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Tips for Boosting Executive Function Skills for Homeschooling Families
Do you or your kids have difficulty organizing, staying on task, planning, problem solving, or remembering instructions? Do your kids struggle with impulsive actions or have a harder time with mental flexibility and transitions to different settings?
That’s ok, we do too. As a mom with ADHD, who has kids with ADHD and ASD, I understand the struggle.
What I’ve learned is that these all fall within a set of mental processes referred to as executive function skills.
Executive Function and Self-regulation skills are the mental processes that help people plan, retain instructions, regulate emotions, complete tasks, and break larger projects down. They take time and practice to develop and may come easier for some people than others.
For kids, especially those with ADHD or ASD, the smallest task or chore can be overwhelming. Cleaning their room, remembering to flush the toilet, or breaking down schoolwork are examples of areas that you may notice difficulty in.
Understanding executive function skills is crucial for individuals navigating daily tasks and responsibilities. These skills encompass a wide range of cognitive processes that are essential for effective decision-making, problem-solving, and goal achievement. Developing these skills requires consistent practice and patience, as they play a significant role in managing time, organizing thoughts, and controlling impulses. In children with conditions like ADHD or ASD, the challenges associated with executive function and self-regulation skills can be particularly pronounced. Simple activities that may seem effortless to others, such as organizing schoolwork or following a routine, can present significant hurdles for these individuals. By recognizing and addressing these difficulties early on, caregivers and educators can provide the necessary support to help children improve their executive function abilities and enhance their overall well-being.
What does that look like?
Difficulty starting schoolwork alone.
Starts a project but never finishes because the steps are overwhelming.
Difficulty with completing a to-do list
Overwhelmed with planning their day
Messy handwriting
I am here to share that this gets better. Providing opportunities and tools to your kids can help overcome these struggles as they mature.
As a working homeschool mom, my goal has been to promote independence with schoolwork. This is beneficial to myself with being able to complete work, but more importantly it is beneficial to my son.
Planning and completing math, writing, and grammar are my son’s least favorite things to do on earth. (He has told me this, so I know). However, we worked on a compromise that has worked.
"We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves." – Galileo Galilei
The more he does on his own, the more he likes to do on his own.
Positive Transformation Through Improved Skills
As he becomes more skilled at organizing his schedule, he gains a boost in self-confidence that helps him tackle challenging tasks with determination.
By diversifying his writing content and incorporating grammar throughout subjects, he not only improves his language skills but also finds a renewed sense of motivation.
This increased motivation becomes a driving force, enabling him to complete tasks independently and efficiently, without constant reminders.
These experiences are not just about time management and language proficiency; they are also about fostering independence and self-reliance, which will benefit him in various aspects of his academic and personal life.
So, What has worked for us? Allow me to share-
Tips I used to help my special learner boost organization skills, independence with schoolwork, and confidence with writing skills while homeschooling
Visual schedules play a crucial role in supporting my easily distractible visual learning son. These schedules provide him with a clear structure and visual cues that aid in keeping him focused and organized throughout his day.
Knowing my son's passion for Minecraft, I decided to incorporate his interests into his daily routines by designing visual schedules with a Minecraft theme. By integrating elements from his favorite game, such as characters and symbols, into the schedules, I aimed to make them more engaging and relatable to him.
These customized visual schedules include both a daily chunk schedule and a weekly calendar, each tailored to suit his unique learning style and preferences. The daily chunk schedule breaks down his day into manageable chunks, allowing him to navigate through tasks and activities with greater ease and clarity. On the other hand, the weekly calendar provides a broader overview of his upcoming week, helping him anticipate and prepare for events in advance.
Daily, we have established a routine where we jot down the tasks that need to be completed within the day. This simple yet effective practice serves as a foundation for our daily activities.
During this task-setting process, I take the opportunity to guide him through each task, ensuring that he comprehends the requirements and objectives of each item on the list. This hands-on approach not only aids in clarifying any uncertainties but also fosters a sense of accountability and responsibility.
Moreover, this practice encourages open communication between us. By providing him with the space to express his feelings and concerns, we create a supportive environment where he can voice any challenges he may be facing. When he expresses reluctance by saying, “I really don’t want to,” it serves as a cue for me to adapt and modify the task, perhaps by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps or by introducing visual aids.
This collaborative approach to creating and following a checklist has proven to be highly effective in reducing task avoidance tendencies. By working together to set clear expectations and address any obstacles that may arise, we have witnessed a significant improvement in task completion and overall productivity. It is through this mutual understanding and support that we continue to navigate daily challenges with confidence and success.
3. Set Goals -
One effective strategy to support kids is to help them set goals. Then, assist them in breaking down their tasks into more manageable steps. Goal setting is helpful with many things from school work to chores.
This approach can significantly improve productivity and reduce their feelings of being overwhelmed. By breaking tasks into smaller, actionable steps, we empower individuals to approach their responsibilities with a sense of structure and clarity.
For example, when faced with tasks such as laundry or tidying a room, we can use these as practical illustrations to establish clear goals. By dividing these tasks into smaller steps, we make them more approachable and achievable. Similarly, in academic settings, breaking down assignments into manageable steps can help students navigate complex projects with greater ease.
Implementing a checklist is a valuable tool in this process, as it allows individuals to track their progress and stay organized. By following a checklist, individuals can ensure that each step is completed systematically, leading to a more efficient and effective workflow.
4. Visual Timer –
Using a visual timer for tasks and breaks has significantly improved our productivity and time management skills. It initially may have seemed daunting to work under time constraints, but the structured approach has proven to be highly beneficial in enhancing focus and efficiency. By setting specific time limits, it has created a sense of urgency that motivates him to stay on track and complete tasks in a timely manner, ultimately leading to a more productive workflow.
Moreover, the use of visual timers has empowered him to take control of his schedule and manage his breaks more effectively. He takes pleasure in personally setting the timer for each task and break, which not only instills a sense of responsibility but also adds an element of fun to the process.
5. Limit the View-
One effective strategy that I have found incredibly useful in managing schoolwork is utilizing post-it notes to cover specific sections of math or spelling assignments. This simple yet ingenious method allows them to focus on one part of the task at a time, preventing them from feeling overwhelmed by the entire workload. By breaking down the assignments into smaller, more manageable sections, my kids can approach each portion with clarity and concentration.
As they complete each covered section, they can remove the post-it note, giving them a sense of accomplishment and progress. This approach not only helps me stay organized but also boosts their motivation and productivity. It's amazing how such a small tool like a post-it note can make a significant difference in how efficiently they tackle their academic tasks.
Using a mind map or graphic organizer to arrange your ideas is a fantastic strategy that not only enhances organization but also boosts creativity and productivity. By visually mapping out the connections between different concepts and thoughts, you can gain a clearer understanding of the project at hand and establish a coherent structure for your writing tasks. This systematic approach not only streamlines the planning process but also facilitates a smoother transition from brainstorming to actual writing.
When faced with challenges such as disliking writing assignments, incorporating tools like mind maps can be a game-changer. Breaking down paragraphs and ideas in a visual format can significantly reduce stress and overwhelm, making the task more approachable and manageable. Moreover, by selecting topics that resonate with personal interests, such as Minecraft in the case of your son, you can further enhance engagement and motivation. This tailored approach not only fosters a positive learning environment but also cultivates a sense of accomplishment and progress.
7. Focus and Attention - Let them Move!
My son benefits greatly from incorporating movement and breaks into his daily routine. We have established a structured schedule where he takes regular breaks, typically every 30 minutes, to recharge and refocus.
During these breaks, he sets a timer for himself and then returns to his desk as planned to continue working on his tasks.
Moreover, we have found that incorporating quiet movement activities while he is at his desk has been highly beneficial. For instance, we have introduced a standing desk and a balance board to help him stay engaged when his office chair fails to provide the necessary movement. Additionally, he utilizes Legos, putty, and erasers to fidget and manipulate while he is thinking or working, which not only keeps him physically active but also aids in his concentration and productivity.
By integrating these strategies into his daily routine, we have noticed a significant improvement in his focus, attention span, and overall well-being. These simple yet effective techniques have made a positive impact on his learning experience and have helped him thrive in his academic endeavors.
8. Most importantly -We play!
From board games and card games to video games like Minecraft, we play. Harvard University has published studies supporting the use of games and play, to help kids develop executive function skills.
We love:
Board games and Cards such as Skyjo, Go Fish, UNO, peg games,
and Don't Break the Ice.
Physical Games such as jump rope (requires focused practice).
Hiding or tag games, such as flashlight tag and laser tag, which require constant monitoring of the environment, selective attention, and fast reaction.
Video games like Minecraft, which requires working memory about rules, strategy, and reaching goals.
Brain teasers like puzzles and sudoku
Strategy games like Jenga
For Visual Schedules , Checklists, and Writing Templates please see the Printables section of
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