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We unravel what executive functioning really means (hint: it's all about self-cueing from the inside out), explore how it underpins our ability to learn and accomplish everyday tasks, and examine its powerful connection to literacy. Tera shares her unique journey across disciplines—spanning neuroscience, psychology, occupational therapy, and more—which led her to develop innovative frameworks and a cognitive processing model now making waves in the field.

You'll also hear practical strategies for parents and educators, including how to foster working memory at home, support literacy beyond just curriculum, and make use of game-changing tools like reflexive questioning. Whether you're supporting a struggling learner, homeschooling, or just curious about how our brains organize information to drive success, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and actionable takeaways.

In this episode you'll hear about:

Tera's career journey: Starting in French and math, transitioning to speech language pathology.
Tera's quest for holistic approaches: Education in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, occupational therapy, and cognitive linguistics.
Development of Tera's personal cognitive processing model through interdisciplinary study.
What is Executive Functioning?
Tera's definition: "Self cueing from the inside out."
Importance of internal versus external cues.
The role of executive function interventions and how many are overly external.
External Tools vs. Internal Skills
Examples of external tools (planners, schedules, timers).
Explanation that tools only work if internal executive function is present.
The myth of tools being the ultimate solution (e.g., planners not solving disorganization).
The need to support internal development rather than focusing solely on external aids.
Executive Function and Literacy
How executive functioning underpins literacy acquisition.
Critical executive function skills involved in literacy
Impact of impairments: Student disengagement, inability to absorb instruction.
"Attention flashlight" metaphor: Directing mental energy during learning.
Working Memory: The Literacy Bottleneck
Types of working memory: Verbal and nonverbal.
Verbal working memory as an initial step in phonics and reading.
The developmental trajectory of working memory (not fully developed until mid-teens).
Curriculum misalignments: Demanding more from working memory than a child might currently manage (e.g., CVC words).
Identifying Executive Function Challenges in Literacy
Signs of processing issues: Relearning phonics, stalled progress, rapid forgetting.
Recommendations to seek professional assessment for accurate diagnosis.
Importance of individualized approaches rather than rigidly sticking to curriculum tools.
Practical Executive Function Activities
Adjusting starting points to match the child's capacity (one or two sounds, not just three-letter words).
Mention of specific programs (e.g., LiPS program, Phoneme Sequencing Program) and their techniques.
Supporting Working Memory Throughout the Day
The link between working memory, planning, and life skills.
Importance for children with anxiety: Using mental rehearsal to reduce uncertainty.
Role of Sensory Experience in Nonverbal Working Memory
How the brain creates internal maps through sensory experiences.
Play as critical for wiring nonverbal working memory—why screen-based learning can be limiting.
Discussion of the brain's eight sensory systems (including proprioception, vestibular, and interoception).
Integrating Multi-disciplinary Insights
Tera's expertise combines OT, SLP, neuroscience, psychology, and linguistics.
Bringing together disparate concepts for parents to understand executive function holistically.

Links and Resources From Today's Show

Connect With Our Guest, Tera Sumpter

Tera Sumpter, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the author of the internationally best-selling book, The Seeds of Learning and founder of Seeds of Learning, LLC, a private practice in Cleveland, Ohio specializing in executive function, reading, speech, language, writing, and other pediatric learning challenges. She leads a global online community for professionals and families focused on executive function, presents her cognitive processing model nationally and internationally, and creates practical EF resources for professionals and parents. Tera is an adjunct instructor

In this episode you'll hear about:

Tera's career journey: Starting in French and math, transitioning to speech language pathology.
Tera's quest for holistic approaches: Education in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, occupational therapy, and cognitive linguistics.
Development of Tera's personal cognitive processing model through interdisciplinary study.
What is Executive Functioning?
Tera's definition: "Self cueing from the inside out."
Importance of internal versus external cues.
The role of executive function interventions and how many are overly external.
External Tools vs. Internal Skills
Examples of external tools (planners, schedules, timers).
Explanation that tools only work if internal executive function is present.
The myth of tools being the ultimate solution (e.g., planners not solving disorganization).
The need to support internal development rather than focusing solely on external aids.
Executive Function and Literacy
How executive functioning underpins literacy acquisition.
Critical executive function skills involved in literacy
Impact of impairments: Student disengagement, inability to absorb instruction.
"Attention flashlight" metaphor: Directing mental energy during learning.
Working Memory: The Literacy Bottleneck
Types of working memory: Verbal and nonverbal.
Verbal working memory as an initial step in phonics and reading.
The developmental trajectory of working memory (not fully developed until mid-teens).
Curriculum misalignments: Demanding more from working memory than a child might currently manage (e.g., CVC words).
Identifying Executive Function Challenges in Literacy
Signs of processing issues: Relearning phonics, stalled progress, rapid forgetting.
Recommendations to seek professional assessment for accurate diagnosis.
Importance of individualized approaches rather than rigidly sticking to curriculum tools.
Practical Executive Function Activities
Adjusting starting points to match the child's capacity (one or two sounds, not just three-letter words).
Mention of specific programs (e.g., LiPS program, Phoneme Sequencing Program) and their techniques.
Supporting Working Memory Throughout the Day
The link between working memory, planning, and life skills.
Importance for children with anxiety: Using mental rehearsal to reduce uncertainty.
Role of Sensory Experience in Nonverbal Working Memory
How the brain creates internal maps through sensory experiences.
Play as critical for wiring nonverbal working memory—why screen-based learning can be limiting.
Discussion of the brain's eight sensory systems (including proprioception, vestibular, and interoception).
Integrating M...

How Working Memory Shapes Literacy: Practical Tips to support the missing link between executive functioning and reading