Executive Functioning & Decision-Making

Master these essential components of Executive Functioning & Decision-Making

Working Memory

The ability to hold and manipulate information in the mind over short periods (e.g., remembering instructions or steps in a task).

Activities:

  • 1Play memory games like 'Simon Says' or card-matching games.
  • 2Practice repeating sequences of numbers, words, or actions.
  • 3Use visual aids like checklists or picture schedules.
  • 4Teach children to chunk information (e.g., breaking phone numbers into parts).
  • 5Play 'I Went to the Market' (a memory-based storytelling game).

Cognitive Flexibility

The ability to switch between tasks, adapt to new situations, and think creatively.

Activities:

  • 1Play games that require switching rules (e.g., 'Red Light, Green Light' with added actions).
  • 2Encourage children to solve problems in multiple ways (e.g., building a tower with different materials).
  • 3Use 'What If?' scenarios to explore alternative solutions.
  • 4Practice sorting objects by different attributes (e.g., color, then size).
  • 5Play improvisation games like 'What Can You Do with This?' (using random objects).

Inhibitory Control

The ability to control impulses, resist distractions, and think before acting.

Activities:

  • 1Play 'Freeze Dance' to practice stopping and starting.
  • 2Use mindfulness exercises like deep breathing or counting to 10 before reacting.
  • 3Play games like 'Red Light, Green Light' to practice self-control.
  • 4Teach children to raise their hand and wait before speaking.
  • 5Use role-playing to practice resisting peer pressure or distractions.

Planning and Organization

The ability to set goals, create steps to achieve them, and manage time and materials effectively.

Activities:

  • 1Create a daily schedule or to-do list with pictures or words.
  • 2Plan a simple activity (e.g., a picnic) and list the steps needed.
  • 3Use visual organizers like calendars or charts to track tasks.
  • 4Teach children to pack their backpack with necessary items.
  • 5Play strategy games like building a block tower with a plan.

Time Management

The ability to estimate time, prioritize tasks, and complete activities within a set timeframe.

Activities:

  • 1Use timers to practice completing tasks within a time limit.
  • 2Create a visual schedule with time blocks for activities.
  • 3Play games like 'Beat the Clock' to finish tasks quickly.
  • 4Teach children to estimate how long tasks will take.
  • 5Use a sand timer or stopwatch for time-based challenges.

Goal Setting

The ability to identify a desired outcome and create a plan to achieve it.

Activities:

  • 1Help children set small, achievable goals (e.g., tying shoes).
  • 2Use a goal chart with stickers to track progress.
  • 3Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps.
  • 4Discuss long-term goals (e.g., learning to read) and short-term steps.
  • 5Celebrate achievements when goals are met.

Problem-Solving

The ability to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and implement the best option.

Activities:

  • 1Use puzzles or brainteasers to practice logical thinking.
  • 2Role-play scenarios like resolving conflicts with friends.
  • 3Ask open-ended questions (e.g., 'What would you do if...?').
  • 4Use building blocks to solve design challenges.
  • 5Encourage children to think of multiple solutions to a problem.

Decision-Making

The ability to weigh options, consider consequences, and make thoughtful choices.

Activities:

  • 1Play 'Would You Rather?' games to practice making choices.
  • 2Discuss the pros and cons of decisions (e.g., choosing a snack).
  • 3Use role-playing to practice making decisions in social situations.
  • 4Encourage children to reflect on past decisions and outcomes.
  • 5Play board games that require strategic decision-making.

Emotional Regulation

The ability to manage and express emotions in appropriate ways.

Activities:

  • 1Teach deep breathing or counting to calm down.
  • 2Use emotion cards to identify and discuss feelings.
  • 3Practice 'Stop and Think' before reacting to strong emotions.
  • 4Create a 'Calm Down Corner' with soothing activities.
  • 5Role-play handling frustration or disappointment.

Task Initiation

The ability to start tasks independently and without procrastination.

Activities:

  • 1Use visual timers to signal when to start a task.
  • 2Break tasks into smaller steps to make them less overwhelming.
  • 3Create a 'First-Then' chart (e.g., 'First clean up, then play').
  • 4Set a routine for starting tasks (e.g., after breakfast).
  • 5Use positive reinforcement for starting tasks promptly.

Self-Monitoring

The ability to evaluate one's own performance and adjust behavior as needed.

Activities:

  • 1Use checklists to track task completion.
  • 2Encourage children to reflect on their work (e.g., 'Did I do my best?').
  • 3Play games that require self-correction (e.g., memory or matching).
  • 4Teach children to ask for feedback and make improvements.
  • 5Use a 'Stop and Check' strategy during tasks.

Prioritization

The ability to identify the most important tasks and focus on them first.

Activities:

  • 1Create a 'Must Do, Can Do' list for daily tasks.
  • 2Teach children to rank tasks by importance or urgency.
  • 3Use visual aids like color-coded charts for priorities.
  • 4Discuss real-life scenarios (e.g., 'What should you do first: homework or play?').
  • 5Play games that require prioritizing actions (e.g., strategy board games).