What Are Executive Functioning Skills? 11 skills needed for learning, problem-solving, and daily life

As an occupational therapist, a question I often hear from parents is “My child isn’t getting a job right now, they don’t have an occupation. Why would they need an occupational therapist?”

What they don’t know is, that an occupation is anything a person needs or wants to do to occupy their time. So for our homeschooled kids, their occupation is to learn and play and be successful at their pursuits.

Executive functioning skills are a key set of skills they need to be successful in their occupations, both now and in the future.

But I hear you asking, “ My child isn’t a business executive either…”

I’m oversimplifying here, but why does OT have so many confusing terms?

Executive functioning skills are cognitive processes that help individuals regulate, manage, and control their thoughts and actions. These skills are crucial for effective learning, problem-solving, and daily life tasks. As homeschool parents, fostering these skills can enhance our child’s overall development.

Understanding Executive Functioning Skills:

In the popular book Smart but Scattered, authors Peg Dawson and Richard Guare break down Executive Functioning into 11 different skills. Some of these are easy to think of, but others are more hidden skills.

The 11 Executive Functioning Skills from “Smart but Scattered”:

Response Inhibition: The ability to think before acting, resist impulses, and maintain focus on a task.
Working Memory: Holding information in mind while performing complex tasks, such as solving problems or completing assignments.
Emotional Control: Managing emotions and reactions in various situations, promoting a positive and focused learning environment.
Flexibility: Adapting to changes and adjusting strategies when faced with unexpected challenges.
Sustained Attention: Maintaining focus on a particular task for an extended period, is crucial for successful learning.
Task Initiation: Overcoming procrastination by starting tasks independently and in a timely manner.
Planning and Organization: Developing effective plans, organizing materials, and managing time efficiently to achieve academic goals.
Time Management: Allocating and managing time wisely, ensuring a balanced approach to various activities and responsibilities.
Goal-Directed Persistence: Maintaining effort and motivation to achieve long-term goals, even when faced with obstacles.
Metacognition: Being aware of one’s thinking processes, understanding strengths and weaknesses, and developing strategies for improvement.
Self-monitoring: Evaluating and reflecting on one’s performance, identifying areas for improvement, and making necessary adjustments.

When I mention executive functioning skills, many people jump immediately to planners and organizers for long-term projects. But, these skills develop over time within many different activities

Executive Functioning Skills at Family Game Night

Imagine a cozy evening with your family gathered around the dining table, ready to play a classic board game. Little do you know; this game is about more than just rolling dice and moving pieces – it’s a journey that requires the mastery of executive functioning skills.

Response Inhibition: The game begins, and your child eagerly eyes the dice. The challenge? Think before rolling, strategize the best move, and resist the temptation to make impulsive decisions.
Working Memory: As the game progresses, players must remember the rules, the positions of their pieces, and the overall objective. Working memory is the key to holding onto this information while making strategic moves.
Emotional Control: Unexpected twists in the game might trigger excitement or frustration. Emotional control becomes crucial as players learn to manage their reactions, ensuring a positive and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone.
Flexibility: The game board unfolds with new challenges. Players must adapt their strategies, change their plans, and be flexible in the face of unexpected changes, mirroring the real-world skill of adaptability.
Sustained Attention: With each turn, sustained attention comes into play. Players must remain focused on the game, considering the moves of others, and planning their next steps to achieve success.
Task Initiation: The game presents opportunities for players to take the initiative – deciding when to make a move, when to employ a particular strategy, and when to seize the moment.
Planning and Organization: Successful gameplay requires planning and organization. Players must organize their resources, plan their moves ahead, and strategically position themselves on the board.
Time Management: Time becomes a factor as players navigate the game. They must manage their time wisely, making decisions within a given timeframe to keep the game flowing smoothly.
Goal-Directed Persistence: As the game progresses, players encounter setbacks and challenges. Goal-directed persistence encourages them to persevere, stay motivated, and work towards achieving victory.
Metacognition: Reflecting on their gameplay, players become aware of their strengths and weaknesses. They start to develop strategies based on self-awareness, enhancing their overall performance.
Self-Monitoring: Throughout the game, players constantly evaluate their progress, identifying areas for improvement and making necessary adjustments to enhance their chances of winning.

In the realm of homeschooling, executive functioning skills are not abstract concepts but tangible tools that come to life through everyday activities. By weaving these skills into a simple board game, you’re not just playing for fun – you’re fostering the development of essential life skills that will benefit your child.

For more assistance in identifying these skills in everyday activities specific to you, download the Reverse Planning Guide

For more information including how to help your children build these skills and ways to adapt their learning environment to accommodate for weaker areas, join the Executive Functioning Focus Group.