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Writer's pictureShyla Mathews

The Magical Relationship Between Executive Function Coaching and Literacy Development

Updated: Nov 27


A boy riding a magical book

Let's dive deeper into the fascinating world where executive function (EF) skills and the art of reading and writing collide. It's like finding the secret ingredient that makes literacy development go from good to fabulous. So, grab a coffee or tea, get cosy, and explore why combining Executive Function coaching with literacy methods like Orton Gillingham and Lindamood Bell is a total game-changer. Oh, and did I mention that our programs at the Nice Movement are doing wonders for all the rockstars out there – struggling readers, dyslexic champs, and those with ADHD who need a little extra help with reading, spelling, grammar, and writing?


Executive Function Skills and Literacy – They're Practically Best Friends Forever


Let's ditch the fancy words and get honest about executive functions. They're like the superheroes of our brains, the ones that help us stay on track, remember stuff, switch gears when needed, and keep those distractions at bay. Now, think about reading. If your attention is doing the cha-cha or your memory is taking a vacation, reading can turn into a real head-scratcher. That's where EF skills come to the rescue, and let me tell you, they're a big deal:


  • Attention: Picture this – trying to read a page while your mind is off on its wild adventure, thinking about everything except the words on the paper. Good luck making sense of anything! Having a superhero-level attention span is like having a magic wand for reading.

  • Working Memory: Reading isn't just about seeing words; it's about holding onto what you read. Working memory is like your brain's sticky note – it helps you keep the beginning of a sentence in mind while figuring out the end. It's like doing mental gymnastics.

  • Cognitive Flexibility: Reading isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. Dyslexic readers might need to switch up their word-decoding moves for different words Being flexible in your approach is like having a reading superpower.

  • Inhibitory Control: Have you ever found yourself reading, and suddenly, your mind is sunbathing on a tropical beach instead of focusing on the book? Inhibitory control is the superhero that keeps you on track and stops those mental vacations.


EF Coaching + Literacy Methods = The Ultimate Success Story


Case Study: Anna’s Journey from Struggles to Triumph


Meet Anna, an energetic 8-year-old with a passion for exploration but a growing frustration with the world of words. Anna's reading journey wasn't as smooth as she'd hoped – she faced challenges not only with dyslexia but also with some executive function (EF) skills that were playing hard to get.


Recognising the need for a tailored approach, we started Anna's transformation with a comprehensive EF skills check-up. It was like putting on detective hats to uncover the specific areas where Anna could use extra support. The verdict? Anna's working memory, inhibitory control, and attention needed love.


Now, enter our Executive Function coach, armed with an arsenal of engaging activities and strategies to boost those Executive Function skills. The coaching wasn't just about improving her abilities on paper and making it fun and relatable for Anna. Memory games became adventures, focus exercises became exciting challenges, and tricks to maintain attention felt like insider tips from a reading guru.


But here's the magic twist – we didn't stop there. We joined forces with Orton Gillingham, a literacy method that has proven to be a superhero cape for dyslexic readers like Anna. It's not just about decoding words; it's about making reading a love affair, a journey of discovery.


Working Memory Wins: Anna's memory got a workout with games that turned remembering sounds and letters into a breeze. No more staring at the page like it's a mystery novel! Picture it: Anna confidently decodes words with a twinkle of triumph in her eyes.


Inhibitory Control Champ: With strategies to stay focused, Anna became a reading champion. Distractions? Not even a blip on her reading radar. Those laser-focused reading sessions became her secret weapon.


Attention Booster: Engaging activities helped Anna's attention span grow, turning reading assignments into a victory lap instead of a struggle. The once elusive focus became a constant companion, making each page a stepping stone toward success.


The result? A metamorphosis. Anna went from a frustrated reader to a reading superhero. Her confidence, once teetering on the edge, soared to new heights. The magic of reading wasn't lost on her anymore; it became a source of joy, a world waiting to be explored.

But the real triumph was the ripple effect. Anna's newfound love for reading became contagious. Her enthusiasm spread to her classmates, creating a positive atmosphere where everyone felt empowered to embrace their unique reading journey.


A girl reading and getting so many ideas

This case study isn't just about Anna – it's a testament to the power of a tailored, holistic approach. Recognising and addressing her dyslexia and Executive Function challenges, we unlocked the door to a world of possibilities. The combined forces of Executive Function coaching and literacy magic transformed Anna's struggle into a triumph, showcasing the potential within every learner.


So, let's celebrate Anna's victory as a reminder that every struggling reader can find their path to literacy success with the right blend of support and strategies. The journey might have its challenges, but with a sprinkle of Executive Function coaching and the magic of literacy methods like Orton Gillingham, it becomes a story of triumph, just like Anna's.


Here's the lowdown – the connection between Executive Function skills and reading is like peanut butter and jelly, a match made in heaven. Add in some Executive Function coaching with literacy methods that get it, like Orton Gillingham, and you've got the recipe for success.


At the Nice Movement, we're all about making this learning journey unique for every superhero in the making, whether they're struggling readers, dyslexic champions, or folks with ADHD. The secret sauce? It combines executive function coaching with literacy magic and stories like Anna's shout from the rooftops about its power. So, let's keep the literacy party rolling, ensuring every learner finds their groove. Reading isn't just a skill; it's a golden ticket to a world of possibilities. Let's turn it into an adventure worth taking – for every reader.



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