We often fall into the trap of looking at complicated solutions for our difficulties. Executive function skills help us to identify concrete and obtainable solutions instead. I recently asked the older students in a survey which executive function skills they wanted to learn more about and it was all of the above! We'll be looking at how to improve these skills at ISA in different ways.
Being able to identify an executive function by name brings us closer to solving a worry that might have seemed insurmountable. For example, if we are aware that "perseverance" is a skill that can be shaped, we can learn to handle difficult situations with a resilient perspective.
Our children have experienced exceptional stress and disruption due to covid. This is real, and we must validate their experiences with sympathy, patience, and an understanding that they need skills to overcome developmental disruption caused by a world pandemic.
Harvard, and the Center on the Developing Child, gives us some great activities to improve executive function by age group: Activities Guide: Enhancing & Practicing Executive Function Skills
You might enjoy trying out a few during the holiday!
Stay safe and well. Warm Regards, Valerie DeGraw
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