Blogs

Big emotions are a normal part of being human — especially for kids and teens. Whether it’s frustration during homework, disappointment after a tough game, or the sudden surge of excitement that makes it hard to sit still, emotions show up fast. But for many students, what comes after the emotion is what matters most. That moment between feeling and reacting — the pause — is one of the most powerful executive function (EF) skills a student can learn. At Just Start LA, we see

At Just Start LA, we believe mistakes are one of the most powerful teachers students have. But for many kids, especially those who hold themselves to high standards or have experienced frustration in school, mistakes can feel discouraging — sometimes even shameful. The truth is, every successful learner develops the ability to reflect , adjust , and grow from their experiences. This process — known as metacognition — is the foundation of resilience and lifelong learning. Her

When most people think about ADHD, the first thing that comes to mind is difficulty paying attention . While that’s part of the picture, it’s far from the whole story. ADHD impacts a range of executive functioning (EF) skills — like planning, regulating emotions, and managing motivation — that are essential for success in school, work, and everyday life. Let’s unpack what ADHD and executive dysfunction really look like: Beyond Attention: The Executive Functioning Lens Executi

The syllabus drops, and suddenly you see it: a major project or paper due at the end of the semester. For many students, the thought of a...

When people hear the term executive functioning , it can sound abstract or overly technical. But really, executive functioning (EF) is...

The first few weeks of school bring excitement, fresh starts, and new routines. But once the dust settles, many students quickly feel the...

Want to know the real secret to school success? It’s not just intelligence. It’s executive functioning — the behind-the-scenes brain...

Summer was fun. Maybe even a little too fun — sleep schedules got weird, routines vanished, and structure? What structure? That’s totally...

Before jumping into back-to-school prep, now is the perfect time for students (and families) to reflect on the previous year. Guide readers through a simple “look back to leap forward” exercise, asking questions like: What helped you stay on top of things last year? What habits or routines didn’t serve you? When were you most proud of yourself? What’s one change you want to make this year?