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Executive functioning is a set of mental skills some believe are the best indicator of overall success. These skills are what help people stay organized, plan ahead, and break big goals into smaller steps. It also affects one’s focus and memory. Executive functioning skills are learned through practice and impacted by early childhood experiences, relationships with caregivers, and age.
Because child development is a unique experience, it is important for caregivers to have age-appropriate expectations. Executive functioning skills impact three cognitive functions: working memory, mental flexibility, and self control. Some indicators of poor executive functioning skills can be:
- Requiring substantial support to begin a task.
- Shutting down due to feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
- Poor impulse control.
- Inability to remember multi-step directions.
- Unable to switch between tasks.
- Easily distractible.
The Center of the Developing Child at Harvard University indicates executive functioning skills are developed the most in the preschool stage and again during adolescent and early adult years. And because play is the way in which children learn, here are some games and activities that can boost the executive functioning skills of everyone in the home.
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Games to Assist in Working Memory
Working memory is the ability to remember information while engaging in a task. These fun games will help develop and improve this skill.
- Card games like Uno, Go Fish, and Old Maid are classic games that require players to pay attention and remember the cards they are holding and also the cards they suspect their opponents may have.
- Obstacle courses that have a series of activities to fulfill are a fun way for our children to rely on their memory while completing each step. Depending on the ages of the players, there are many ways to cater this to your crew.
- What’s Missing? is a game where you can present your children with a set of objects, only to have them identify which one you removed when they step out of the room. Begin by having a group of unlikely items set out on the table. Encourage your child to study the set of items as best as possible. When they step out of the room, remove one item, and scramble the remaining items so the presentation is completely different than before. Challenge the player to identify which item is no longer part of the group.
Games to Assist in Mental Flexibility
Mental flexibility refers to the ability to problem solve and adjust to situations accordingly, including shifting attention and focus.
- Everyday Object is a simple game that has endless possibilities. Identify an everyday object, then challenge the players to think of all of the ways in which the object can be used. Very creative answers can garner more points.
- Host an impromptu dance party in your living room and encourage your family to let loose and have fun!
- Consider hosting a weekly challenge where you gather an assortment of household objects and encourage your child to execute a specific task. For example, a handful of plastic straws and tape are used to build the tallest structure.
Games to Assist in Self Control
Self control is the ability to regulate our emotions, reactions, and behaviors.
- Jenga is a household favorite that emphasizes mindful behavior and methodical decision-making.
- Simon Says is the perfect practice for regulating one’s actions.
- This adapted version of Red Light, Green Light is an easy way to incorporate self control practice in almost any setting. Red means stop and green means go. Whether the group is engaged in the same activity, such as jumping, singing or clapping, or not doesn’t really matter. The goal is to have the group engaged in some movement or activity. Someone yells “red” to indicate an abrupt stop to the activity and anyone who doesn’t immediately comply is out. The game resumes by yelling “green.”
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Executive functioning skills are serious business, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun while practicing.
