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You might not have heard of executive functioning activities before, but you just might be glad to learn about them. After all, there are few things as frustrating in the life of a parent as watching your child struggle. And there are children in virtually every household in America struggling with executive dysfunction.

For those who don't know, executive dysfunction is a neurological symptom common for millions of people with a range of disorders, conditions, and diseases. Those diagnosed with anything from autism, ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, depression, learning disabilities, and even Alzheimer's can have impaired executive functioning abilities. If you aren't sure if your child struggles with executive functioning, compare them with our executive functioning checklist .

To make matters more complicated, executive dysfunction can be further broken down into a number of categories. Experts don't always agree on how many! For the purposes of this article, I'll discuss six of the most frequently discussed areas of challenge: Organization, Time Management, Planning & Problem Solving, Attention, Working Memory, and Inhibition. All of these are places that parents of children with executive dysfunction wish they could help their child improve.

Luckily, problems with executive function aren't a death sentence, or destined to stay problems forever. With coaching, practice, and positive reinforcement, children who struggle with executive dysfunction can improve - sometimes by leaps and bounds. Executive functioning activities are the way you do that. Some activities are daily habits or practices. Others are conversation starters, and some are fun games your child won't even realize are designed to help them improve!

How to use the Masterlist

I've created this reference to be broadly applicable to children anywhere from k-12 struggling with their executive functioning. (You'll see I pay much more attention to executive functioning activities for younger children, however.) I didn't break the list up into age categories though, since children develop at varied rates. You as the parent will be able to sense whether your child might benefit more from playing hopscotch or chess.

To get started, let's chat about the few general principles you should follow when trying to improve any aspect of your child's executive function:

Practice often

The more frequently someone is exposed to new skills or material, the faster they'll start to integrate those into their repertoire. However, if you wait too long between rounds, and children might have lost progress they made, or have forgotten how to do it. Which may require a complete re-teach. A few times a week is the sweet spot for most children for these masterlist activities, but mileage may vary.

Steadily increase the level of challenge

When trying to build up someone's working memory, for example, having them play 20 questions every day for a month is more likely to frustrate, annoy, or outright enrage them instead of helping. When you notice your child starting to master one activity, switch it up and offer something slightly more advanced. This is especially true for children with ADHD, since their brains can get bored very quickly without novel stimulation.

Weave in physical activity if possible

Types of physical activity that include character-building or mindfulness focuses, for example traditional martial arts or yoga, have the most evidence-based success in improving executive functioning. However, there's plenty of other studies backing up the benefits of exercise and movement in general for executive dysfunction. Something is better than nothing!

As a final point, I'd also encourage you to brush up on any executive functioning skills you find yourself lacking in. It is usually much easier for our children to look to us for examples of how to live. Their functioning is even more likely to improve if your skills are in decent shape. You can even play these games or do joint activities with your child. Explain that you want both of you to improve your skills. Humility and honesty can go a long way with most children, and it just might improve their willingness to play along if they know you struggle like they do.

So without further ado, here is the Executive Functioning Activity Masterlist!

Organization Executive Functioning Activities

Chores that involve sorting and categorizing like putting away dishes, matching and folding laundry, storing groceries, etc

Card games that require you to organize the playing cards in your hand (rummy, uno, crazy 8s, etc)

Develop a hobby collection. Rocks, stamps, coins, Pokemon cards, etc. Lends itself to sorting and resorting based on different categories

Visual anchor charts

Writing daily (or weekly) plans

Checklists, either handwritten or digital, where items are daily crossed off once completed

Graphic organizers to help with sequencing thoughts, connecting ideas, and noting relationships between concepts. (Check out our writing and comprehension graphic organizers in our shop!)

Time Management Executive Functioning Activities

Writing weekly, monthly, even yearly plans can help children visualize abstract concepts like time

Use things that ding! This includes timers, phone apps, watch alarms, clocks, etc

Tell stories- either printed or made up by you- over and over that emphasize a sequence. For example: first wake up, then brush teeth, then eat breakfast, etc

Posted schedules, especially those with eye-catching visuals or colors [We have a bundle of editable routine and schedule posters in the new shop, as an example]

Daily whiteboards: have children write the month, day, day of the week, and year. Include upcoming events and those from the recent past. Older children can add daily activities.

Time estimation games: how long will it take to drive to Grandma's? How much time passes between tagging the front door then sprinting to the stop sign?

Learning a musical instrument

Planning & Problem Solving Executive Functioning Activities

Martial Arts (especially traditional variations with character-building elements)

Rubik's Cubes

Brain teaser puzzles & logic problems

Strategy-based board games (checkers, Battleship, chess, Settlers of Catan, or Ticket to Ride)

Writing weekly, monthly or even yearly plans. Can help children foresee conflicts of interest or changes in routines, prompts them to plan ahead and problem solve. [We've got a MASSIVE, 157 page Family Calendar and Lesson Planning booklet in the shop that would fit this need)

Geocaching and/or orienteering

Scavenger hunts derived from a series of clues

Attention Executive Functioning Activities

Yoga

Martial Arts

Dance

Concentration card game

Red light, green light

Jump rope games & complicated variants (double dutch, chinese jump rope)

Hide & Seek, plus dim lighting versions like Flashlight Tag or Manhunt

Laser Tag, paintball, & hunting for older children

Learning a musical instrument

Reading books like I Spy

Rubik's Cubes

Games that require you to follow one or many objects like "Who's got the button" or "Lucky Ducky"

Working Memory Executive Functioning Activities

Matching card games like Go Fish

Singing rounds, or in vocal parts

20 Questions, I Spy, or other guessing games

Any strategy-based board game like checkers, Battleship, chess, Settlers of Catan, or Ticket to Ride)

Cogmed is a computer-based strategy clinically shown to improve working memory

Hand-clapping games like Miss Mary Mack, A sailor went to sea, Double double, etc

Inhibition Executive Functioning Activities

Simon Says

Freeze Dance/Freeze Tag

Mother May I

Musical Chairs

Martial Arts (esp with traditional focus)

Slapjack, Spoons, and other card games that require quick responses

Games that require turn-taking, like Candy Land, Jenga, and bowling

Singing songs that increasingly remove words like "My hat, it has three corners"

So if you couldn't tell, we are all SO excited about the new shop here at the Homeschool Resource Room. Go check it out if you find yourself in need of planners, graphic organizers, and editable schedules for the child in your life with executive dysfunction! [Or, you know, any child who might benefit from one of those!] Shop Now!

For further reading on this topic:

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Executive Functioning Activities: 50 Skill Builders for Kids of All Ages! - The Homeschool Resource Room

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You might not have heard of executive functioning activities before, but you just might be glad to learn about them. After all, there are few things as frustrating in the life of a parent as watching your child struggle. And there are children in virtually every household in America struggling with executive dysfunction.

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Filling out an executive functioning checklist was a common task for me as a teacher. Every year, I'd have at least a handful of children being evaluated for ADHD, Autism, a learning disability, anxiety, or other conditions that might manifest themselves at least partially with executive dysfunction. While I was trained and familiar with the process, I knew it could be very overwhelming or confusing for parents just learning about executive functioning. This was especially hard for parents who had been agonizing while their child struggled and they just wanted to help.

If you find yourself in the same boat, don't panic! Executive functioning is a broad concept, but one you can understand with some basic definitions, examples, and a little background knowledge. Hopefully the information I can provide you here will help you start having conversations with your child's teacher, pediatrician, therapist, and/or the rest of your family. Then, you'll be able to come up with some strategies for overcoming your child's unique blend of executive dysfunction.

What is executive functioning?

Broadly speaking, executive functioning is a name given to a family of brain processes that all work together to help you remember, plan, and do daily activities. When someone manages to wake up on time, eat breakfast, get dressed, gather necessary supplies, handle a cut while shaving, and leave for work on time, they're using all eight executive functions.

The eight executive functions exist with some overlap (as you'll see in the checklist), but are usually categorized as follows:

Response inhibition (aka impulse control)

Planning & prioritizing

Emotional control

Mental flexibility

Working memory

Task initiation

Self-monitoring

Organization

All children will likely struggle with some aspect of executive functioning (which then is frequently called an executive dysfunction) at some point in their lives. This is because children's brains develop at different rates, and they mature in fits and spurts. If you don't believe me, first find me a child who walked out of the womb understanding how to get to bed on time!

However, children who struggle with multiple functions for long periods of time likely won't just 'grow out' of their challenges. Though causes are still being studied, some children seem to simply have brains that aren't wired the same and seem predisposed to executive dysfunction. Kids in this boat generally use targeted interventions that help them improve in their weak areas. ( If you're looking for strategies and activities to do at home to work on executive functioning, you should check out my Masterlist!)

Before you can think about interventions, however, you'll need to know specifically what areas of executive functioning are a struggle for your child. And that's where the checklist comes in.

How to use the executive functioning checklist

As with any hallmark of parenting, this checklist is a multitasker. First of all, it provides you and your child useful information that helps you understand his or her beautiful little brain better. In addition, it provides good data for other professionals to use when further examining what kinds of interventions, diagnoses, and/or medications might best help your child improve and thrive. Like I mentioned at the start, executive functioning checklists are frequently seen at school IEP meetings, and they also pop up in pediatrician appointments and therapy sessions.

I find it's useful to first look at the executive functioning checklist yourself and complete an inventory of your child (or possibly jointly with your spouse). That way, you have a good snapshot of how you view your child's strengths and weaknesses before you hear how they personally view themselves. Then, depending on your child's age, you can either give them a copy of the checklist and have them do a self-evaluation, or you can verbally ask them to go through the questions with you.

Feel free to compare notes at the end, but be sure not to try and sway their answers one way or another until then. Allow them to share their view of themself in total honesty. In addition, "self-monitoring" is an executive function itself, and a radically different understanding of themselves when compared to how others see them is essentially data in its own right.

About this Checklist

There are no "right" answers to the checklist, just as there are no wrong answers. This is not a diagnostic test either. The executive functioning checklist exists to give you a better understanding of your kiddo, their strengths, and their weaknesses. When you and your child have finished completing your executive functioning checklist, you can bring them with you to meetings or appointments and the professionals can take over from there. With you and your child, they'll help you make targeted behavior plans, talk about interventions, and any other therapeutic ideas they have, if you jointly see a need.

And that's it! So without further ado, I present to you...

The Executive Functioning Checklist

Response inhibition (aka impulse control)

Makes careless mistakes just to get work 'done'

Gives up as soon as they encounter a problem or challenge

Blurts out answers instead of raising hand

Does all the fun parts of an assignment first to avoid the hard parts

Starts work before teacher finishes giving directions

Engages in 'risky' behavior

Avoids or doesn't complete homework

Struggles to take turns

Interrupts others while they're talking

Touches others bodies or possessions without permission

Planning & Prioritizing

Can't chunk larger assignments into smaller pieces

Doesn't know where to start on a project or assignment

Gets 'stuck' easily

Often turns in assignments late because they underestimated complexity

Prefers multiple choice questions to open-ended responses

Struggles to take notes since everything seems equally important

Has difficulty making decisions

Struggles with strategizing and/or multi-step problem solving

Executive Functioning Checklist: Mental flexibility

Can become fixated on aspects of a routine (wants to sit in the same place, eat the same food, wear the same clothes, etc)

Struggles with transitions: between classes, activities, home/school, weekend/weekday, etc

Copes poorly when schedules or routines change

Can become 'hyperfocused' on one topic, idea, activity, etc

Struggles to switch gears

Working Memory

Really struggles to take notes from lectures (writing and listening at the same time)

Experiences 'information overload' easily when too much is presented too quickly

Finds mental math especially challenging

Struggles to remember multi-step directions and follow them out

May frequently forget what they were planning to say after raising hand or starting to speak

Might need to read text passages (especially dense or long-winded ones) over and over to fully comprehend meaning

Struggles with tracking the flow of conversations and participating appropriately

Emotional Control

Can have angry outbursts at slight provocations

Quick to call things 'unfair'

Struggle to persevere through difficulties in homework

Overreacts to negative situations (when disciplined, getting a bad grade, losing a game)

May unexpectedly laugh hysterically or burst into tears

Seems to have rapid mood changes

Appears not to care about others' feelings

Executive Functioning Checklist: Task Initiation

Doesn't know where to start on an assignment or project, even if directions were just given

Has trouble focusing again after a break

Procrastinates starting work until the last minute

Finds other things to do instead of work (frequently going to the bathroom, sharpening pencil, being on phone, etc)

Frequently seen with their head down during work time

Asks for help all the time, even when you know they understand the material and are capable of the work

Self-Monitoring

Unaware of how much effort they do or don't put into their work

Think of grades somewhat magically, and confused/surprised by poor grades

Doesn't recognize when their behavior negatively affects others

Talks too loudly or quickly

Might need to be told to sit down, stop touching that, put that down, etc, multiple times

Doesn't think to check around them to gauge appropriate social behavior

Might unknowingly exhibit "annoying" repetitive behaviors like pencil tapping, knee-bouncing, or the like, even when others complain.

Organization

Frequently loses assignments, supplies, library books, important messages, etc

Doesn't change behaviors, even if they seem to want to/see consequences for disorganization

Doesn't use planners, even if given one

Has a disastrous-looking backpack, bedroom, and/or work space and has trouble finding anything

Loses electronic files/emails because they can't remember where they stored them, or under what file name

Where to go Next

Now that you've finished going through your executive functioning checklist for yourself and with your child, you probably have a much better picture of their strengths and weaknesses!

I'll suggest once again that you hop over and read the next article in this little series on executive functioning, the Executive Functioning Activities Masterlist. There, you'll find a one stop shop for all kinds of fun games and activities that help your child build up their weak areas of executive functioning.

Lastly, were you surprised by just how much your child struggles in one area or another? Especially if that were in areas related to planning and prioritizing, task initiation, or organizing, check out our editable poster schedules & routines, calendars and planners, and/or any of our graphic organizers to help get the ball rolling towards better executive functioning strategies!

For further reading on this topic:

Or browse posts in our special needs category.

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Executive Functioning Checklist: Where does your child fall?

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Filling out an executive functioning checklist was a common task for me as a teacher. Every year, I'd have at least a handful of children being evaluated for ADHD, Autism, a learning disability, anxiety, or other conditions that might manifest themselves at least partially with executive dysfunction.

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No mind left behind-good exec funct. book

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No mind left behind-good exec funct. book

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No Mind Left Behind by Adam J. Cox: 9780399534553 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

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Kids develop executive function skills through playtime, social interactions, and every day activities. Parents can facilitate the development of these skills using Pathways.org's Executive Function Brochure to engage their kids in activities that offer opportunities to practice and foster lifelong learning skills. Help your children improve their executive function skills by developing their ability to achieve goals, such as making cookies or finishing homework.

What's Inside?

Helpful information on three key areas of executive function: working memory, self-control, and mental flexibility

Activities to develop executive function skills, broken down by age: 6-12 months, 13-24 months, 2-3 years, 4-5 years, 5+ years

Possible warning signs associated with executive function issues, such as "forgets rules easily" and "appears impulsive"

Executive Function skills help us organize information, manage time, act appropriately, and complete steps to reach a goal. With practice and a little help, all children can improve their executive functions.

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Executive Function for Kids | Pathways.org Brochure

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Kids develop executive function skills through playtime, social interactions, and every day activities. Parents can facilitate the development of these skills using Pathways.org's Executive Function Brochure to engage their kids in activities that offer opportunities to practice and foster lifelong learning skills.

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Executive function activities 2 year olds

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Executive function activities 2 year olds

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What they found was that the older children had to exert very little mental effort to do this task because they could anticipate which picture was coming up next. Preschoolers, however, had to use more effort to think about which button to push in response to the game. They had to consciously think back to the character they had just seen, instead of being able to anticipate the future. This is why executive functioning skills activities for preschoolers are KEY-they need practice with these skills in order for them to become second nature.

So what does this mean for parents of preschoolers? As the researchers point out, this study seems to indicate that parents shouldn't expect their preschoolers to think ahead, for example, and bring their coat when going outside, even if you told them in advance. Just repeating this type of information over and over probably won't help. While your preschooler is probably listening to you, their brain doesn't really retrieve this information until it becomes immediately needed, like when they step outside and realize it's cold. The researchers put it this way,
"The good news is what we're saying to our kids doesn't go in one ear and out the other, like people might have thought," said CU-Boulder psychology Professor Yuko Munakata. "It also doesn't go in and then get put into action like it does with adults. But rather it goes in and gets stored away for later."
Related reading: What Does an Effective Preschool Look Like? A Guide for Curious Parents

Part of the mental skills involved in following instructions and retrieving information is what we call executive functioning skills. You've probably heard educators talk a lot about this. Executive functioning skills like working memory, self-control and attention are crucial to children's success in school and later in life.

Executive Functioning Activities: Games and Books

Executive function skills, however, take years to develop in children. As parents we can do things to help our children develop these skills:

Encourage pretend play

That's right, PLAY! Think about the mental control it takes for a young child to stay "in character" when pretending to be someone else. This is great practice in working memory and impulse control. As always, play is the best way for preschoolers to learn and practice skills.

Pretend Play Stickers

Books

It's no big surprise that reading is helpful with developing executive function. As kids grow and develop their executive function skills, they can remember longer plots and more characters. Some books also teach lessons involving executive function skills like waiting, taking turns and controlling your language. Here are a few of my favorites:

Lilly has trouble waiting to share her new purse at school

Learning how to control yourself is not easy when you are only five.

Being first isn't always best.

Need more ideas for executive functioning activities for preschoolers?

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Executive Functioning Skills Activities for Preschoolers {that really are fun!}

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What they found was that the older children had to exert very little mental effort to do this task because they could anticipate which picture was coming up next. Preschoolers, however, had to use more effort to think about which button to push in response to the game.

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Notes Copy_ Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) On Your Caseload_Hardy FA 2022

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving "bye bye" are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move.

Click on the age of your child to see the milestones:

"Learn the Signs. Act Early." materials are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools.

Special acknowledgments to the subject matter experts and others who contributed to the review of data and selection of developmental milestones, especially Paul H. Lipkin, MD, Michelle M. Macias, MD, Julie F. Pajek, PhD, Judith S. Shaw, EdD, MPH, RN, Karnesha Slaughter, MPH, Jane K. Squires, PhD, Toni M. Whitaker, MD, Lisa D. Wiggins, PhD, and Jennifer M. Zubler, MD.
Sincere gratitude to Natalia Benza, MD and José O. Rodríguez, MD, MBA for their thoughtful review of the Spanish-language translation of these milestones.

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“learn the signs. act early.” milestones

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Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. Track your child's milestones and talk with your child's doctor at every visit about the milestones your child has reached

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The MyPlate Plan* shows your food group targets - what and how much to eat within your calorie allowance.

Your food plan is personalized, based on your:

To get started, click on the "Start" button. You can also find out your MyPlate Plan in Spanish.

Get the MyPlate Plan widget to post or share on your blog or website!
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The MyPlate Plan* shows your food group targets - what and how much to eat within your calorie allowance. Your food plan is personalized, based on your: To get started, click on the "Start" button. You can also find out your MyPlate Plan in Spanish.

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Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT) software standardizes the process of eliciting, transcribing, and analyzing language samples. It includes a transcription editor, standard reports, and reference databases for comparison with typical peers.

SALT Software, LLC is an intellectual property transfer company resulting from research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and is home to the Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT) software. The sale of the software provides funding for collecting normative data, creating updated versions of the software, and developing training materials.

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MLU comparing typical and language impaired children