ATTENTION/PROCESSING
Name two things you can do to reduce distractions before starting a task.
silence phone, close door, turn off TV, clear workspace, use headphones, choose quieter time.
Name a external memory aid/compensatory strategy
calendar, alarm, timers, note taking, etc.
Define “planning” in one sentence.
deciding steps/materials/time needed to reach a goal
If you only have energy for one task today, what’s the best way to choose?
prioritize by urgency/importance/safety?
Why did the math book look sad?
it had too many problems
You’re following directions and realize you missed a step. What’s the best first move?
pause and ask for repetition/clarification or re-check the instructions
Name two ways to improve learning of new info.
repetition, chunking, association, writing it down, teach-back, visualization
Name one sign you may need to stop and re-check your work.
noticing mismatch/error, confusion, repeating same step, time taking too long, outcome not making sense?
You have 3 appointments this week. Name one system to keep them organized.
Calendar, planner, phone reminders, written schedule on fridge
Why did the computer go to the doctor?
it caught a virus
You’re reading but keep losing your place. Name one tool and one strategy to help.
finger/index card/highlighter and slow rate/preview headings/chunking
You forget names after introductions. Give a strategy using association.
linking the name to a feature or category (e.g., “Mark has a mark/dimple”)
You’re cooking and realize you’re missing an ingredient. What’s a flexible solution?
substitute, change recipe, adjust plan, or pause and get it later
You need to call about a refill. What are 2 pieces of info you should have ready?
medication name, DOB, pharmacy name, provider name, callback number
Why did the scarecrow get promoted?
he was outstanding in his field
What’s the difference between divided attention and selective attention?
divided = doing 2 tasks at once (talking while sorting meds); selective = focusing while ignoring distractions (reading with TV on but ignoring it)
What’s the benefit of writing something vs. only saying it once?
improves encoding/creates a record for later review?
You start a task, but partway through you realize it’s taking much longer than expected and you’re losing focus. What is the best executive functioning strategy to stay on track and still complete the task effectively?
pause to reassess the plan, break the task into smaller steps, and set a reasonable time limit for completion
You’re overwhelmed by a long to-do list. Name a strategy that reduces it to something doable.
break into steps, pick top 3, time-block 10 minutes, group similar tasks
Why don't scientists trust atoms?
Because they make up everything!
You’re balancing a checkbook (or reviewing a long bill) and notice the final total doesn’t make sense. You already feel mentally fatigued. What is the best attention-based strategy to correct the error without starting completely over?
pause the task, take a brief reset break, then re-check the work using a systematic, step-by-step review (e.g., cover completed lines, check one line at a time, verbalize each step).
You need to remember 5 errands. Give a strategy that combines grouping + order.
Categorizing (food/pharmacy/bank) and sequencing by route/time?
Give a 3-step plan for remembering meds when your routine changes on weekends.
set recurring alarm, keep meds in same visible place, use weekly pill organizer + check-off list.
You’re given directions with extra details you don’t need. What skill helps you focus on only what matters?
selective attention/filtering (and/or identifying key information)
Why did the patient bring a ladder to therapy when working on executive functioning?
What is because they were working on “higher-level thinking,” planning the steps ahead, and not skipping steps?