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Use this Executive Functioning Game to teach, discuss, and practice executive functioning skills including planning, time management, working memory, self control, flexibility, organization, task initiation, metacognition, attention, and perseverance. Over 200 executive functioning cards are included to prompt students as they play! Cards focus on identifying executive functioning skills, answering questions about executive functioning skills, acting out EF skills in a variety of situations, and performing small challenges to show your own skills.
Why Teach Executive Functioning Skills?
Executive functioning skills are the basis for planning, organizing, initiating, and following through will all tasks, assignments, and problems inside and outside of school. Many students who forget assignments, are disorganized, can't complete long-term assignments, have trouble focusing, and experience difficulty with change often have weak executive functioning skills. These are the students who need to be taught explicit skills in order to become successful in school and in life after school. Simply put, executive functioning skills are necessary life skills.
There are TWO ways to play!
#1: Partners and Small Groups as a Board Game

* Students spin the spinner to answer an executive functioning question.

* After answering, students will roll the dice and move forward.

* When landing on a special spot, students will be able to answer a special brain challenge! They will roll the dice. If they answer the challenge correctly, they will move forward that amount. If they answer incorrectly, they must move back!

* The first person to get to "finish" first wins!

#2: Small or Large Groups Competing for Points

* Students will come up with a team name.

* Groups will take turns spinning the spinner and answering executive functioning cards.

* After answering correctly, each group will earn a point.

* Once a group earns 5 points, they can answer a special brain challenge! They will roll the dice. If they answer the challenge correctly, they will earn that many extra points. If they answer incorrectly, the group will lose that many points.

* You can choose when a team will win depending on the time you have to play!

This game is aimed to help students at higher elementary, middle, and high school who need help with their executive functioning skills. Many times, these students are very bright but perform poorly in school because they are lacking these skills. Learning these skills can benefit of number of students also requiring special education services, such as students with ADHD, learning disabilities, and more.
Digital Version!
I have added a digital version, which allows you to play virtually or while projecting your computer screen in Google Slides. To access this version, just open the PDF with "digital directions" in the title.
Buy the Social Emotional Learning Games Bundle! { Social Emotional Learning Games Bundle }
Use this set of games to practice critical social emotional skills including building empathy, perspective-taking, executive functioning skills, social communication, and social problem solving! Four games are included with a huge selection of student cards and activities so you can play the games again and again. You will save 20% by buying the bundle!
Find MORE Executive Functioning Resources! { Executive Functioning MEGA BUNDLE }
Target executive functioning and study skills necessary for academic success at the middle and high school level. The bundle includes over 300 pages full of lessons, templates, and workbook pages to teach study strategies and ways to improve executive functioning skills. It includes a HUGE selection of my executive functioning and study skills materials in one place.

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Tips for Customers!

Click on the ★ above to follow my store!

If you have questions or problems please contact me through Product Q & A and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!

Disclaimer: These resources and materials are for supplementary support/education purposes and not intended as a replacement for counseling, education, or other necessary supports. Educators, parents, counselors, and others who utilize these materials are encouraged to seek out additional support, as needed.

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Executive Functioning Skills Board Game - Organization, Self-Control, Attention

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Use this Executive Functioning Game to teach, discuss, and practice executive functioning skills including planning, time management, working memory, self control, flexibility, organization, task initiation, metacognition, attention, and perseverance. Over 200 executive functioning cards are includ...

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Website with lots of resources via TPT

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What Are Executive Functioning Skills? And Why Do They Matter for Teens?

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Executive functioning skills are the brain-based abilities we use to accomplish tasks and meet goals. While these are valuable skills for everyone, they play an important role in the success for developing teens. For example, teens use executive functioning skills when they organize materials in the

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Executive Functioning Skills Task Cards Activities | Teaching executive functioning, Executive functioning, Executive functioning skills

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Use these 200+ executive functioning skills task cards to teach and practice all areas of executive function! This includes planning, time management, working memory, self-control, organization, task initiation, metacognition, attention and focus, flexible thinking, and perseverance. Just read the c...

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Avoiding the Rush: Completing Homework with Intention — Peak Academics

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“Take your time”, “Check your work”, and “Read the directions” are phrases your child may hear as reminders to complete their work thoughtfully. For most students, these simple reminders may be all they need to complete their work with intention. However, students with executive function challenges

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17 Awesome TED Talks to Motivate Your Teens

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Sometimes kids just don’t want to listen to their parents! Here are 17 great motivational TED talks for teens that will get them moving!

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I love these. Teacher, student and then the stratgies.

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There are tons of free supplementary materials available below, but to get off to a really great start, ORDER OUR BRAND NEW BOOK. Each chapter is divided into five short, lively parts, so it is ideal for a reading / professional learning group. Learn slowly and steadily, right in your context, over 6-7 group meetings!

Below, you'll find all of the supplementary materials that you might need. They have been developed by many different teachers and students. Hover over the button for a brief description.

Posters, Desk Plates, Tickets

Basic Videos to Explain EFs

The Adventures of You I The Adventures of You II The Adventures of You III

Lesson Plans, Planning Support, and Activities

Resources for Parents

Home Goals Calendar Early Education Podcast Harvard EF Activities Video from Top Economist Parents' EF Handbook EF Checker to Send to Parents Hourlong Movie Night For Parents

Questionnaires

These provide three good examples of the impact of each EF. You can use them to get a sense of your strengths and weaknesses.

EF Checker for Kids of All Ages EF Checker for Teachers

All Ages EF Checker in French EF Checker for New Parents EF Checker to Send to Parents EF Checker for Early Childhood Eds

Other Useful Items

Basic Components of AL EFs and Learning Skills Vids to Show EF in Action AL Classroom Look Fors Assistive Tech for EFs

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There are tons of free supplementary materials available below, but to get off to a really great start, ORDER OUR BRAND NEW BOOK. Each chapter is divided into five short, lively parts, so it is ideal for a reading / professional learning group. Learn slowly and steadily, right in your context, over 6-7 group meetings!

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We are cognitive psychological scientists interested in research on education. Our main research focus is on the science of learning. (Hence, "The Learning Scientists"!). Our Vision is to make scientific research on learning more accessible to students, teachers, and other educators.

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"Why can't I focus?" You learned long ago that good intentions don't magically translate into concentration - particularly when your task is boring, difficult, or extra critical. Designed for ADHD brains, these 12 strategies will help you develop the muscles for real, sustained attention.

Smart phone alerts with speech bubbles from megaphone to distraction working businessman

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Why Can't I Focus?

monitor with yellow sticker to do list

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2. Use a "daily focus list."

man holding confused expression billboard and take phone isolated on blue background

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4. Identify your "overwhelm" triggers.

Businessman trying to push to the maximum energy value

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5. Go with your flow - not just the flow.

Getting ready for training. The concept of female feet after work

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6. Look for "positive distractions."

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9. Set aside planning time.

Old hourglass on the background of clocks.

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11. Set deadlines.

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12. Acknowledge - and then dismiss - negative thoughts.

More Articles Recommended For You

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"Why can't I focus?" You learned long ago that good intentions don't magically translate into concentration - particularly when your task is boring, difficult, or extra critical. Designed for ADHD brains, these 12 strategies will help you develop the muscles for real, sustained attention.

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Body Doubling Is the Best ADHD Hack You Might Not Be Using

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If you’ve never heard of body doubling, it’s an expert-backed way to work with your ADHD and get things done.

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Body Doubling Is the Best ADHD Hack You Might Not Be Using

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With attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), getting tasks done can be a huge struggle. Some days you feel like a hyperfocus machine and get everything crossed off your to-do list; other days, you're struck with task paralysis, overwhelmed by just the thought of starting on anything. And before you know it, you're out of time.

If you have ADHD, this struggle may be a daily occurrence, as some of the most common ADHD symptoms are challenges related to time perception and time management.
Enter: the Pomodoro technique.
Let's dive in to see where the Pomodoro technique comes from and how you can implement it.

Too long; didn't read

The Pomodoro technique, or Pomodoro method, is a useful productivity tool that anyone can use.

The Pomodoro technique is especially helpful for ADHDers who struggle with time blindness or hyperfocus.

It works by breaking down tasks into smaller chunks.

You can adapt the technique to your needs by adjusting the length of your work and break periods.

What is the Pomodoro technique?

The Pomodoro technique is a helpful time management strategy for anyone to use for free. However, ADHDers can significantly benefit from this method due to their typical struggles with productivity, time management, task management, and hyperfocus.

This technique was created in the 1980s by Francesco Cirillo, who aimed to boost his focus and productivity. The timer he used when creating this technique was red and shaped like a tomato ("pomodoro" in Italian).

He discovered that 25 minutes of work, followed by a break of up to five minutes, was the sweet spot for focus and productivity.

Steps of the Pomodoro technique

Note: These steps can be modified! More on this in the sections below.

1. Before beginning a task, determine how many rounds of Pomodoros you might need (For reference, one Pomodoro cycle is a full work session followed by a full break session)

2. Put any distractions away

3. Set a timer for 25 minutes

4. Give the task all of your focus during that time

5. Once the time is up, take a short break for a few minutes

6. After four Pomodoro rounds, take a longer break (20 minutes)

7. Restart at step one until your task is complete

ADHD and time management challenges

Time is tricky for those with ADHD, which makes the lack of awareness of the passage of time (aka time blindness) an issue.
Time struggles can lead to issues like:
Research shows that ADHD brains perceive time differently from neurotypical brains. ADHDers are more likely to be immersed in the present, which can be a good thing, but it presents a challenge when it comes to getting things done.

It's important to note that while time blindness is a common ADHD symptom, not all ADHDers experience it.

How Pomodoro can help with ADHD time struggles

The Pomodoro technique works well for ADHDers because it breaks down tasks into smaller, more digestible pieces, making a big intimidating chore seem more reasonable and achievable. This is especially helpful for anyone who tends to get overwhelmed by large projects and those who tend to put things off until the last minute.

‍ It creates a time limit for work, helping to reduce the intensity of hyperfocus sessions and prevent the burnout that often follows.

Studies show that students who implement strategies like the Pomodoro technique could better manage their time-related ADHD symptoms.

How to use the Pomodoro technique with an ADHD brain

While the original Pomodoro technique is an excellent place for ADHDers to start building time management skills, there's no need to feel boxed in by it! Experiment with it and adjust it to fit your needs.

How long should a Pomodoro break be?

The problem: Breaks are a key part of the success of this technique, but finding the right length for your break can be tricky, especially if you have ADHD.

The solution: Test out different break lengths and track how much time you typically need to get back into work mode after the break. (For ADHDers, this can be between five minutes and two hours, depending on the break length, so choose wisely!)

Think of yourself as Goldilocks - not too little, not too much, but just right. And always be sure to use a timer! You can't rely on yourself to be aware of how much time has passed.

How should tasks be prioritized?

The problem: If you've got a few tasks you need to get done, it may be difficult to decide which one to start with.

The solution: Make a list of your tasks and decide on the most time-sensitive ones. For example, let's say you have an email that needs to be written, like... yesterday. (#EmailAvoidance!) That task is more urgent than the project that's not due for another two weeks.

‍ For more on how to prioritize tasks with ADHD, check out our guide on how to use the Eisenhower Matrix!

How to avoid distractions

The problem: Our phones are fun! Not to mention, the ADHD brain is naturally distractible. With modern technology and ADHD, setting a timer and getting straight to work without distractions is easier said than done.

The solution: Put your phone in another room and use a kitchen timer (or any timer that isn't your phone!) You can set your phone to Do Not Disturb and only allow specific notifications, like phone calls and messages from important contacts. Then, turn your volume up and set it in a different room. (This way, you won't have to worry about missing something important!)

Another solution to distractions is using a body doubling or coworking system, when someone simply sits with you while you complete your tasks. A body double is great for productivity and accountability and helps reduce distractions.

Recap on the Pomodoro method

Short bursts of work followed by a break are key to the Pomodoro technique's success. It's beneficial for people with ADHD as it reduces overwhelm and limits the time spent on a task.

🍅👉 Need some company while working through your to-do list?

Try the Pomodoro technique during coworking sessions on the Inflow app. This ADHD management app gives you access to virtual coworking sessions (1-2 hours) and drop-in focus rooms (up to 7 hours) in which you can join other ADHDers and put the Pomodoro to work. These sessions are ideal for getting some accountability while helping you build lasting habits to improve productivity.

‍

Sources

Medical science monitor: international medical journal of experimental and clinical research | Clinical Implications of the Perception of Time in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Review.
‍ Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research | Time Perception is a Focal Symptom of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults. Psychological Research | Hyperfocus: the forgotten frontier of attention. 4 Children | Strategies for Coping with Time-Related and Productivity Challenges of Young People with Learning Disabilities and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

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ADHD productivity hack: How to use the Pomodoro method to get things done

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Tick tock! ADHD brain on the clock! | Category: Work and school

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Made with Notion, the all-in-one connected workspace with publishing capabilities.

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Blog with great short articles

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