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?

Support the show



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
Season 3 Finale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:07
In this episode, Shannon closes out the third podcast season. She describes the struggles from the 2020-2021 school year and shares what's coming next for the podcast in Season 4. Resource Links:1. Boundaries podcast epi…
Auditory Learners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:54
This title continues our multi-sensory series. In this episode, Shannon shares the characteristics of auditory learners. She gives some strategies and resources for incorporating more auditory practice in your literacy i…
Making the Most of Your Online Reading Instruction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:57
Shannon and Mary chat with Maria Halkias about her on-line reading instruction. They talk about parent engagement with virtual instruction, teaching challenges during these unprecedented times, and what resources have be…
Visual Learning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:37
Shannon and Mary continue the discussion about multisensory reading instruction. This episode focuses on strategies for visual learners.Resource Links:New Girl Youtube clip (Visual Learning chant)The Visual LearnerTips f…
Make It Multisensory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:36
Multisensory learning is something we have been preaching for a long time. It's time it deserved it's own episode. Shannon and Mary discuss the importance of when and how to implement multi sensory learning strategies. R…
It's Time to Talk About Dr. Seuss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:29
Shannon and Mary explore how to start conversations about sensitive topics surrounding race, inequality, apathetic attitudes and apologism related to books. They discuss the controversy surrounding Dr. Seuss. Dr. Seuss i…
Books as Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Doors (Diverse Books) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:18
Shannon and Mary open the season with a discussion about the importance of books to represent the diversity of our students giving them an opportunity to see themselves in books and opportunities to view other cultures,…
Season 2 Finale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:00
Shannon and Mary catch up after their Season 2 hiatus to discuss Quarantine Life, Home Learning, and what's next.RESOURCE LINKS: COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION!Our WebsiteFacebookInstagramShannon's TpT StoreSupport the showG…
We love FCRR! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:22
Are you familiar with the FCRR? They have done incredible work making free effective research-based literacy activities. The centers include directions for teachers and all the necessary materials. They are mostly print…