Executive function sounds like something a CEO would do, but In fact, it’s a set of cognitive processes. The term encompasses a range of skills that control how well we function in our busy world. We depend on them for a range of situations, like staying organised, being on time, remembering things we need to do and managing difficult situations and emotions. They are essential to learning to read, understanding mathematical concepts, knowing how to get along with others and being able to learn and remember new things. We need our kids to have the best start possible with executive function. Our job as Educators is to help that happen.

Executive function covers a list of skills, but the main three are working memory, mental flexibility and emotional control. Working memory is holding and working with information in your mind, such as doing maths in your head. Cognitive flexibility is how well you change mental gears and use information in different ways to how you learned it. Emotional regulation is a big one. It’s about how well you control your emotions and respond to difficult situations around you. This is somewhere kids can really struggle; for example, when a child loses a game.

Take the quiz below and find out if your child (or a child in your care) has a gap in their EF skills. We will be sending out an email series over the coming weeks with information, activities and ideas to improve each area of EF skill to help you give your kids the best chance at academic success in the future.