School is back in session: the perfect time to support the executive function skills students need to make a smooth transition from summer to the classroom. What are executive function skills? These skills are mental processes related to planning, working memory, flexible thinking, and self-regulation. Students with weaker executive function skills struggle with organizing materials, managing time, paying attention, and controlling their emotions. Boosting executive function skills now empowers all students, with or without learning differences, and establishes a foundation for students’ academic and overall well-being. When it comes to executive functioning, routines are what makes everything else possible. Knowing what to do and what to expect reduces anxiety and encourages independence. That’s because when tasks are predictable and practiced over and over again, they become second nature, eliminating conflict and saving energy. Keep reading to learn more about how to start introducing routines and which routines will have the most impact.
Get Started with Goals
As school starts, some students will be excited to conduct chemistry experiments or dive into analyzing American literature, but few will jump at the chance to develop their executive function skills. To encourage buy-in, start by opening up a discussion about goals. Ask your child what they would change about the previous year and how they want things to be different. Get specific: Do you want to avoid arguments about misplacing materials? Do you want to avoid studying until the last minute? Since executive function skills aren’t exclusively for academics, explore personal goals like learning to play the guitar or securing a spot on the soccer team. These goals provide the basis for introducing any executive functioning skill. By linking these goals to executive function skills, students can begin to see the connection between what they want and what they have to work on to get it. Goal-setting is also itself an executive function skill, which means that just by taking this step, you are already modeling effective executive function!
Routine Ideas
Although you can create whatever routines work best for you and your child, there are some routines that are always worth implementing.
- Morning routines. Set the tone for the day with a morning routine that includes a consistent wake up time and time for personal hygiene, getting dressed, and a nutritious breakfast. Before heading out the door, take a moment to discuss plans for the rest of the day, such as appointments and activities.
- After school routines. Sports, clubs, appointments, homework, dinner, and time to relax and hang out with friends and family are all typical tasks after school. Although there will always be variations from day to day, a basic routine for after school builds time management and creates much needed structure. When kids get home from school or activities, start out with some chill out time. Then, have a set time for homework. Any remaining time before bed can be set aside for hobbies, friends, and family.
- Evening routines. Establishing an evening routine that involves selecting an outfit, gathering lunch or snacks, charging a laptop, and reviewing a checklist for what materials and assignments are needed for the day can make mornings more peaceful and ensure that nothing is lost or incomplete. A bedtime that ensures everyone is well-rested should be part of evening routine planning, too!
- Weekly planning and organization routines. Once a week, check in to assess the effectiveness of routines and make any necessary changes. Find out what is coming up in the week ahead (e.g. practices, competitions, exams, projects) and plan accordingly. This time should also be used for updating calendars, cleaning out backpacks, organizing notes and binders, and tidying up study spaces.
How to Make Routines Work
As much as routines are the key to unlocking executive function success, they can also be challenging to implement. That’s why it’s important that this be a collaborative process. Routines only work when everyone is on board and has a voice in creating them, so make sure the whole family is involved and there are opportunities to adjust. Create and post checklists of routine tasks, so everyone is on the same page and can follow the routine independently. Too much change can be overwhelming. Start with simple routines that address the most troublesome issues and build from there.
How A+ Can Help
Although shifting from summer to school can be a source of stress and anxiety, it is also an exciting time filled with possibilities and opportunities. If you decide to make executive function skills a priority, A+ Test Prep and Tutoring is here to help! Our Executive Function Coaching Services seek to comprehensively address the root causes of why a student is struggling and create strategies for success. Coaches work with students to help with organization, time management, study skills, and much more. A new academic year is a chance to reset and try new routines that have the potential to make a positive impact on both you and your child’s life, so consider adding it to your to-do list today.
At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. We have an excellent team of tutors who can help you with standardized testing, executive functioning, or achievement in any other school subject. If you want to find out more about our services, contact us here.
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