Lamar County Schools Exceptional Students

10/09/2026

Why Chores Help Build Executive Functioning Skills
1. Planning & Organization
🧺 Figuring out what needs to be done, in what order, and gathering materials builds planning and organization skills.

Example: Cleaning a bathroom requires knowing the steps and having the right supplies.

2. Task Initiation
🛎️ Starting a chore, especially one that isn’t exciting, trains the brain to overcome procrastination and get moving.

Example: Beginning to fold laundry instead of putting it off.

3. Working Memory
🧠 Chores often involve remembering multi-step directions, routines, or sequences of actions.

Example: “Unload the dishwasher, then wipe the counters, then sweep.”

4. Time Management
⏰ Chores help kids estimate how long something will take and manage their time to get it done.

Example: Learning that folding clothes takes 15 minutes and needs to be fit into the day.

5. Attention & Focus
🎯 Staying with a task until it’s finished, especially when it’s boring, trains sustained attention.

Example: Dusting an entire room without getting distracted by every object.

6. Impulse Control
🚫 Chores teach kids to pause the urge to quit or rush through, and instead complete tasks properly.

7. Self-Monitoring & Responsibility
📋 Did I do it well? Did I miss a spot? Chores help kids check their work, take pride, and build independence.

Here is a printable chore list to help with keeping on task, planning, prioritization, working memory, and attention: https://www.theottoolbox.com/free-chores-checklist-for-kids/

10/08/2026

October is a month to recognize, learn about, and celebrate the disability community. These and other observances throughout the month recognize the experiences, contributions, and achievements of people with disabilities and the communities that support them.

This month and throughout the year, take time to learn, listen, recognize, and celebrate.

09/28/2026

08/26/2026

Does your child hold it together all day at school, only to explode the minute they walk through the front door? 🚪💥

This is called Post-School Restraint Collapse. After hours of masking and keeping up with high sensory demands, home is the safe space where their nervous system finally unloads. As an Educational Psychologist, I’ve put together a guide on how to create a restorative "landing zone" after school.

👉 Comment GUIDE below and I’ll send the guide over to you!



LinkDM *053*

08/22/2026

A child can hear every word you say and still not understand what you need them to do.

Following an instruction requires more than listening. Children need to understand what has been said, remember it, work out what is expected and then act on it. Long or vague instructions can make this much harder.

Phrases like “behave yourself”, “get ready” or “sort out that mess” may seem obvious to an adult, but they can leave a child unsure about exactly what they should do first.

This can be even harder when children are tired, distracted, upset or overwhelmed. What looks like ignoring, refusing or being difficult may sometimes be a child who needs clearer information and a little more time to process it.

Being specific, keeping instructions manageable and telling children what we want them to do can reduce frustration for everyone.

Sometimes, instead of asking "Why aren’t they listening?”, a more useful question is:

“Have I made it clear what I need them to do?”

FREE BE SPECIFIC WHEN TALKING TO CHILDREN POSTER

LIKE the photo and comment "TALK" and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

08/20/2026

08/12/2026

Trojan Student Advisory offers students in grades 9–12 a platform to share their perspectives directly with the superintendent. Throughout the school year, TSA members will provide valuable input on key aspects of student life. The TSA will work with Dr. Watson to discuss how changes in the district's policies and procedures affect Lamar County students.

Students interested in serving should complete the application using the link below by August 31, 2026.

Link:

https://forms.gle/7bM7xpVBkMz1goHB6

08/11/2026

None of us were meant to raise a family alone. Come be a part of Raising Highly Capable Kids, where you can gain practical tools, encouragement, and a community of parents growing together to ensure your children not just survive, but thrive!

Register at the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdd-gSXszjjJs-VLYSNEAII1GvL9PwKr0YVXvIPDoyG1blLBA/closedform?pli=1

08/09/2026

Yep! Here are strategies for organization of homework and school supply lies at the two environments where things fall apart, the school side and the home side.

Organization at school: https://www.theottoolbox.com/organization-tips-for-students-organize-kids-school-work/

And at home: https://www.theottoolbox.com/how-to-help-disorganized-sensory-kids-organize-homework/

Image:: Ot4adhd