Executive Function 101: Helping Your Child Get (and Stay) Organized
- katieking1203
- Sep 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 9
Top 3 Key Takeaways
Executive Function: The mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully.
This matters for learning: If a student is under stress,
Practical Tools & Strategies: Explore time management, organization, memory aids, and digital tools that support success.
Support for All Learners: Help children with ADHD, autism, and learning differences develop skills to thrive.
Parents, you may have heard about a relatively new topic in education that can benefit all of us: executive functioning. You might also be asking, “What is executive functioning?”
According to McCloskey, Allen, and Harne, executive functioning—or EF, for short—refers to the “set of directive capacities…responsible for a person’s ability to engage in purposeful, self-regulated, self-aware, and goal-directed processing of perceptions, emotions, thoughts, and actions.”
The term "executive functions" was first used in 1976 by neuropsychologist Muriel Lezak in Neuropsychologial Assessment. To paraphrase her definition, executive functioning comprises the skills we develop and use to help achieve our goals. These skills include memorizing, planning, organizing, problem-solving, impulse control, time management, and behavioral adaptation.
Executive Functions are..
"...the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully."(Brown et al., 2020)
In simpler terms, executive functioning comprises the skills we develop and use to help us achieve goals. These include memorizing, planning, organizing, problem-solving, impulse control, time management, and adapting behavior.
Why Executive Functioning Matters
Although research into EF began in the 1970s and 80s, it has gained new attention in recent years because of its impact on students with learning differences (LD). EF strategies are particularly beneficial for students with:
ADHD
Autism spectrum disorder
Behavioral disorders
Can EF help you?
Yes! As an educator, I believe everyone can benefit from using executive functioning skills in their personal, academic, and professional lives.
Executive function is like your brain’s control center; it helps you plan, focus, stay organized, and keep life running smoothly. Here are 10 key skills that make it work:
Planning – figuring out the steps you need to reach a goal, like breaking down a big school project into smaller tasks.
Organization – keeping track of your stuff and information, like knowing where your homework or sports gear is.
Time Management – using your time wisely, like making sure you finish studying before your favorite show starts.
Working Memory – remembering information while you use it, like keeping directions in your head while walking to a new classroom.
Metacognition – thinking about your thinking, like noticing when you don’t understand something and deciding to ask for help.
Self-Control (Impulse Control) – stopping yourself before doing something you might regret, like not blurting out an answer in class before raising your hand.
Emotional Control – managing big feelings so they don’t take over, like calming down before responding when you’re upset.
Flexibility – being able to adjust when plans change, like rolling with it when your teacher moves a test date.
Task Initiation – getting started on something even when you don’t feel like it, like beginning your essay instead of procrastinating.
Focus (Attention) – paying attention to what matters and ignoring distractions, like listening to your coach instead of checking your phone.
When all these executive function skills work together, they help you handle school, friends, responsibilities, and future goals with more confidence and less stress.
Prefer to listen to what Executive Function is? I have a video ALL ABOUT IT
Executive Functioning Tools to Help Kids (and Parents) Stay Organized
1. Time Management Tools
Visual Timers: Tools like Time Timer or apps like Be Focused and Pomodoro Timer help kids stay on task and know when to take breaks.
Planners: Use physical planners or digital ones (Google Calendar, myHomework) for assignments and deadlines.
To-Do Lists: Tools like Todoist, Trello, or simple paper checklists break tasks into manageable steps.
2. Organization Tools
Binders with labeled dividers or color-coded folders to keep schoolwork sorted.
Backpack and locker organizers to cut down on clutter.
Digital apps like Evernote or Notion for keeping track of notes and projects.
3. Task Initiation & Completion Aids
“First-Then” boards or visual schedules for younger kids or students with ADHD/autism.
Break cards or motivational checklists for students who struggle to start or finish tasks.
Chunking tools like task analysis worksheets or backward design planning.
Checklists to monitor preparation and materials.
Goal-setting templates such as SMART goals.
Mind maps to brainstorm and structure ideas visually.
4. Working Memory Supports
Sticky notes for quick reminders or important concepts.
Mnemonic devices or graphic organizers for complex ideas.
Voice memos or speech-to-text tools (Google Docs Voice Typing) to capture thoughts on the go.
5. Digital Tools for Focus and Organization
Google Keep – quick notes and reminders.
Microsoft OneNote – organize notes by subject.
Forest App – grow a virtual tree by avoiding distractions.
Habitica – gamify to-do lists and habit tracking.
Supporting Families With EF Resources
The resources above are just a starting point. Integration families can access even more programs and tools in the Resources Tab of our Parent Portal.
Happy parenting — and here’s to helping kids build the skills they need to stay focused, organized, and confident!
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