What exactly are executive functions, and what can you do as a parent to support their development? Executive functions are the mental processes that enable us to plan, control our behavior, focus, and manage multiple tasks while in pursuit of a goal. Early on, teachers scaffold the environment to support and model these skills; however, as students get older, these supports dwindle, and they are expected to manage responsibilities and organization independently.
Once students start middle school or high school, it is often assumed that students have mastered their executive functioning skills and can apply them to manage their days. Unfortunately, this is often not the case and can be overwhelming for many students. These skills may need to be explicitly taught, modeled, and practiced to facilitate success. Here are some ways that you can help your child get organized and prepare for the new year.
Check Lists/Prioritize
It may be difficult for students to visualize what needs to get done. A simple checklist or to-do list may be beneficial. This could be done with lists or pictures. It is also important to prioritize the list to help your student use their time efficiently. Instead of prioritizing the list for them, use reflexive questioning to bring them into the conversation.
Model out-loud questions, like, “What assignment is due first?” or “How much time do I have set aside for homework on Tuesdays?”. Creating a list will help the student know what to expect next and minimize the opportunity for further decision-making — which could take them off track!
Set Time Limits
Creating a time limit will help students know what to expect and how long they have to keep working on a specific task. This can decrease anxiety about how long a task will take. If the student does not finish the task in the time allotted, adjust your time limit moving forward or come back to it at a later time. Using a color-blocked visual timer can be a helpful reference for many students.
Establish a Routine
This can be especially beneficial for older students who struggle to start their homework. It can be helpful to sandwich a less preferred task, like homework, with more preferred activities. For example, when a student gets home, they can have free time outside until 4:00 pm and then come inside and do homework for 45 minutes before taking the dog for a walk. Homework should be done in a quiet, well-lit space with few distractions.
Color Coordinate
If your student struggles to keep things organized, color-coordinating their notebook and folder may facilitate success. This also makes finding the matching materials needed for each class/subject easy and quick. You can get more buy-in by letting the student pick the colors or themed materials.
Planner/Organizer
Many schools require students to use planners these days, but it is important to teach them. Oftentimes, students who struggle with executive functioning have poor working memory, making it difficult to remember things like homework assignments. Consider color coding writing in the planner according to the matching notebook/folder color system. This will keep the visual supports consistent to help your students know exactly what is due for each class/subject.
Looking at a week-view planner will reinforce predictive thinking and planning skills as the student can anticipate what’s to come in that week. Use the planner to write down non-homework activities, too, like a weekend trip or birthdays!
Clearly Discuss Rationale
Your student is learning these new skills that may not come naturally, therefore, it is crucial to spell out why each step is being done. Students may feel that some steps are adding too much time or are unimportant, so discussing why they are valuable will be worthwhile. It is also important to model and allow for flexibility within a set plan. If something isn’t working well, it is ok to change it! Some tools also may work for a while and as the student grows and matures, the tool may no longer be supportive. The ability to self-reflect and self-assess their work is in and of itself a skill of executive functioning!
Executive Functioning Support With Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center
Sometimes, students benefit from additional support for their emerging executive functioning skills. At Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center, our team can support students with their executive functioning skills based on each student’s skill level and unique learning style. Contact our team today!
info@enrichmenttherapies.com
740 Community Drive, Unit A
North Liberty, IA 52317
319-626-2553
infodm@enrichmenttherapies.com
5530 West Pkwy, Suite 300
Johnston, IA 50131
515-419-4270
0 Comments