Executive Functions for Every K–3 Classroom with Mitch Weathers and Dr. Sarah Oberle
Ross talks with returning guest Mitch Weathers and Dr. Sarah Oberle about their new book, Executive Functions for Every K–3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start, published by Corwin. The conversation explores how core executive functions — working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility — develop in young children and how K–3 teachers can reduce cognitive load through intentional routines, environment design, and instruction that helps students self-regulate and succeed.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What led from the first book (Grades 3–12) to a K–3 edition, and why primary teachers were asking for it
- The three core executive functions: working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility — and what they look like in early elementary classrooms
- How working memory capacity and cognitive load affect young students' ability to attend, follow directions, and learn
- The "Betty and the Bats" example — unpacking the hidden cognitive demands of a seemingly simple first-grade writing task
- How to reduce extraneous cognitive load through visual environment, acoustic environment, and purposeful classroom routines
- Why a noisy classroom isn't always a productive classroom — and how to make noise purposeful
- Building students' self-awareness of their own attention and self-regulation
- How understanding executive functions becomes an intuitive lens for teachers — not another thing on their plate
- Making the case for resistant educators: why every teacher, not just specialists, should understand executive functions
- The unique role of primary teachers in laying the cognitive foundation for all future learning
Get the book, Executive Functions for Every K–3 Classroom, from Corwin or at https://organizedbinder.com/books
Learn more about Organized Binder: https://organizedbinder.com
Listen to Ross's previous episode with Mitch, Executive Functions for Every Classroom:
https://authoritypodcast.net/episodes/executive-functions-for-every-classroom-with-mitch-weathers
https://authoritypodcast.net/episodes/executive-functions-for-every-classroom-with-mitch-weathers
About today's guests
Mitch Weathers is a teacher and founder of Organized Binder, Inc. He became an exceptional educator because he once struggled as a student. Recognizing the importance of laying a foundation for learning, he created Organized Binder — a research-backed system that empowers teachers to explicitly teach executive functioning skills without sacrificing instructional time. Mitch is the author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom: Creating Safe and Predictable Learning Environments (Grades 3–12) and co-author of Executive Functions for Every K–3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start, both published by Corwin. Together with the Organized Binder team, he works with K–12 schools and colleges in the US and internationally. Connect with Mitch at organizedbinder.com or on LinkedIn.
Dr. Sarah Oberle is an educator, author, speaker, and professional learning designer with 18 years of experience as a primary classroom teacher. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership with a specialization in cognitive science. Her work centers on helping educators understand how learning happens and how that understanding shapes daily instructional decisions. Sarah designs and facilitates evidence-informed professional learning for teachers and school leaders, both in person and virtually. She works with national and international organizations to ensure professional learning is research-informed, practical, and responsive to the realities of teaching. Her work focuses on attention, memory, and executive functions, with an emphasis on pedagogy rather than programs. Connect with Sarah at sarahoberle.com or on LinkedIn.
About the host
Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K–12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Bluesky or LinkedIn.
Learn more about today's sponsor, Playworks:
We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.
We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.
If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time.
These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.
Creators and Guests
Host
Ross Romano
Former host of The Authority. Co-founder of Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies. Strategist, consultant, and performance coach.
Guest
Dr. Sarah Oberle
Educator | Author | Speaker Leadership & Science of Learning -translational science for practice- sarahoberle.com
