Executive function collectively refers to cognitive skills that are essential for individuals to think, act, and solve problems. These skills make it possible for children to live, learn, and socialize with an appropriate level of independence and competence for their age. While most of us do these tasks even without thinking about them, children who struggle with executive function skills cannot do so intuitively.
Signs of executive function issues among children
One of the first signs that children are struggling with executive function skills is the inability to coordinate their actions to meet long-term goals. They have trouble organizing their things and schedules, controlling their emotions or impulses, and analyzing information.
Currey Ingram Academy is a private school in Brentwood that believes in executive function’s crucial role in a child’s success in school and in life. Here are the school’s recommendations on how parents, family members, and teachers can help children struggling with executive function issues.
Instill accountability. Holding children accountable for their actions shows them that the people who matter are confident in their ability to do what is expected of them.
Write things down. Weak working memory affects a child’s ability to follow multi-step directions or quickly recall lessons. Writing information on sticky notes, whiteboards, journals, or index cards keeps information visible and will help strengthen his or her working memory. Take it a step further by color-coding them: blue index cards could indicate items for schoolwork while yellow ones could represent extra-curricular activities, for example.
Keep track of time. Children with EF issues are “time blind” — they are not aware that time has passed. Help them see how much time has passed, how much is left, and how quickly time goes by with clocks, timers, counters, or even mobile apps. Doing this will also train them to meet task deadlines.
Have a rewards system in place. Reinforce positive behavior with tokens or incentives. This strengthens their sense of self-motivation.
Make learning as fun and as hands-on as possible. Word magnets, colored blocks, and even jelly beans can teach basic skills like sentence structure or addition and subtraction. These tools strengthen their working memories, and in the process, boost their executive function skills as well.
Schedule weekly organizing sessions. Reduce the amount of clutter in their room and on their desk. A busy work space can often distract and clutter the mind… even for individuals who do not struggle with executive function.
Encourage frequent breaks. Preparing for a test or a big project can be stressful. Three to ten-minute rest periods give children the energy they need to tackle tasks without getting distracted, overwhelmed, and losing track of time.
Stay active. Team sports such as soccer or basketball — or even something as simple as a playdate at the park — gives children the opportunity to practice self-control and decision-making skills. Activities like traditional martial arts or yoga help develop character and mindfulness. No matter what, just get them going if possible!
Practice the pep talk. Teach children positive self-statements like “You can do this!” Repeating these statements to themselves boosts their self-esteem. Children are encouraged to try harder, putting them one step closer to accomplishing their goals. Visualizing success and the steps needed to achieve a goal is a great way to improve their planning skills as well.
Provide opportunities for creativity. Activities such as painting, learning a musical instrument, or performing in some sport require alertness, memory, and motivation, which in turn enhance a child’s executive function skills.
Be patient and compassionate. It’s important that the people in these children’s lives — especially their parents — are willing to help them learn from their mistakes.
A private school in Brentwood, Currey Ingram Academy supports and empowers students with learning differences to achieve their fullest potential – academically and socially – within an environment that fosters holistic student development. Get in touch by calling (615) 507-3173.