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Quick Teacher EF Observation Guide

Written by Sindy Rodriguez
Updated over a week ago

Working Memory (Remembering and Processing)

  • Forgets multi-step directions

  • Needs frequent reminders

  • Loses track during activities

  • Starts a task but forgets what to do next

  • Difficulty completing routines independently (e.g., clean-up, lining up)

  • Needs visual or verbal prompts to stay on task

  • Struggles to hold rules of a game in mind

  • Repeat questions or ask, “What do I do?”

Inhibitory Control (Stopping Impulses)

  • Acts before thinking

  • Difficulty waiting or taking turns

  • Struggles to stop when asked

  • Calls out or interrupts frequently

  • Has difficulty keeping hands/body to self

  • Grabs materials or rushes into activities

  • Reacts quickly with frustration (yelling, pushing, etc.)

  • Difficulty lowering voice or body when prompted

Cognitive Flexibility (Shifting)

  • Gets “stuck” on one idea or activity

  • Difficulty with transitions

  • Becomes upset when plans change

  • Insists on doing things one way

  • Difficulty moving from preferred to non-preferred activities

  • Struggles to try a new strategy when something doesn’t work

  • Has trouble switching between tasks or roles

  • Needs extra time or support to adjust to new routines

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