COGNITIVE SUPPORT AT HOME Monique Liles M.S. Cognitive Science

Executive Function “Executive Function” is a term used to describe a set of mental processes that helps us connect past experience with present action. They help us plan, organize, strategize, pay attention, and remember details. People with problems with executive function have trouble planning, organizing, managing time and space, and have difficulty with working memory which plays a large role in guiding actions.

How Executive Function Affect Learning? Students with problems with executive function have difficulty: Making plans Keeping track of time Activating prior knowledge Engaging in group dynamics Evaluating ideas Reflecting on work Making corrections and changing their minds during activities Finishing work on time Asking for help Waiting until they are called on before speaking Seeking additional information when it is needed.

Helping Students Build Executive Function Skills At Home As teachers we work with students to help them improve their executive function skills at school. Parents can help improve the executive function skills of their children at home by using some of the followings strategies to help them learn to manage time, space, materials, and work.

STRATEGIES TO AID IN EXECUTIVE FUNCTION Help your child practice these strategies at home. GENERAL STRATEGIES: Use visual and organizational aids Take a step –by-step approach to completing tasks Use tools like computers, watches with alarms, organizers and planners Ask for written directions to accompany oral instructions whenever possible TIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES: Create checklists and “to do” lists Estimate how long tasks will take Break long assignments into chunks Assign due dates to long assignments with certain parts or deliverables due at specific intervals Use visual calendars and charts to keep track of assignments and chores Write the due date on each assignment

STRATEGIES TO AID IN EXECUTIVE FUNCTION (continued) Many students with executive function issues have cluttered book bags, desks, and study areas. They often cannot find homework, notes, or materials. We can help them with these issues by teaching them to organize space and materials. SPACE AND MATERIALS: Minimize clutter Have a specific designated work space to complete homework and projects. Have a complete set of supplies at the workspace for different activities. Schedule a weekly time to clean, organize, and restock the supplies in the workspace.

The Importance of Developing Executive Function Skills As people grow, our executive function abilities are shaped by physical changes in the brain and by life experience. Early attention to the development of executive function skills is helpful in overall student success in school and life.