Remember and Do — Short-Term Recall
Listen to 2–3 pieces of information and recall them in order to complete a task (e.g., 'Get the red book from the shelf and put it on the table')
Executive Function Skills activities for kids
Strengthen cognitive control skills that support learning, behavior, and self-regulation across all subjects
Holding and using information in mind while completing a task
Working Memory
Strengthen memory for directions, sequences, and task steps
Sequence Recall — Story & Event Order
Recall and repeat a sequence of 3–5 events from a story or daily routine in the correct order
Auditory Number & Letter Recall
Listen to a string of 3–5 numbers or letters spoken aloud and repeat them back in correct order
Visual Working Memory — What Changed?
Study a set of 4–6 objects or pictures, notice when one is removed or rearranged, and describe what changed
Hold & Manipulate Information
Keep a rule in mind while doing a task (e.g., 'Sort cards by color, but skip any that have a star') — mental flexibility practice
Sustaining and directing attention during learning tasks
Focus & Attention
Develop sustained attention, selective focus, and self-control during learning
Sustained Attention — Stay on Task
Remain engaged on a single activity for a gradually increasing period (5 → 10 → 15 minutes); recognize when mind wanders and redirect
Selective Attention — Focus on What Matters
Focus on a specific target (color, shape, sound) within a busy visual or auditory scene and ignore distractors
Attentive Listening During Read-Alouds
Maintain listening focus during a 10–15 minute read-aloud; answer comprehension questions without re-reading
Impulse Control — Stop and Think
Practice pausing before acting or responding; use 'stop-think-act' strategy during games and transitions
Attention Shifting — Flexible Focus
Switch attention smoothly between two tasks or rules (e.g., sort by color then sort by shape on signal)
Processing, remembering, and executing sequential instructions
Following Multi-Step Directions
Practice listening to, remembering, and completing multi-step directions
Follow Two-Step Directions
Listen to and carry out two-step oral directions without reminders (e.g., 'Put your pencil down and line up at the door')
Follow Three-Step Directions
Execute three-step oral instructions in the correct sequence; self-check after each step
Follow Written & Picture Directions
Read or interpret picture-based step-by-step instructions to complete a simple craft or activity independently
Direction Games — Simon Says & Freeze
Play structured direction games that require listening, holding a rule in mind, and responding accurately
Starting, organizing, and finishing tasks independently
Task Completion & Planning
Build planning, task initiation, organization, and completion habits
Task Initiation — Starting Without Prompting
Begin an assigned activity independently after hearing instructions; develop 'ready, set, go' self-start habit
Organizing Materials & Workspace
Gather needed materials before starting a task; keep workspace organized; return materials when finished
Persisting to Task Completion
Stick with a challenging task to completion; use 'I can try again' self-talk when frustrated; recognize the reward of finishing
Self-Monitoring — Did I Do My Best?
Check own work against a simple rubric or checklist; identify one thing done well and one thing to improve
Simple Planning — What Do I Do First?
Break a two-step project into steps; decide what to do first and what to do next before starting
Grade 3 standards through interactive 3D models and authentic tasks
Grade 3 Executive Function
A sequenced Grade 3 executive function pathway.
Task-Planning Mission
Break a goal into ordered, manageable steps and monitor completion.
Materials Transition Cubby
Manage materials and switch smoothly from one class activity to the next.
Grade 4 standards through interactive 3D models and authentic tasks
Grade 4 Executive Function
A sequenced Grade 4 executive function pathway.
Collaboration Mission Control
Use roles, shared plans, communication, and conflict repair in group work.
Project Planning Board
Estimate, order, schedule, and monitor a multi-step project.
Goal Milestone Climb
Set a measurable goal, break it into milestones, and check progress to adjust the plan.
Priority Matrix Desk
Prioritize tasks by sorting them as urgent or not urgent and important or not important.
Grade 5 standards through interactive 3D models and authentic tasks
Grade 5 Executive Function
A sequenced Grade 5 executive function pathway.
Long-Project Manager
Plan, execute, monitor, and revise a long-term project.
Study Strategy Reflection Lab
Self-monitor study strategies by comparing predictions, results, and the strategies used.