Unstuck and On Target! Executive Function Curriculum - Second Edition

In this review of Unstuck and On Target! readers will find a practical curriculum aimed at students ages 8-11 who struggle with planning, flexibility, and goal-directed behavior. The enhanced second edition is the single biggest reason to consider this book: it brings 21 field-tested lessons and digital, downloadable components that make it useful for both in-person and virtual instruction. The review focuses on how the manual and lesson package work together to teach executive function skills in classroom and therapeutic settings.

Key Features

• Field-tested lessons: Twenty-one ready-to-use lessons provide a consistent structure for teaching cognitive flexibility and problem solving so teachers can implement the program immediately.
• Second edition updates: The enhanced edition includes adjustments and optimizations for current educational settings, improving usability for in-person and virtual formats.
• Target age range: Designed for students ages 8-11, the curriculum focuses activities at a developmental level appropriate for upper elementary and early middle school learners.
• Supports diverse learners: Materials are presented with learners with autism, ADHD, and other executive function challenges in mind, offering explicit instruction and strategies.
• Comprehensive manual: The included manual explains lesson goals, step-by-step procedures, and suggested prompts to guide educators and therapists through implementation.
• Digital components: A package of downloadable content complements the manual and allows flexible delivery for remote or hybrid instruction.

Who It's For

Unstuck and On Target! is best suited to special education teachers, school psychologists, speech and occupational therapists, and classroom teachers who work with students struggling with planning and organization. The explicit lesson structure helps practitioners deliver consistent instruction across sessions and settings.

It is less appropriate for very young children or older adolescents without adaptation, and those seeking a curriculum focused solely on academic skills rather than executive function strategies should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Practical, field-tested lessons that reduce prep time and provide a clear teaching sequence.
• Second edition updates and digital downloads make the curriculum adaptable for remote learning.
• Designed specifically for learners with autism, ADHD, and related executive function challenges, offering targeted strategies.

Cons

• The curriculum is focused on ages 8-11, so additional adaptation is required for significantly younger or older students.

Specifications

Title	Unstuck and On Target! Second Edition
Authors / Brand	Lynn Cannon M.Ed., Dr. Lauren Kenworthy Ph.D., Katie Alexander M.S. OTR, Monica Werner M.A., Dr. Laura Gutermuth Anthony Ph.D.
Target ages	Students ages 8-11
Lessons included	21 ready-to-use, field-tested lessons
Instruction formats	Optimized for in-person and virtual instruction
Focus areas	Cognitive flexibility, problem solving, coping, goal setting
Includes	Comprehensive manual and downloadable digital components

Our Verdict

Unstuck and On Target! is a well-structured, evidence-informed curriculum that provides educators and therapists with practical lessons to teach executive function skills. For practitioners working with 8-11 year olds who have flexibility and planning difficulties, the second edition offers good value through ready-made lessons and digital materials that reduce preparation time and support both classroom and remote delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this curriculum suitable for remote learning?
The enhanced second edition includes a package of digital, downloadable components that make it usable for virtual instruction.

What age group is it designed for?
The materials are developed for students ages 8-11 and are most effective within that range.

Which challenges does it address?
The program targets executive function difficulties including cognitive flexibility, problem solving, coping, planning, and goal setting.