This episode explores practical executive functioning tools that support students’ writing and goal-setting success. Inspired by Valerie Bolling's book, Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom: Building Student Agency, Independence, and Success (Stenhouse Publishers, 2025), Stacey highlights seven strategies—such as making timelines, using timers, and tracking progress—that help improve organization, focus, and motivation. These tools build essential skills for writing and lifelong executive functioning. Drawing on personal experience, the episode shows how goal-setting applies both in and out of the classroom. Tune in to learn how to help students develop confidence and independence with their writing goals.

GO DEEPER!

• TWT Podcast Episodes That Deal with Executive Functioning
  • Accommodations for Access to Writing Instruction
  • Build Executive Functioning with Time Management Techniques
  • Build Writing Confidence with the "Ready, Do, Done" Model
  • Co-Create Writing Goals
  • Help K-8 Students with Executive Functioning Needs: A Conversation with a Colleague
  • Unlock Strategies for Task Initiation
• TWT Blog Posts That Explore Executive Functioning
  • Contingency Maps for Writing Workshops
  • From Memory to Mastery
  • Hands in the Air: How Gestures Support Writing Instruction
  • Routines Build Capacity
  • Writing and Working Memory: Reflective Practice

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• Melanie Meehan: [email protected]
• Stacey Shubitz: [email protected]

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.