Executive function skills refer to a set of cognitive processes that help us manage our thoughts and actions effectively. These skills are essential for success in school, work, and life in general. Fortunately, there are many fun and engaging games that can help develop executive function skills. In this post, we’ll highlight some of the best games for improving working memory, organization/planning, focus and attention, inhibition and impulse control, and emotional/self-regulation/self-control.

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Working Memory Games

Working memory is the ability to hold and manipulate information in mind over short periods of time.

Here are some games that can improve working memory:

• Memory Match

• Checkers

• Concentration

• Battleship

• Distraction

• 20 Questions

Organization/Planning Help Games

Organization and planning are critical skills that help us manage our time and resources effectively.

Here are some games that can improve organization and planning:

• Rummy

• Uno

• Crazy 8’s

Focus and Attention Games

Focus and attention are essential skills for success in school, work, and life. Here are some games that can improve focus and attention:

• Concentration

• Memory Match

• I Spy Books

• Rubik’s Cubes

• Who’s Got the Button

Inhibition and Impulse Control Games

Inhibition and impulse control are critical skills that help us manage our behavior and make good decisions.

Here are some games that can improve inhibition and impulse control:

• Candy Land

• Bowling

• Slapjack

• Spoons

• Dutch Blitz

• Mindtrap

• Animal Logic

• Swish

Emotional/Self-Regulation/Self-Control Games

Emotional regulation is the ability to manage and control one’s emotions effectively.

 Here are some games that can improve emotional regulation:

• Mad Dragon

• Crocodile Dentist