Strengthen Executive Function Skills

Executive functions refer to a set of mental processes that enable children (and adults) to plan, organize, focus attention, control impulses, and manage time effectively. They are the cognitive and mental abilities that help engage in goal-directed action. They control our actions and behaviors, they motivate us to achieve our goals, and prepare us for future events. 

What Are the Main Areas of Executive Function?

I find it helpful to consider eight separate areas of executive function:

1. Impulse Control
2. Emotional Control
3. Flexible Thinking
4. Working Memory
5. Self-Monitoring Skills
6. Planning and Prioritizing
7. Task Initiation
8. Organization

Executive Function Challenges

These skills play a vital role in various aspects of life, including academics, social interactions, and personal well-being. Kids who struggle with executive function have trouble organizing and regulating their behavior in ways that will help them accomplish their long-term goals.

Children with executive function struggles may blurt out inappropriate comments or engage in risky behavior, unable to understand how their actions affect others. Some kids appear to overreact to certain situations, though to them, it doesn’t feel like an overreaction. Your child might be quick to become frustrated or have a tough time receiving even gentle corrections.

 

 

Executive function deficits can also mean that children have trouble adapting to changes in routine or unexpected events. They may be very rigid in their thinking. These kiddos might have trouble following directions that include more than one or two steps.

 

Strategies to Develop Strong Executive Function Skills

One effective way to help children develop executive function skills is by establishing a structured and predictable environment. Providing a consistent routine allows children to develop a sense of order and learn to anticipate and plan for upcoming activities. By knowing what to expect, children can practice planning ahead, organizing their tasks, and managing their time effectively.

Another essential aspect is promoting self-regulation. Teaching children strategies to regulate their emotions, impulses, and behavior is crucial for building executive function skills. Encouraging activities like mindfulness exercises or deep breathing techniques can help children develop self-awareness and learn to control their impulses. By developing self-regulation skills, children can better focus their attention, resist distractions, and persist in tasks.

 

 

Offering opportunities for problem-solving and decision-making is also beneficial for developing executive function skills. Engaging children in activities that require them to think critically, analyze situations, and make choices allows them to practice their planning and organizational skills.

And, of course, providing a supportive and nurturing environment that celebrates effort and growth rather than focusing solely on outcomes is crucial. Praising children for their persistence, resilience, and problem-solving abilities encourages them to continue developing their executive function skills. Celebrating small victories and offering constructive feedback also helps children build a growth mindset, which is essential for their overall development.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast Episode #202 – Strengthen Executive Function Skills

On today’s podcast episode, we’ll talk about the eight executive function skills and identify how deficits in these areas impact day-to-day life, showing up in our kiddos’ struggles. We’ll also discuss some ideas for building each of these skills. 

 

 

Links And Resources From Today’s Show:

• SPONSOR: CTC Math
• The Learner’s Lab
• Executive Function Skills Workbook (digital copy)
• Executive Function Skills Workbook (print copy)
• Executive Function Skills Workbook Companion Planner (digital copy)
• Executive Function Skills Workbook Companion Planner (print copy)
• The Anxious Parent of the Anxious Child | Using Social Stories
• The Power Of Reading For Gifted Children: Advanced Readers And Social Emotional Learning
• The Best Books for Teaching About Executive Functions Skills
• 7 Executive Functioning Activities for Small Children
• RLL #84: Exploring Education and Executive Function with Seth Perler
• The Unmeasured Executive Functioning Issue
• RLL 20: Helping Your Kiddo with Executive Function Skills Struggles | A Listener Question
• RLL LIVE | Improving Executive Functions

 

            

 

 

 

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