I work with a lot of students who want better, easier, faster ways of organizing school and personal life so they can be MORE successful and LESS stressed. Google Keep, connected with your Gmail account, is a VERY powerful, flexible and easy tool to help. In this video I teach students how to get started in 10 minutes with some great ideas they can implement today. Here I offer 9 categories they may want to create at least for now to get a jumpstart. đź’š Give: Love my work and want to … [Read more...]
How to make what’s hard, easy! Stop PROCRASTINATING
Parents, this is for students. Learning how to make hard things easy is ESSENTIAL if you want to learn to get through procrastination and get into action so you can build towards a great future. This video explains how if you struggle with Executive Function, you can use this tip to help you do the things that need to get done for your own well-being. Video Transcript: Click here to download the transcript PDF. Hey students, what's up? It's me, Seth, and welcome to my … [Read more...]
The most IRRESPONSIBLE person I know (Executive Function challenges)
Please CLICK above to share. Students who are labeled as "irresponsible" have executive function challenges. Calling someone irresponsible in order to somehow motivate them, does not work. Instead, it causes shame and more resistance. If we really want to empower these kids, we need to compassionately help them learn strategies. This video explores this issue. If you appreciate my work, please share, comment, and subscribe. Love my work and want to give? Click … [Read more...]
Executive Function & PROCRASTINATION. A breakdown.
By the end of this vlog, you’ll get 2 things: Understand exactly how procrastination fits into Executive Function and how it impacts students Know my #1 key strategy for what to do about it I also cover: EF aspects Two sides of the same coin Self-starting, task initiation, get the train going Procrastination, unmotivated, undisciplined, stuck Do not have skills to self-start The impacts and consequences of procrastination Grades Relationships Emotional … [Read more...]
PROCRASTINATION! How to do a STUDY SPRINT and break through it
Please CLICK above to share. Procrastination is a massive problem for my students who struggle with executive function. Unfortunately, these students have all sorts of consequences as a result, including late work, missing work, incomplete work, zeroes, falling grades, homework battles, overwhelm, stress, etc.. This video teaches students how I use my 3-30-3 study sprint method to break through procrastination and get stuff done. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support … [Read more...]
Students, I know you hate planning, BUT…
Students, I know you hate planning, BUT... Please *click*Â below to share … [Read more...]
The questions students SHOULD be asking themselves
Please CLICK above to share. Students with executive function challenges benefit from being taught directly about strategies for school and life success then implementing them for a looong time. After many years of working with these kids, there are definitely a handful of ESSENTIAL questions they SHOULD be asking themselves on a daily basis in order to effectively track the systems they need to be maintaining. When students DON'T learn to ask these questions, things fall apart, they … [Read more...]
Spoke theory and patient persistence = win
Here is the summit link:Â https://executivefunctionsummit.com/ "So I thought I would give an update from yesterday and this is for the win! After my brief rant/post (which was self-care & self reg), I was able to regroup. I created a safe space for my son, who said, "I hate homework". I told him I was not going to get mad over homework anymore. I started with a 2 mins. timer and stuck to it. We were able to get 4 out of 5 pgs done over several short sessions. Then we were exhausted and … [Read more...]
HOW to ask about school: “School’s fine, now stop bugging me”
Please CLICK above to share. Here's a sort of "micro-MASTERCLASS" for ya. In this video, I teach parents in-depth about the problems with asking our kids what they have for homework and specifically HOW to ask the right questions in order to get MEANINGFUL answers so you can help. Here's the PDF:Â SethPerlerPlanningquestionseachnight Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. Click here to visit my official YouTube Channel … [Read more...]
3 school PLANNER myths and what to do instead
Please CLICK above to share. In this video, I'll explain 3 big myths about planners/calendars/agendas and how adults try to help students use them. Then I'll give you guidance on what really matters when choosing the right planner for a student who struggles with planning. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. Click here to visit my official YouTube Channel & subscribe if you want! Thank you — Seth Reading the … [Read more...]
4 B2S Executive Function tips
Please CLICK above to share. This vlog gives parents 4 concrete tips to help you help your child start the school year right. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. Click here to visit my official YouTube Channel & subscribe if you want! Thank you — Seth Reading the transcript? Great! We're currently uploading hundreds of transcripts so you can read them asap, but they are NOT all edited yet. This is a big process. … [Read more...]
[podcast] Dr. Robyn Silverman
Please **CLICK** above to share. Thanks! Seth Dr. Robyn Silverman had me on her podcast last week, and we had a great talk called "How to Help Kids Who Struggle with Executive Function Skills in School and in Life with Seth Perler." Here's some of what we covered: What is executive function? Why executive function is not something we are helping ALL kids to master How do we know executive function is an issue? What are the common mistakes key adults make in the lives of kids who … [Read more...]
Students Who Lose Stuff
This vlog is based on this email: First, you are the best! Love all the help you provide EF-challenged kids! Question on your simple schoolwork system: How do you tell high school kids to manage carrying all of these separate folders/comp books? Most times they can't go to locker til lunch and may have 3-4 classes to prepare for -- that's kind of why the zipped 3-ring binder is helpful -- but the ONLY reason! :) Most schools these days do not let kids carry around their backpacks (safety … [Read more...]
How students “should” REFLECT after semester is over?
Please CLICK above to share. What to do AFTER the semester ends? What? Reflect - Introspection, become mindful of past semester, raise consciousness, self-awareness. Learning to reflect is a crucial executive function skill that must be developed. Why? Build the executive function skill of self-reflection in order to look at what went well that we should continue to do, and what we want to do differently to be more successful. When? Within a couple of days after semester is over How … [Read more...]
Education On Fire
 If you like this, please **CLICK ABOVE TO SHARE** Here's a new 45 min. podcast I did with Mark Taylor out of London. It was a ton of fun and you might get a lot out of it. He asked me the following: Who are you? What does your life look like now and how is it different from when you were growing up? What was valuable about your school experience? Which teachers do you remember and why? Who did you admire when you were young? What was it about that person that had … [Read more...]
Homeschool & Executive Function
I don't talk about homeschooling often, but I think about it a lot and have a lot of blog followers who homeschool, so I've definitely got ideas for you. I recently received a great question from a homeschool mom: "I just want to request that you more fully address a topic that I have not found on your site. Could you please address homeschooling? In homeschooling, it seems, executive functioning skills such as organization of papers, deadlines, turning in homework, etc are far less of a … [Read more...]
“I’m at a loss to help my child”
Please CLICK above to share. Here's an email I received: I subscribed because I’m seriously lost as to help my child that STRUGGLES with executive functioning— every hour, every day in every situation! His output of schoolwork is far below his capabilities! This is a great topic that many families experience! Here I dive into several key insights that will help. I discuss how it takes time, how it's about skill-building NOT perfect output, about the role of emotional regulation, and in … [Read more...]
Executive Function Masterclass: TILT Podcast with Debbie Reber
Recently Debbie Reber interviewed me about Executive Function on her podcast, TILT Parenting. This is my favorite parenting podcast and I recommend subscribing. Check out the new EF Masterclass podcast 1/2 here. Check out 2/2 here. Freebie: Here’s the free PDF assessment mentioned in the last show with Debbie:  Executive Function Assessment. This assessment explores the most important aspects of your child’s executive function in an easy to understand format. It will give you clarity … [Read more...]
TILT Parenting Podcast with Debbie Reber – Executive Function
Recently Debbie Reber interviewed me about Executive Function on her podcast, TILT Parenting. This is my FAVORITE parenting podcast and I definitely recommend subscribing! Check out the new podcast here. Freebie: Here's the free PDF assessment mentioned in the show:  Executive Function Assessment. This assessment explores the most important aspects of your child's executive function in an easy to understand way. It will give you a ton of clarity regarding your child's executive function and … [Read more...]
B2S The Truth About School Supplies Lists
Please CLICK above to share.  It's that time of year again, back to school shopping. K-College, your child needs supplies. But what do they really need to buy? What goes to waste and what's most beneficial? Sometimes it's best to take supply lists with a grain of salt in favor of getting items that are best aligned with your child's learning needs. This video will help you know what to buy, what not to buy, and how to choose. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To … [Read more...]
[Podcast] 5 Action Steps to Help your ADHD Child
I was recently interviewed on Jennie Friedman's podcast, See in ADHD. In addition to producing a fantastic podcast, Jennie is an ADHD coach out of Long Island, NY who runs workshops and speaks. In this podcast I go over 5 specific action steps to take regarding how to best help your ADHD child with their school. Listen to the podcast on Jennie's site here. (44 min) There is also a great little bonus episode 243 that we did on decluttering. (6 min) You can also find it on the iTunes link … [Read more...]
[Podcast] 7 Systems Outside-the-box Learners Desperately Need
Background I created this article and PDF - Student Systems Assessment for teachers and parents, to accompany the podcast interview of me by Jennifer Gonzalez. We dove deep into some great tips that will help you help your struggling students. Jennifer’s education podcast is called The Cult of Pedagogy and it’s perfect for any teacher or parent who cares about diving deeper into the issues that face education. Check out her podcast, subscribe and give it a review. You’ll love it. This … [Read more...]
Homework over break!?
Uh-oh! It's already that time of year again, Thanksgiving break is upon us. At this point in the semester, many of the students I work with struggle with a very definite and predictable pattern: Swimming upstream - These kids are in "swimming upstream" mode. They are "behind" and are often getting "extensions" on late work. This is never good and only adds to the overwhelm and confusion regarding where to even begin. Naturally, they avoid making any real traction, full of … [Read more...]
How Students Build Effective Systems (printable pdf)
The students I work with are notoriously "bad" with systems, which has a lot to do with why they struggle so much. Actually that's not exactly true, because when a system matters to the student, or when they've had enough practice with implementation, they can be great with systems. For example, I have one student who is obsessed with the game Magic the Gathering. He has extensive systems to manage how he plays this complex game. Anyhow, the point is, when it comes to systems for managing … [Read more...]
“He’s not motivated by much of anything”
Here is a set of 3 videos based upon the following email I received from a reader: Hello Seth, I have an 11-year old son in 6th grade, a 2E-type boy (in a "GT" program since 3rd grade and also on a 504), who is not motivated by much of anything. When he wants to, he can do great work, but only when he wants. And, it's never clear what motivates this uptick in more attention to his work. Sometimes, it's the subject matter, as he definitely has his passions. He's very much an out-of-the-box … [Read more...]
The “Organizationally Challenged” [Video 3/3, The Overhaul]
Please CLICK above to share. Here's part 3/3. In part 1, I mentioned the following: I recently received this email: My youngest (age 11) is challenged by organization. We’re working together to figure out systems and tools that help align her success in this area. In part 2 I broke down how and why you need to have labeled "homes" for everything. Here, in part 3, I discuss the difference between "maintainers" and "overhaulers" and tell you how to do regular overhauls. Enjoy, and … [Read more...]
The “Organizationally Challenged” [Video 2/3]
Please CLICK above to share. Here's part 2/3. In part 1, I mentioned the following: I recently received this email: My youngest (age 11) is challenged by organization. We’re working together to figure out systems and tools that help align her success in this area.” Well, here in part 2 I will break down how and why you need to have labeled "homes" for everything. Enjoy, and please share. The Homes 7-day Challenge: Try this and let me know how it goes: List the categories of … [Read more...]
The “Organizationally Challenged” [Video 1/3]
Please CLICK above to share. The "Organizationally Challenged," Video 1 of 3 I recently received this email: My youngest (age 11) is challenged by organization. We’re working together to figure out systems and tools that help align her success in this area. Well, all the students I work with are "organizationally challenged." But what can we do about it? Here is the first in a 3 part mini-series about what works. 30-Day Challenge: Try this and let me know how it goes: … [Read more...]
What is Executive Functioning? How Does it Affect My Child? (In Plain English + Free PDF cheatsheet)
 Click here take the Executive Function Quiz Why is an article about Executive Function so critical? If your child struggles with school (homework, trouble staying on-task, disorganized, problems with time management, avoidant, resistant, forgetful, overwhelmed, etc.), they probably struggle with Executive Function, and this article is literally the most important article I've written for you. You see, Executive Function is the #1 term parents and teachers must understand in order to help … [Read more...]
The brilliant 3-ring conception of giftedness, Joseph Renzulli
Regardless of whether or not a student is identified as gifted, Joseph Renzulli's 3 ring model is an extraordinary framework for understanding learning. In this video I explain the 3-ring conception and how it relates to executive function. It breaks down the 3 elements necessary in order to have "gifted behaviors." Here's the model: Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. Click here to visit my official YouTube Channel … [Read more...]
What’s your Prioritization Style?
How to get better with priorities Every week I work with the most amazing group of outside-the-box learners. All are right-brained students who struggle with some combination of executive function issues. In a nutshell, they learn differently. We work on homework, organization, time management, emotional regulation, social issues, etc.. Last week, one of my high schoolers asked, "how should I prioritize my homework so I can get it done more efficiently?" This is a great question, and here's … [Read more...]
The Homework Continuum Deluxe (why homework isn’t just one thing)(Video)
Please CLICK above to share. Odd as this may sound, students who struggle with homework aren't just struggling with homework. They're struggling with many things that have a lot to do with "executive function." Executive function refers to the brain's ability to "execute" a complex task. In the case of homework, which sounds like 1 single task, there are actually many subtasks that must be done in order to successfully complete it. This series of subtasks is what I call The Homework … [Read more...]
Backpack overhaul 101: Your new best friend (Video)
Today I’m going to teach you exactly how and why I teach students to do a regular “backpack overhaul” and why it’s a critical tool for student success. Trust me, this is one of the best game-changers. How long the overhaul takes: 1 hour the first time you do an overhaul. 15 minutes once a week after that. Age: I teach ALL of my students to do this, elementary through grad school. About my students: The students I work with are notoriously outside-the-box thinkers who struggle with … [Read more...]
How I successfully teach students to make a "daily plan" (Video)
This won’t come as a surprise to you, but the students I work with aren’t exactly great with planning. In fact, they usually resist it. But here’s a problem, because learning to plan is absolutely essential for every single student in order to prepare for independence in life, regardless of the type of work they eventually go into. "Quit bugging me! I know what I'm doing" These students want more and more independence but still lack the tools to manage independently. They also tend to be very … [Read more...]
Unmotivated kids
Procrastination. Dragging your feet. Putting it off. Avoidance. Resistance. Motivation is overrated We like to think that if we can just figure out how to motivate our kids properly, a mental switch will flip and they'll realize how much easier it is. But it doesn't happen that way with a lot of kids. Learning how to walk through resistance tends to happen painfully slowly. Our children often want to convince us that they need to wait until they feel motivated. They claim they … [Read more...]
How to begin spring semester the right way
Here's a 7 minute video where I share how I help prep students for the spring semester. Of course many students won't want to do this. After all, it's not exactly fun. But the amount of energy and frustration it will save makes it well worth it. Not to mention, it will help you have a much more successful semester, ultimately giving you more free time to do what you want. Here are the main keys: 1. Bring everything home; books, folders, papers, everything from the desk or locker, etc.. (if you … [Read more...]
How to plan for projects and exams: Backwards planning 101 video
Planning is one of the most important skills students must master, but for those with executive function challenges, this is notoriously difficult. I spend a great deal of time helping students build their own personalized approach to planning, so it actually works for their idiosyncrasies. "Backwards planning" is a specific strategy I use with students who have long-term projects or upcoming exams/tests. It's flexible, easy, and powerful. The most important benefit is that it greater … [Read more...]
Down to the wire: How to pull it together at the end of a semester
Watch out! It's the end of the semester, a few weeks before break, and it's not uncommon for things to fall apart seemingly at the last minute. Unfortunately, many students fail classes they could have passed if they took certain actions. The end of the semester arrives before you know it, and sometimes it's too little too late. Next thing you know you're signing up for summer school or retaking classes... Not fun and very discouraging. Usually this happens with students who feel overwhelmed … [Read more...]
Seth Godin: Why you should listen
“What is school for? If you're not asking that, you're wasting time and money.” --Seth Godin Seth Godin is someone who I admire... a lot. I've been following his blog for four years, have read many of his books (Permission Marketing is my favorite), watched most of his videos and listened to countless interviews. What's the big deal? Why should you care? Because Seth has a truly unique way of articulating his ideas so that you can use them to better help your child grow up in this world. He … [Read more...]
Standing Desks and how they benefit kids (video)
Please CLICK above to share. I recently did a 15 min interview with Trevor Brown from The Undesk I am a huge fan of standing desks and strongly encourage my students to try them. It should be noted that nothing is right for everyone and that you should find what works for you. Having said that, I use one myself- in fact I'm standing at it right now as I write this post. And I love it. Also, I live in Boulder, where there are countless startups and tech companies. More and more I see people … [Read more...]
"How do I help my kid if he/she doesn't want it?"
If I had a dollar for every time I heard this... Listen, trying to help a child who won't accept it is definitely a hard pill t swallow, but you're not alone, and there is hope. This trend often starts when the student is in middle school and can last throughout college. Parents discuss this type of situation with me regularly. They say, "My kid won't listen to me," "That's exactly what I said to her, but she got mad when I said it," "I try to help but he won't let me," Etc.. Aspects There's … [Read more...]
The dip: How to deal with the falling grades pattern
"The dip" is something that notoriously happens right around the 6th week of the semester (typically, this means there are 12 more weeks to go). Things pile up, a few missing assignments, a few bad scores, and suddenly, everything feels overwhelming. The dip is very predictable. It actually starts at weeks 2-3, although it's very hard to detect at this point. Everything seems fine, but details are beginning to be missed here and there. Between weeks 4-6, it really hits hard. Almost out of thin … [Read more...]
How post-its can help you get on top of school
Here's a new video all about how students can use stickies or post-its to get organized. This is great for you if: you aren't great with details you forget what you have for homework you procrastinate you forget to turn homework in you don't like to study or don't really know how you aren't naturally organized Trust me, it'll help. Enjoy! … [Read more...]
One solid tip for organizing papers & homework
Here's a video that just might have some great insights for you. It's about one of my favorite systems I help students develop. I call it "the queue." It's a simple, powerful method of tracking everything important, homework or otherwise, in one centralized place. As one of my students said, "it feels harder in my head when my important papers are all spread out in different folders."  Most of my students are able to apply this easily and consistently, it works! How to set it up: 1. First, set … [Read more...]
Planner haters
I hear comments like this regularly: I hate planners. I don't need a planner. I just don't like to use a planner. I know, I know. You really don't want to use a planner. But you do need to figure out some way to manage the details. Seriously, I'll break it down and help make it simple and straight forward. I know because I do this with students all the time and it works. The nuances I will describe will make a BIGÂ difference. Look, students who aren't naturally organized tend to get … [Read more...]
8 Quick & easy ideas to start school off right
Make no mistake, the patterns that are set in the first 4-6 weeks of school set the tone for the entire school year. If students hit a wall 6 weeks in, and red flags start popping up, chances are they'll be afflicted with S.U.S.S. for the rest of the year (Swimming Up Stream Syndrome. Not fun). Therefore, it's critical to hit the ground running and be prepared on day 1. Here's how: (Take what you like and leave the rest) 1. Print 4 copies of the school's YEARLONG calendar. Tape 1 in the … [Read more...]
WDS & Fizzle
I know, unusual blog title. Here is a video about a conference I go to every year called the World Domination Summit, a podcast I am crazy about called Fizzle, and some thoughts regarding the world our kids are growing up in. Hope you are having a phenomenal summer. Seth … [Read more...]
Final exams- a different way to study
Yesterday, I was working with one of my students and we spent some time on a different way for him to study. He loved it. I have taught many of my kids this method and it's really powerful. There are a few things that we traditionally associate with studying: note cards, reading your notes over, memorization, etc.. But there are so many more ways to integrate learning. This one involves a digital recorder. (I use the Olympus 801 . Digital voice recorders cost between $30-$100. Try to get the … [Read more...]
The problem with writing papers
One of the college students I work with recently emailed me this: "I need to produce an outline for a term paper this semester (completing the outline is an actual assignment, due Monday, April 7) and I would like to meet for your assistance on that. We do not have to worry about quickly moving past the outline, like we did on that last paper. I also plan to meet with the professor Monday and Wednesday mornings to discuss overall concerns with the paper beforehand and get a better idea on how … [Read more...]
Hate to beat a dead horse…
I recently received an email from a teacher of one of my middle school clients. It opened, "The binder I ask students to maintain has sections for: (1) Literature Notes, (2) Writing & Grammar Notes, (3) Vocabulary, (4) SSR entries, and (5) Texts - the short stories and myths I've passed out." I see this often- highly organized teachers who require students to maintain highly organized binder systems like this. While I appreciate the intention behind this, it is overkill and … [Read more...]