For students with executive function challenges, problems with flexibility and goal-directed behavior can be a major obstacle to success in school and in life.
With the enhanced second edition of this popular curriculum—now optimized for both in-person and virtual instruction—you’ll have everything you need to explicitly teach executive function skills in today’s educational environment.
A highly effective intervention for students ages 8–11, Unstuck & On Target! gives you 21 ready-to-use, field-tested lessons that boost critical skills like cognitive flexibility, problem solving, coping, and goal setting. Ideal for use with learners with autism, ADHD, and other challenges that affect executive function, this curriculum includes a comprehensive manual and a package of digital, downloadable components that are easy to print and use in face-to-face or virtual settings.
Unstuck and On Target! Benefits:
- Optimized for the way you teach today. The new reconfigured format makes the kit more flexible—you can use it in schools or during remote instruction.
- Meets the needs of MTSS Tier 2 learners. This proven curriculum is one of the few tailored to the needs of Tier 2 students who need more focused instruction.
- Gives you explicit, step-by-step routines, activities, and scripts to help students improve executive function skills.
- Targets the flexibility and planning skills every student needs to learn effectively, reduce stress, get along with others, problem-solve, and more.
- Can be done with any class, by any teacher. Each ready-to-use lesson comes complete with clear instructions, materials lists, and tips for teachers.
- Makes learning fun with engaging games, role plays, stories, and lively class discussions.
- Reinforces new skills through 19 Home Practice handouts in English and Spanish.
Unstuck Fast Facts
About the Online Materials
About the Authors
Foreword John Elder Robison
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Reinforcement System
Icon Glossary
Script Practice Throughout the Manual
Topic 1 Foundational Skills
Lesson 1 Get to Know You
Lesson 2 Introduction to Goal, Why, Plan, Do, Check
Lesson 3 Emotional Identification
Lesson 4 What Can You Do to Feel Better?
Topic 1 Progress Report
Topic 2 What Is Flexibility?
Lesson 5 Flexibility Investigation
Lesson 6 Flexibility
Lesson 7 Getting Stuck
Topic 2 Progress Report
Topic 3 How to Be Flexible
Lesson 8 Plan A → Plan B
Lesson 9 Compromise
Lesson 10 Big Deal/Little Deal
Lesson 11 Choice/No Choice
Lesson 12 Expect the Unexpected
Topic 3 Progress Report
Topic 4 Why Be Flexible?
Lesson 13 The Advantages of Being Flexible
Lesson 14 Being Flexible Can Make Good Things Happen
Topic 4 Progress Report
Topic 5 Your Goals: Getting What You Want
Lesson 15 Setting and Achieving Goals Using GWPDC
Lesson 16 GWPDC Application and Practice
Lessons 17 & 18 GWPDC Stations
Lesson 19 Event Planning
Lesson 20 Event
Topic 5 Progress Report
Topic 6 Flexible/Goal-Directed Futures
Lesson 21 Interview (& Optional Game)
Topic 6 Progress Report
Appendix
Index
“Unstuck and on Target! does a remarkable job of translating complex ideas and abstract terminology into concepts and language that make sense to children. It is evident that this curriculum reflects years of hands on experience working with executive skills in the classroom. The user can be assured that every lesson has been tested and refined, leaving a distillation that is accessible and appealing to children and easy for teachers to implement.” – Peg Dawson, Ed.D., NCSP, Psychologist at the Center for Learning and Attention Disorders; co-author of several books on executive skills, including Smart but Scattered
“This second edition of Unstuck and On Target! provides educators with explicit ideas to help students with weaknesses in executive functioning improve their skills in organization, planning, self-monitoring, and goal setting. The carefully devised curriculum (which is laced with a bit of humor) stresses the importance of flexibility and provides a systematic action plan for teaching students the critical skills, key strategies, and specific routines they will need to confront and overcome many of school’s social and academic challenges.” – Nancy Mather, Ph.D., University of Arizona
“Too often, when students have deficits in executive functioning, they are erroneously perceived as having behavior problems. This book is an excellent resource that helps educators fully understand the complexities of executive functioning. Readers are provided with step-by-step instructions for proactively teaching essential skills and coping strategies to support students in overcoming barriers associated with executive functioning challenges.” – Debra Leach,Ed.D., BCBA, Professor of Special Education, Director of Winthrop Think College