What is Executive Function and Why is it Important for Students?

Adults use executive functions all the time without thinking about it. We are constantly planning, organizing, managing, and recalling information in order to be productive. However, children’s brains are still developing, so these are skills they are continually learning and refining.

Executive functions are mental processes that help control things such as:

• Paying attention
• Staying focused
• Prioritizing tasks
• Recalling information
• Understanding different perspectives
• Regulating emotions

Students who are struggling with these skills may appear disorganized, forgetful, or unfocused. They may have trouble getting started on assignments and completing them on time. Following multi-step instructions or switching from one task to another can be challenging.

Executive function helps students be more successful by enabling them to manage their time more effectively, organize materials, transition from one subject to another, know what steps come next, and overcome problems.

Tips for Improving Executive Function

Fortunately, there are ways that you can help your child boost their executive function skills.

Break Down Projects

Focus on the smaller steps that need to be done in order to complete a project. Make a checklist where they can cross off each task as they finish. Even with worksheets, you can have them do a certain number of problems at a time.

Create Visuals

Have a visual schedule so your child can see what comes next. Make a schedule of their day to put on the front of their planner or binder. For after school, create an organizer for their desk that includes times for homework, breaks, dinner, and other activities to so they can plan accordingly.

Organize Materials

To help with organization, use a color-coding system. Assign each subject a specific color notebook and folder. Use colored pens for their planner that details current assignments, upcoming projects, important deadlines, and special events.

Repeat Instructions

Have your child repeat back to you what they are supposed to be doing, or the instructions for an assignment. This is especially helpful for auditory learners who take time to process information and can benefit from the repetition.

Minimize Distractions

Help your child stay focused by having a devoted space for homework and studying where they have all of the supplies they need for the current task at hand. Remove other distractions such as phones, tablets, television, or unrelated materials. Once they finish one assignment, they can set up their space for the next one with the appropriate notebooks and resources. They can try using a small fidget to help them stay focused, but if it becomes a distraction, then it is no longer beneficial.

Talk Things Out

Some students tend to get fixated on things having to be a certain way and being inflexible in their thinking. Talk through different situations and encourage them to look at problems from different perspectives. How else could they approach it? Is there another way to reach the answer? Even just verbalizing their frustration or worries and saying them aloud can help.

Crafting Scholars can support students in developing better executive function and building skills that will help them be more successful in school and in life. Contact us today to learn more about available programs and what might be a good fit for your child’s needs.