Do you know what the term executive functioning means? Executive functioning, in simpler terms, relates to the brain’s ability to keep us on-task. Executive functioning also reminds us of deadlines and meetings, encourages us to overcome setbacks, etc. Many students struggle in school and everyday life because they do not naturally possess, nor have they been taught, these important skills.
Listed below are some common executive functioning skills:
INHIBIT
- The ability to resist impulses and to block out distractions
SHIFT
- The ability to make transitions, show problem-solving flexibility, alternate attention and to change focus
EMOTIONAL CONTROL
- Managing emotions to complete a task
INITIATE
- Beginning a task and being independent in problem-solving (ability to generate ideas)
WORKING MEMORY
- The ability to hold information to complete a task
PLAN/ORGANIZE
The ability to manage current and future-oriented task
- Plan – anticipate future events, set goals, develop appropriate steps, start with the end in mind
- Organize – the ability to order information to identify main ideas and key concepts – there is a clerical component to this
ORGANIZATION OF MATERIALS
- Reflects the orderliness of work, play and storage areas (e.g. desk, lockers, bedroom etc.)
MONITOR
- The ability to frequently review progress and make adjustments.
Learn more about Executive Functioning…
- A Day in the Life of a child with Executive Functioning Issues – Understand the issues in the day of a life of a child with Executive Functioning issues . View the article here
- 9 Tips For Talking With Your Child’s Teacher About Executive Functioning Issues – View the article here
Books
- Late, Lost and Unprepared. A Parent’s Guide to Helping Children with Executive Functioning – Joyce Cooper-Kahn and Laurie Dietzel. (2008)
