Tips to Improve Executive Functioning Skills

For kids who struggle to focus or thrive in academic environments, weak executive functioning could be the reason. Executive functioning (EF) skills govern your brain’s interactions with new information as well as the world around you. Some research points to EF being a more accurate predictor of academic or career success than socioeconomic status or IQ. Your brain’s ability to handle the world around you is best improved through challenging it, not just practicing. Challenging your focus, memory, problem-solving, and thinking skills helps them get stronger just like working out in a gym helps muscle groups. (And brain training is a great way to do this!)

Let’s dive into 3 of the main categories of executive functions and how to build these skills…

But First: Things That Impair Executive Functioning

Your brain works as a whole as well as parts. Certain areas of your brain are responsible for different aspects of thinking and learning, but their interplay is also critical. For executive functioning skills in particular, areas of the brain that respond to stress, overwhelm, and sadness can literally shut down areas of focus and learning. On the other hand, feelings of joy, happiness, and connectedness “turn on” these skills to make them more effective. Before you can expect to begin growing your processing skills, learning to manage stress and increase motivation is so important!

Some research also points to brain fog and weakened executive functioning as some of the long-term impacts of COVID infection. Learn more here. 

Core Executive Function: Inhibitory Control

ADDitude magazine defines inhibitory control this way: “self-control or response inhibition – resisting temptations, thinking before speaking or acting, and curbing impulsivity. Discipline and perseverance – staying on task despite setbacks or boredom and delaying gratification — require inhibitory control.”

ADHD and executive dysfunction often go hand-in-hand. Kids and adults who struggle to focus or engage also often have no filter and act before thinking in many situations. While it’s easy to think of these things as disobedience or poor behavior, in many cases underdeveloped inhibitory control could be a reason as well. 

Here are a few strategies for improving this core skill:

• Games like Simon Says, red light/green light, follow the leader, charades, or other interactive activities that require you to perform certain tasks at certain times
• Working on a task or reading with a partner. This immediately puts each in the roles of listener vs. speaker, forcing turn-taking and holding back opinions until an appropriate time
• Listening to read-alouds or audiobooks
• Sensorimotor activities that require balance and concentration (like balancing on a beam or walking on a line)
• Crafts and household tasks that require sequential completion of tasks and fine motor skills

Core Executive Function: Working Memory

Working memory is a critical cognitive skill that can directly impact your ability to function in daily life. Imagine what it would be like if you took in information and immediately lost it. Or imagine being in the middle of a task and completely forgetting what you’re supposed to be doing.

And maybe you don’t have to imagine because you have weak working memory, too!

For kids who struggle in school, weak working memory is an extremely common root cause. ADHD, disengagement, reading struggles, poor comprehension, and trouble taking tests are all real-life ways this weakness can present itself.

Some ways to strengthen working memory include:

• Doing mental math (including creating a running total while you’re shopping or calculating tips at a restaurant)
• Listening to a story without the assistance of visual aids
• Family game night! Lots of board and card games can help strengthen this skill (here’s a list of some of our favorites)

Core Executive Function: Cognitive Flexibility

This is your ability to problem-solve creatively and “think outside the box.” Cognitive flexibility allows your brain to see a situation and envision a solution, see a situation from different perspectives, and seamlessly adjust to situations as things change. Individuals who struggle with this executive function often have a very black-and-white view of things, and they may struggle to admit when they were wrong about something. Building cognitive flexibility—especially in kids—is SO important for helping them become creative, independent thinkers!

Here are some ways to build this skill:

• Engaging in collaborative and creative projects like music, theater, arts, STEM classes, etc.
• Intentionally mix things up sometimes and work through the adjustments together
• Dabble in creative writing or story-telling (make a game of it!)
• Check out these creative, interactive games that require no materials that would strengthen this and all the other core executive functions as well.

Targeted Strengthening of Weak Cognitive Skills

Improving the way your brain interacts with the world has far-reaching implications for not only academic performance, but also relationships, careers, and future success. Brain training works like a personal trainer. We uncover which learning and thinking skills are weak and then personalize a program tailored to those unique needs. Whether you’re 5 or 95, strengthening cognitive skills can be life-changing! Click here to contact us and get started today.