CABCI

Classroom Strategies

• Pattern Recognition Activities: Daily practice with visual and numeric patterns, sequences, and analogies
• Problem-Based Learning: Present novel problems without explicit instructions; encourage multiple solution pathways
• Socratic Questioning: Guide students to discover solutions through strategic questioning rather than direct instruction
• Strategy Instruction: Explicitly teach problem-solving heuristics (working backwards, draw a diagram, look for patterns)
• Think-Alouds: Model reasoning processes verbally to make abstract thinking visible
• Puzzle Integration: Incorporate logic puzzles, Sudoku, tangrams, and brain teasers into daily routines

Recommended Programs & Tools

• Cogmed Working Memory Training: Research-based computerized program (25 sessions)
• Mindprint Learning: Adaptive reasoning games tailored to student level
• Building Thinking Skills Series: Structured workbooks for grades K-12
• Rush Hour Logic Game: Sequential reasoning and planning
• SET Card Game: Visual discrimination and pattern recognition

Accommodations & Modifications

• Provide graphic organizers for problem-solving processes
• Break complex problems into smaller, sequential steps
• Use concrete manipulatives before moving to abstract concepts
• Allow additional time for novel problem-solving tasks
• Provide worked examples alongside practice problems

Progress Monitoring

• Weekly curriculum-based measurements in mathematical reasoning
• Track accuracy and efficiency on pattern completion tasks
• Monitor transfer of strategies to novel problem types
• Document growth in metacognitive awareness

Classroom Strategies

• Chunking Information: Break instructions and content into 2-3 item chunks
• Visual Supports: Provide written instructions alongside verbal directions
• Repetition & Rehearsal: Have students repeat back instructions; use choral response
• Reduce Cognitive Load: Minimize extraneous information during instruction
• External Memory Aids: Encourage use of checklists, planners, graphic organizers
• Multisensory Instruction: Engage multiple modalities (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
• Strategic Seating: Position near teacher to facilitate re-teaching and clarification

Direct Training Activities

• N-Back Tasks: Daily 15-minute practice with adaptive difficulty (start with 1-back)
• Digit Span Practice: Progressive exercises with numbers, letters, words
• Mental Math Routines: Quick daily drills without paper/pencil
• Simon Says Variations: Games requiring holding multiple rules in mind
• Working Memory Aerobics: Structured 20-minute sessions 3x/week
• Dual-Task Practice: Gradually increase task complexity while maintaining accuracy

Technology Tools

• Jungle Memory: Game-based working memory training (ages 7-16)
• Cogmed: Intensive 5-week computerized intervention
• Lumosity: Brain training games with memory focus
• Elevate App: Daily cognitive skills practice
• Working Memory Magic: iOS/Android app with adaptive exercises

Classroom Accommodations

• ✓ Provide copies of notes/outlines before lessons
• ✓ Allow use of calculators for multi-step math problems
• ✓ Break assignments into smaller sections
• ✓ Give directions in multiple formats (verbal, written, visual)
• ✓ Permit reference sheets for formulas and procedures
• ✓ Reduce copying requirements (photocopies instead)
• ✓ Extended time for processing and responding

Home-School Connection

• Daily Memory Games: Card games (Concentration), memory phone apps
• Cooking Together: Following multi-step recipes builds working memory
• Story Retelling: Have child retell events from day/story with details
• Shopping List Memory: Practice remembering 3-5 items without list
• Routine Building: Consistent schedules reduce memory demands

Understanding Slow Processing

Important Note: Slow processing speed does NOT indicate lower intelligence. These students often:

• Need more time to take in, make sense of, and respond to information
• May appear inattentive but are actually still processing
• Perform better with untimed tasks and assessments
• Benefit from extended time accommodations (typically 1.5x - 2x)

Essential Accommodations

• ✓ Extended Time: 1.5x-2x time on all timed tasks and tests
• ✓ Reduce Quantity: Assign fewer problems that demonstrate mastery
• ✓ Eliminate Speed Requirements: Focus on accuracy over speed
• ✓ Preferential Seating: Front of room to maximize attention
• ✓ Copy of Notes: Provide outlines to reduce note-taking demands
• ✓ Oral Responses: Allow verbal demonstration of knowledge
• ✓ Technology Support: Speech-to-text, audiobooks, typing vs. handwriting
• ✓ Preview Materials: Pre-teach vocabulary and concepts

Classroom Strategies

• Pre-Cue Transitions: Give 5-minute warning before switching activities
• Check for Understanding: Verify comprehension before moving on
• Simplify Directions: One step at a time, repeat as needed
• Avoid Cold Calling: Give wait time or preview questions
• Break Tasks Down: Segment longer assignments into manageable parts
• Provide Samples: Show completed examples before starting
• Minimize Distractions: Quiet workspace for independent work

Practice & Fluency Building

• Repeated Reading: Build automaticity with familiar texts
• Math Fact Fluency: Daily 5-minute drills with same facts until automatic
• Typing Practice: Keyboarding.com or TypingClub daily
• Incremental Rehearsal: Practice known items with unknowns in 90% known ratio
• Timed Practice (Low Stakes): Track personal progress, not competition
• Automaticity Training: Overlearn foundational skills to free up processing

Technology & Assistive Tech

• Text-to-Speech: Natural Reader, Voice Dream Reader
• Speech-to-Text: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Google Voice Typing
• Digital Note-Taking: Notability, OneNote for organizing info
• Graphic Organizers: Inspiration/Kidspiration software
• Audiobooks: Learning Ally, Bookshare subscriptions
• Calculation Support: Calculator use for computation-heavy tasks

Assessment Modifications

• Extended time on all standardized tests (document in IEP/504)
• Provide test in multiple sittings with breaks
• Allow oral testing when appropriate
• Reduce number of items while maintaining content coverage
• Eliminate bonus points for speed
• Score based on accuracy, not completion

Core Executive Function Skills

• Inhibitory Control: Stopping impulsive responses, resisting distractions
• Cognitive Flexibility: Adapting to changes, shifting attention, seeing multiple perspectives
• Working Memory: Holding and manipulating information (see WM section)
• Planning/Organization: Setting goals, sequencing steps, time management
• Self-Monitoring: Checking work, assessing progress, adjusting strategies

Evidence-Based Programs

• Tools of the Mind: Preschool-K curriculum building self-regulation
• Unstuck and On Target: Flexibility curriculum for elementary (20 lessons)
• Executive Function Curriculum: Explicit instruction in planning and organization
• Zones of Regulation: Self-regulation and emotional control framework
• PEERS® Program: Social skills with executive function components
• Mindfulness Programs: MindUP, Mindful Schools for attention control

Classroom Strategies

• Visual Schedules: Display daily schedule with transitions marked
• Task Analysis: Break complex tasks into numbered steps with checkboxes
• Time Timers: Visual timer to show time remaining (Time Timer app)
• Organizational Systems: Color-coded folders, labeled bins, consistent locations
• Checklists: Morning routine, homework, packing up, test-taking strategies
• Self-Monitoring Charts: Student tracks own behavior/progress
• Stop-and-Think Strategies: Red light/yellow light/green light decision-making
• Metacognitive Instruction: Think aloud, planning sheets, reflection prompts

Games & Activities

• Red Light, Green Light: Inhibitory control practice
• Simon Says: Following rules and inhibiting responses
• Card Games: Uno (rule switching), SET (cognitive flexibility)
• Musical Chairs Variations: Freeze dance with rule changes
• Cooking/Baking: Following sequential steps, time management
• Scavenger Hunts: Planning, problem-solving, working memory
• Board Games: Chess, checkers for planning ahead

Technology Tools

• Planning/Organization: Google Calendar, Todoist, Trello
• Task Management: myHomework app, iStudiez Pro
• Focus Apps: Forest, Freedom, Cold Turkey for blocking distractions
• Note Organization: Evernote, Notion, OneNote
• Time Management: Time Timer app, Focus Keeper (Pomodoro)
• EF Training Games: Brainhq, Lumosity EF modules

Home Strategies for Parents

• Consistent Routines: Same sequence daily (wake up, meals, bedtime)
• Visual Reminders: Picture schedules, checklists in each room
• Homework Station: Designated space with all supplies organized
• Break Big Tasks Down: "First do X, then Y, then Z"
• Preview Changes: Warn about transitions 10-5-2 minutes ahead
• Praise Process: "I like how you planned that out" vs. outcome only
• Model Strategies: Think aloud your own planning and problem-solving

Vocabulary Development

• Explicit Vocabulary Instruction: Pre-teach 5-7 key words before each unit
• Word Walls: Display high-frequency and content-specific terms
• Semantic Mapping: Create visual word relationships and categories
• Context Clues Practice: Teach systematic strategy for inferring meaning
• Word Parts: Prefix/suffix/root instruction (Latin/Greek origins)
• Morphology Activities: Building words with affixes, word families
• Multiple Exposures: Encounter new words 12-15 times for mastery

Reading Interventions

• Read Alouds: Daily exposure to rich vocabulary and complex syntax
• Wide Reading: Variety of genres and topics to build knowledge
• Guided Reading: Instructional-level texts with teacher support
• Reciprocal Teaching: Predicting, questioning, clarifying, summarizing
• Close Reading: Multiple reads of complex texts with annotation
• Book Clubs: Discussion-based comprehension development

Knowledge Building

• Content-Rich Curriculum: Social studies, science, arts integration
• Background Knowledge Activation: KWL charts, anticipation guides
• Field Trips & Experiences: Museums, nature, cultural events
• Documentary Viewing: Age-appropriate educational videos with discussion
• Expert Visits: Guest speakers to expand real-world connections
• Current Events: News discussions to build world knowledge

Programs & Resources

• Reading Recovery: Intensive 1:1 intervention for struggling readers
• Wilson Reading System: Structured literacy program
• Words Their Way: Developmental spelling and word study
• Wordly Wise 3000: Systematic vocabulary development
• Core Knowledge Curriculum: Content-rich knowledge building
• Newsela: Leveled current events articles

Classroom Strategies

• Hands-On Manipulatives: Blocks, pattern blocks, tangrams, geoboards
• Visual Models: Diagrams, charts, graphs to represent information
• Color Coding: Organize materials and notes with consistent colors
• Spatial Language: Explicitly teach position words (above, below, between)
• Mental Rotation Practice: Activities requiring visualizing objects from different angles
• Map Skills: Regular use of maps, floor plans, diagrams

Activities & Games

• Building Activities: Legos, blocks, Minecraft
• Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles, Rubik's cube, 3D puzzles
• Origami: Following visual directions for paper folding
• Art Projects: Drawing, sculpture, perspective art
• Sports: Ball activities requiring spatial tracking
• Video Games: Tetris, spatial reasoning games

Math Intervention Programs

• Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA): Move from manipulatives to pictures to symbols
• Number Sense Routines: Daily number talks, estimation jars, math warm-ups
• Singapore Math: Model drawing for problem-solving
• Dreambox: Adaptive online math instruction
• IXL Math: Comprehensive skill practice with analytics
• Khan Academy: Free video lessons and practice

Strategy Instruction

• CUBES: Circle numbers, Underline question, Box keywords, Evaluate, Solve
• STAR: Search, Translate, Answer, Review
• Polya's 4 Steps: Understand, Plan, Execute, Look Back
• Multiple Representations: Show problems with objects, pictures, numbers, words

Reading Interventions

• Orton-Gillingham: Multisensory structured literacy approach
• Wilson Reading: Intensive phonics-based program
• Lindamood-Bell: Visualizing and verbalizing for comprehension
• Reading Recovery: Short-term 1:1 intervention
• Lexia Core5: Adaptive reading program
• REWARDS: Multisyllabic word reading strategy

Writing Interventions

• SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development): Explicit writing strategy instruction
• 6+1 Traits: Focused instruction in writing elements
• Graphic Organizers: Planning templates for different text types
• Sentence Combining: Building syntactic complexity
• Peer Editing: Structured revision with partners
• Dictation/Speech-to-Text: Separate composition from transcription

Classroom Accommodations

• ✓ Preferential seating near teacher, away from noise
• ✓ Use of FM system or personal amplification
• ✓ Reduce auditory distractions during instruction
• ✓ Visual supports alongside verbal directions
• ✓ Check for understanding frequently
• ✓ Provide written copies of verbal information
• ✓ Allow extra processing time before responding

Direct Training

• Phonological Awareness: LIPS (Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing)
• Earobics: Computer-based auditory training
• Fast ForWord: Intensive auditory processing program
• Sound Discrimination: Minimal pairs practice (pin/bin)
• Auditory Memory Games: Following progressively longer directions
• Rhyming Activities: Songs, poems, games

Memory Strategies

• Mnemonics: Acronyms, acrostics, rhymes (ROY G BIV for colors)
• Chunking: Group information into meaningful units
• Elaboration: Connect new info to prior knowledge
• Visualization: Create mental images of content
• Method of Loci: Associate information with locations
• Keyword Method: Link words through sounds and images

Study Skills

• Spaced Retrieval Practice: Review information at increasing intervals
• Self-Testing: Practice recalling without looking at notes
• Interleaving: Mix different topics in study sessions
• Cornell Notes: Structured note-taking system with cues
• SQ3R: Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review
• Concept Mapping: Visual organization of relationships