Executive functioning is a buzzword these days for adults as well as students. No matter your age, there’s always room for improvement in this important skill set. EE’s study skills workshops focus on organization and time management, goal setting, note-taking, annotating, communication with teachers and peers, and research fundamentals. We discuss best practices in each of these areas and engage students in activities to make them more effective learners. Students across Chicago have participated in our executive functioning workshops and have gained valuable tools for succeeding in high school and college.
Ideal Student Workshop for Executive Functioning
Bridge the gap between middle school and high school with this 5-day executive functioning and study skills retreat. Students will learn the character traits, study skills, and academic habits needed to succeed in high school and beyond. Participants will assess their current skills, build new ones, and leave the workshop with a game plan for conquering freshman year. Instructional methods include experiential learning activities, lectures, multimedia presentations, and short projects to encourage a more efficient and successful learner. “Work smarter not harder” is just one of many takeaways from this workshop.
Schedule:
July 30th – August 3rd, 2018
(9:00AM – 3:00PM)
Cost:
5 days for $450
Location:
Menomonee Club / Drucker Center
1535 N. Dayton St.
Chicago, IL 60642
Day One
Character Building
- Academic and Growth Mindsets
Learning Strategies & Habits
- goal-setting
- organization
- time management
Critical Reading & Writing Process
- Reflection and annotation
Experiential Learning Activities
- Group Juggle
- Key Punch
Selfwork
- current events reading
- organize binder
Day Two
Character Building
- Academic Behaviors
Learning Strategies & Habits
- homework
- attendance
- reading textbooks
- discussion skills
Critical Reading & Writing Process
- Free-writing
- guiding questions
- debate
Experiential Learning Activities
- Freshman year Matters!
- The Million Dollar Excu$e
Selfwork
- relationships reflection
- resource booklet
Day Three
Character Building
- Social Skills
Learning Strategies & Habits
- focus
- note-taking
- self-advocacy
Critical Reading & Writing Process
- parts of an essay
- the writing process (focus: outlines)
Experiential Learning Activities
- Hi-Lo-Yo-No, D.A.N.G!
- The Situation
Selfwork
- email instructor
- mission statement
- essay draft
Day Four
Character Building
- Academic Perseverance
Learning Strategies & Habits
- research fundamentals
- exam prep
- self-control
Critical Reading & Writing Process
- peer review
- revision
- editing
Experiential Learning Activities
- Integrity Ball
- River of Life
Selfwork
- four-year plan cover
- final essay draft
- study for exam
Day Five
Character Building
- Four-year plan
Learning Strategies & Habits
- health & wellness
- sense of purpose
Critical Reading & Writing Process
- submit essay
Experiential Learning Activities
- Wah Master
- Magic Tarp
- The Great Review Race
Selfwork
- review what you learned before school starts
College Success Seminar
The transition to college can be difficult as young adults step into a world where no one is overseeing their homework or breaking down assignments into manageable chunks. If students have learned self-advocacy, organization, time management, and other executive functioning strategies before they arrive on campus, they are more likely to survive and thrive during freshman year. This course will not only introduce a wide array of study skills but will also cover reading and writing techniques to help students handle college-level work effectively. Open to students entering freshman or sophomore year of college.
Schedule:
To be announced.
Cost:
To be announced.
Location:
Menomonee Club / Drucker Center
1535 N. Dayton St.
Chicago, IL 60642
Week 1:
- Myths and pitfalls of college essays (what colleges do and do not want to see)
- An essay like no other – you’ve never written like this before
- Dissecting the prompt – what are they really asking?
- Choosing a topic – brainstorming techniques
Week 2:
- Writing a standout essay with honest content and a strong voice
- Winning essay samples
- The formula for organization
- Drafting
Week 3:
- Making sure you’ve answered all parts of the prompt
- Narrowing your focus
- Choosing an attention-grabber
- Dealing with word limits
Week 4:
- Asking for feedback
- Revision
Week 5:
- Polishing the draft: syntax and diction
- Adapting the essay to use on other applications
- Working with other prompts
Week 6:
- Reviewing the process
- Responding to a new prompt with another essay
Leadership Academy
This 4-hour program is designed for groups of all sizes (as small as 8 or as large as 100) to explore the concepts and skills underlying effective leadership. Students play team-building games, discuss ethical dilemmas, and learn how cultural norms affect their participation in groups. Educational Endeavors will bring this program to your school or organization and customize the activities to meet the needs of your student population.