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Prisma is the world’s most engaging virtual school that combines a fun, real-world curriculum with powerful mentorship from experienced coaches and a supportive peer community.
The term “executive functioning” might sound like corporate jargon at first, but in parenting circles, we hear references to it all the time. Many parents hear about these critical cognitive skills but are unsure of what they truly mean for their child's development.
At Prisma, we believe in taking a “skills-first” approach to education. Our middle and high school programs focus more on developing essential skills that can apply to any discipline or future path than helping kids memorize a set of facts. Executive functioning is perhaps the most essential skill for all other forms of problem-solving.
It’s important to know where your learner is in terms of their executive functioning development, especially if they’re not neurotypical, as kids with ADHD, autism, and other mental health and learning challenges can struggle more.
In this post, we'll unravel the mystery of executive functioning, helping you understand its importance and how you can support your child in nurturing these essential skills. So buckle up for a flight into the bustling 'air traffic control' center of the brain, as we journey through the world of executive functioning together.
Imagine the brain as an air traffic control system. It is constantly busy with flights coming and going, and must organize, prioritize, and coordinate tasks flawlessly. The same analogy applies to our brains, especially when describing executive function skills. These are central cognitive processes, headquartered in the prefrontal cortex, that manage our thoughts, actions, and emotions, guiding us through daily tasks and decisions.
A team from Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child has categorized these skills into three major types: working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control.
Understanding and developing these executive function skills is a critical aspect of child development, impacting kids’ academic progress, social skills, mental health, and much more.
Of course, adults aren’t perfect at any of these skills! Maybe there’s one from the list above you know you struggle with, as well. But adults do typically tend to be much better at executive functioning through a process of normal development.
Children with executive functioning issues, such as those with ADHD or autism, may face challenges in various areas. These can become evident in early childhood, intensify in middle school, and persist into high school and adult life.
However, children don’t have to have a diagnosis to struggle with executive functioning. All kids are learning how to develop these skills, so some struggle is natural for everyone. And some research suggests that lots of screen time and lack of practice completing tasks and practicing adaptability may contribute to executive functioning issues.
Here’s what you might notice if your child is struggling with executive functioning:
At Prisma, our learning coaches work 1:1 with learners to help them build and practice executive functioning skills. We also offer a “Life Coach” for learners who might need additional support.
There are several strategies parents and caregivers can use to help children develop these essential skills at home:
If your child continues to struggle with executive function skills despite your best efforts, it might be beneficial to seek professional help. There are many professionals, including psychologists, occupational therapists, and special education teachers, trained to support children with executive function challenges. Search your area for service providers and look for listed specialty in executive functioning.
Some children might also benefit from an Individualized Education Program (IEP) at school, which provides specialized instruction and services tailored to their needs. Some families find that alternative schooling approaches, such as homeschooling, or online schooling, such as Prisma, better allow their learner to learn in the way that works for them, free from distractions and able to go at their own pace.
In addition, there are intervention programs and therapeutic approaches designed to improve executive function skills, such as Cogmed for working memory or Unstuck and On Target for flexibility and goal setting.
Building robust executive function skills in children, whether they are neurotypical or have learning disabilities, is critical for their future success. With the right support and patience, all children can overcome their executive function challenges and reach their full potential.
Want to learn more about how Prisma can empower your child to thrive?
Talk with usTalk with usMiddle School Curriculum Designer Lizzie uses her diverse experiences: studying Literature at Harvard, leading outdoor adventure expeditions, and teaching high school English, to help Prisma learners find their voices.
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