The Importance of Executive Functioning in School: How to Help Your Child Improve their Skills

Sometimes children may struggle with managing their schoolwork. This is where executive functioning skills come in. Executive functions are the cognitive skills needed to complete a task, ranging from problem-solving to organization. These skills are crucial for a child's success in school and in their daily lives.

How are executive functioning skills involved in schoolwork?

Every school task involves multiple steps that require planning, problem-solving, memory, and sometimes multi-tasking. For example, completing a math problem involves breaking it down into steps, figuring out the operations needed, and remembering the steps to solve it. To complete any task, it takes executive functioning skills to be able to properly process everything that that task requires.

Children with executive functioning deficits can struggle with school assignments, personal hygiene, and organization. These tasks may seem impossible to complete because the child may not have the necessary executive functioning capacity to handle them. This can lead to problems and avoidance behavior.

Some children are more prone to struggle with executive functioning deficits, especially if diagnosed with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or dyslexia. However, the good news is that these skills can be taught and learned over time.

How to Help

Occupational therapists can help children improve their executive functioning skills through various methods. One effective method is using visual tools like icon boards, stickers charts, schedules, and checklists. These tools help children break down tasks into manageable steps, making it easier for them to understand and complete them.

Another method is breaking a task down to make it more manageable. This involves breaking down a larger task into smaller, more manageable parts. For example, breaking down a school project into specific steps like research, writing, and editing.

Memory and matching games can also be helpful in improving working memory, a key executive functioning skill. Timers can also be useful for helping children manage their time and stay on task.

Methods of self-regulation can also be helpful for children who struggle with executive functioning deficits. These can include breathing exercises, sensory activities, and mindfulness techniques.

Finally, setting goals can help children stay focused and motivated. Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. This can help children see their progress and stay on track.

In conclusion, executive functioning skills are crucial for a child's success in school and in their daily lives. As an occupational therapist, I work with children to improve their executive functioning skills through a variety of methods. Parents can also help their children by using visual tools, breaking tasks down, playing memory and matching games, utilizing timers, practicing self-regulation techniques, and setting goals. By improving executive functioning skills, children can become more successful in school and in their daily lives.