we should be doing for our learners accordin…
7.12 Effective Student Engagement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:50
Shannon and Mary chat with Brandi Dugal from The Fidget Game, featured on Shark Tank, about unique ways to engage and motivate students to learn. They share methods for gamification, brain breaks, and other strategies te…
7.11 Structured Word Inquiry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:51
Dr. Pete Bowers shared how Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) transforms spelling and vocabulary into tools for deep thinking - perfect for engaging advanced and struggling readers in the elementary reading classroom. We enco…
Challenging Advanced Readers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:22
How can teachers effectively support advanced readers in elementary school? In this insightful episode, we’re joined by literacy expert Nancy Young to explore practical, evidence-based strategies for meeting the needs of…
7.9 Smart Technology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:28
Shannon and Mary welcome Brandon Cardet-Hernadez from Mrs. Wordsmith to the RTL to chat about smart technology resources. They talk about intentional uses of technology resources for instructional purposes and what skill…
7.8 Importance of NonFiction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:12
Shannon and Mary talk with Melissa Taylor from ImaginationSoup.net about the importance of nonfiction texts in a student's reading diet. They chat about the flexible comprehension strategies students need to organize the…
7.7 System Changes with LaMonica Williams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:25
Shannon and Mary welcome LaMonica Williams from Teaching Matters back to the Reading Teachers Lounge. This time they chat about professional development experiences and the most effective ways to bring about positive cha…