‘Executive functioning’ is a phrase often cited when talking about child development. But what does it really mean and how can you help your child strengthen it? Read on for a bite-sized breakdown with games and activities you can do at home.
Learn
Basic Concepts
What is Executive Functioning?
- ‘Executive functioning’ refers to a set of cognitive processes that together, are often called the “CEO of the brain.” Executive functions regulate most of what we do throughout the day, and strong executive function skills are important for success in school and beyond. They allow us to think, act, take in new information, recall old information and solve problems.
- Watch executive functioning in action.
3 Primary Areas of Executive Functioning
- Working memory – The ability to keep new information in mind so the brain can use and process it.
- Cognitive flexibility – The ability to switch between different topics and think about multiple concepts at the same time, changing behavior to fit new ways of thinking or to solve problems.
- In other words, the ability to “shift gears” and adapt in the face of new information.
- Inhibitory control – The ability to control impulses – both actions and thoughts – and act with reason and attention.
- Self-control is an important part of inhibitory control.
Skills for which Executive Functioning is Responsible
- Together, the three primary areas of executive functioning are responsible for (see Part 2 for a deep dive):
- Paying attention
- Organizing, planning, prioritizing
- Starting tasks and staying focused until completed
- Regulating emotions
- Self-monitoring
Why Learning About It Early Matters
- Executive functions develop throughout childhood, can improve with practice and can change brain function.
- There is an especially rapid window of executive function growth between ages 3 and 6, during which researchers have found a fourfold increase in skills.
- Intervention during this time can be extremely beneficial.
- Struggling with executive function skills doesn’t necessarily indicate a learning disability, but rather a weakness in a set of important skills that are critical to learning. When this happens, children need to be explicitly taught these skills.
- It is not known what causes executive function challenges; some brain studies show that children with these challenges have slower-developing frontal areas. It is also believed genetics may play a role.
Do
How to Strengthen the 3 Primary Executive Function Processes
Working memory
- Play Memory – Plinkit favorites #1, #2.
- Play “Simon Says” or the old-school electronic Simon – Regular or mini.
- Spot the Differences and I Spy books are timeless for strengthening working memory.
- Shell game – Use three cups, place a ball under one, and move the cups around. Your child must track the cup with the ball.
Cognitive flexibility
- Oldies but goodies – Uno is a great game with its changing colors, numbers and direction.
- Set requires flexible thinking and boosts important visual perception and visual discrimination skills. For younger children, try this version.
- Max is a cooperative game that requires flexible thinking and teamwork.
- Sloth in a Hurry, Silly Street and Mad Libs infuse a little drama.
Inhibitory control
- In general, any game where your child must self-regulate their impulse to play how they want and follow your direction instead. Top 3 favorites:
- Red Light, Green Light
- Freeze Dance
- Conductor – Your child plays an instrument while you conduct and must go fast or slow, soft or loud, depending on your direction.
- “Brain Rules – Don’t Tell Me!” – Play this game; it’s harder than it seems!
- Check out Don’t Go Bananas for children working on controlling their emotions.