by Janet George, M.S., M.Ed., Fellow/A.O.G.P.E.
The functions of the brain that control attention and behavior are called the executive functions.
What to do we mean by executive functions? Think strategic planning, time management, memory, self-monitoring and problem solving.
It’s a rare young person that can master these functions. At the Fortune Academy, our students with language learning differences work very hard to command these functions, but dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other learning differences present their own unique challenges.
While we use specially developed curriculum to help our Fortune students develop their executive functions, it’s important to remember that the brain’s executive function don’t mature until around the age of 30 – that goes for everyone, language learning differences or not.
Teachers and parents need to be aware of how slowly executive functions develop and match our expectations with a child’s development. Remember, every child is a unique individual and as a result a unique learner, and the path of students may be a bit more bent, winding here and there and around and over again.
Here are a few ways, adults can help young people better develop their executive functions in a nurturing way.
1. Help your child establish positive time-management tools such as: visual calendars, planners, set timers, and/or written daily goals.
2. Break multi-step projects into individual smaller tasks. For example if a paper is due in two weeks, together set daily and weekly goals for notes, then outline and paragraph completions ahead of time.
3. Support effective organization by providing a set place for your child’s daily items such as backpacks, coats, shoes, sports equipment, clothing, etc. Having clear expectations on where and how to find things will support routine, self-sufficiency and success.
Thank you for this. 🙂
I’m working with my child on some of these things now ie: calender, same place~same space, and expectations.
It’s not as easy for me as it is for other parents. I’m literally trying to teach my child the very skills, I myself, lack.
Good thing I’m not one to give up easily! 😉
We are so glad this was helpful! Let us know about the impact you see.