"You have a project due tomorrow! What are you doing in here? That's it--we're taking your phone!"
"You're never going to pull that grade up if you can't sit down to study for more than five minutes at a time!"
Sound familiar? Having a child who constantly loses track of assignments and deadlines is frustrating--but you're not alone.
Children aren't born with the executive function skills they need to succeed. Strategies for time management, organization, and studying must be learned, just like times tables and grammar rules.
But when a child discovers a system that works for them, it can make a world of difference. In fact, we've found that organization is the #1 differentiator between students who excel and students who underperform in school.
And our Executive Function Coaches in Great Falls are here to help.
Step 1
Request an Executive Function Coach, and tell us more about what's causing stress for you and your child.
Step 2
Meet the handpicked coach who will come to your home for convenient, private coaching.
Step 3
What is Executive Function Coaching?
Our Executive Function Coaching is a unique, research-based program to help your child master the skills they need to succeed in school and life. In this program, your child will learn how to get organized, manage their time well, study effectively, and stay motivated.
Parents love our program because...
- It's based on the latest research, not what we think might work.
- Students are matched with experienced coaches who are carefully selected from our already exclusive tutor pool. They are then trained to pass on their excellent communication, organization, and prioritization skills to your child.
- Our coaches follow an established program for executive function skills which goes far beyond simply helping students with homework.
- We customize the program to meet your child's needs, even if that means texting your child on our days off to check in and keep them on track (so you never have to be the homework police again!).
"We have been very happy with the coach who is working with our son. She is able to get him to open up [and talk] through the mountains of work he has in a way that he will not do with us" -Google Review from an Educational Connections Parent
Does My Child Need Executive Function Coaching?
Are you wondering if executive function coaching is right for your child? Take this quick quiz by answering "yes" or "no" to the following questions.
Does your child...
- Regularly struggle to start tasks?
- Keep a messy room and a disorganized backpack, locker, or desk?
- Have difficulty following instructions, especially with many steps?
- Fail to complete assignments unless he or she is constantly reminded?
- Forget to turn in homework even when it's completed?
- Lose things regularly, from coats to books?
- Have difficulty planning long-term assignments?
If you answered "yes" to the majority of these questions, you're not alone. But with the right support, your child can master the skills they need to succeed! Contact us today to get started.
"The Educational Connections team is fantastic...I look forward to leveraging the tutors to help my son's transition to learning about how to stay organized, take notes, and more once school starts." -Google Review from Parent Jennifer Dalton
What Does an Executive Function Coaching Session Look Like?
Our coaches structure every session around four steps to empower your child to practice self-reflection, build a toolkit of strategies that work for them, and develop effective habits for lasting change. Here’s a look at the process our coaches follow in every session:
1. Touch base to see how the week went.
Before beginning a new session, the coach will ask questions like, “What went well last week? What was hard? Were you able to accomplish the goal we set in our last session?” This prepares the coach and your child for a productive session. Plus, these conversations often prompt students to brainstorm and solve many of their own problems, which inspires motivation and confidence.
The coach will begin every session by asking strategic questions. Open dialogue allows the coach to gauge your child’s frame-of-mind and level of motivation at the start of each session.
The coach reviews the student’s homework portal with them (not for them) and helps the child develop a prioritized list of assignments based on urgency and importance. Your child will learn that planning for a day is too short-sighted, planning for a month is not realistic, but planning out one week at a time is just right.
This step is catered to your child’s particular challenges. The coach may share strategies for tackling procrastination, dealing with digital distractions, organizing their paperwork, studying for an exam, or completing an assignment. Over time, students will build a toolbox of strategies to better troubleshoot issues that have long caused them frustration.
Each session ends with the coach and student working together to create a list of key tasks for the upcoming week. After agreeing on a plan of action, the coach records session notes and emails them to you and then plans a time to check in between sessions to provide your child with some extra encouragement and accountability.
Are You Ready to Enjoy Parenting Again?
Nothing sucks the joy out of parenting faster than arguments over missed deadlines, mediocre grades, and misplaced assignments.
We see you. And we're here to help.
When an Executive Function Coach trains your child in the important skills they need to succeed, you'll finally be free to turn in your "Homework Police" badge and actually look forward to the afternoon with your child once more.
You can ask about their day. Cheer them on when they ace a test. Enjoy a meal without discussing due dates for once. Just be a parent--with all of the joy and none of the nagging. And leave the rest to us!
Blog and Resources
4 Signs Your Child Needs a Tutor
There are obvious indicators, like grades or a child who regularly complains that they “can’t stand school.” But there are also more subtle signs that a student is struggling academically and needs help.
In this blog, we’ll explore some signs that show your student needs individualized academic attention to catch up and build confidence.
How To Handle Bad Grades: A Practical Guide For Parents
When report cards come home and the results are less than stellar, it’s always a challenge to figure out how to react as a parent.
In this post, learn the best ways to handle bad grades, including how to talk with your child about their academic performance.
Why Letters of Recommendation Matter More Than You Think in College Admissions
Teacher recommendation letters can make a powerful impact on your teen’s college applications—if they’re handled the right way.
In this post, our expert college consultant breaks down what parents need to know to help their student secure standout letters.
College Prep Checklists For High Schoolers
Which year should your child start studying for college entrance exams or ask for recommendation letters? Download a free college prep checklist to help your child easily stay on track during every year of high school.
Is Your Teen Ready for AP Exams? What Parents Need to Know Now
Think AP exams are just another end-of-year test? Think again.
AP scores are becoming a key way to assess academic readiness for college, even at “test-optional” schools.
Student Spring Fever? Tips to Stay Motivated at the End of the School Year
Despite the fact that motivation naturally lessens in kids after spring break, it’s the time of the year when they likely have the most on their plates. Here are some strategies to keep kids motivated to finish strong.