8 Strategies to Improve Executive Functions Skills Executive Function Skill What it looks like Strategy Skill 1 Impulse Control Kids with weak impulse control might blurt out inappropriate things. They're also more likely to engage in risky behavior. Techniques to control sensory input are very helpful. (noise, lighting, technology, etc.) Strategies to refocus. Skill 2 Emotional Control Kids with weak emotional control often overreact. They can have trouble dealing with criticism and regrouping when something goes wrong. Access can be gained through developing the mind body connection. Developing coping strategies. Skill 3 Flexible Thinking Kids with “rigid” thinking don't roll with the punches. They might get frustrated if asked to think about something from a different angle. Prepping for changes in routine. Schedules, agendas, and checklists. Skill 4 Working Memory Kids with weak working memory have trouble remembering directions - even if they've taken notes or you've repeated them several times. Checklists, routines, timers, and reminders. Short study sessions over time help to “cement” information into memory. Use flashcards, quizlets, videos, and discussion to reinforce memory. Skill 5 Self-Monitoring Kids with weak self-monitoring skills may be surprised by a bad grade or negative feedback. Checklists, routines, timers, and reminders. Consistent feedback on progress. Skill 6 Planning / Prioritizing Kids with week planning and prioritizing skills may not know which parts of the project are most important. Checklists, clarified directions, assignments broken into smaller parts, help prioritizing, and reminders. Skill 7 Task Initiation Kids who are weak task initiation skills may freeze up because they have no idea where to begin. Checklists, clarified directions, assignments broken into smaller parts, help prioritizing, and reminders. Skill 8 Organization Kids with weak organization skills can lose their train of thought - as well as their cell phone and homework. Checklists, clarified directions, assignments broken into smaller parts, help prioritizing, and reminders.
