Occupational therapists and other professionals use many different executive functioning strategies to support kids in school and other settings.
A messy backpack, an overflowing locker, missing assignments, impulsivity or difficulty with transitions between tasks. These examples are just a few of many that might indicate that a child has a hard time with executive functioning skills.
Executive functioning skills are like the brain’s control center—they help kids plan, stay organized, manage their time, and regulate their emotions. For many children, developing these skills comes naturally over time. But for others, executive functioning challenges can make daily life tricky, from getting homework done to following directions. Occupational therapists work closely with children to build these essential skills, helping them thrive at school, at home, and in their social lives.
What is Executive Functioning?
Before we dive into how OTs help, let’s break down what executive functioning really means for kids. Executive function refers to a group of cognitive abilities that allow kids to plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks. Some key components include:
Organization: Being able to arrange tasks, keep track of belongings, and maintain structure.
Time Management: Understanding how to allocate time for tasks and completing them by a deadline.
Task Initiation and Completion: Starting and finishing tasks without procrastination, including sequencing multi-step tasks.
Self-Regulation: Controlling emotions, impulses, and reactions to different situations.
Attention and Focus: Maintaining concentration, even when there are distractions.
Memory: Remembering information both in short-term and long-term situations.
When children struggle with executive functioning, they might have difficulty staying focused on homework, keeping their room clean, or managing emotions during social situations. That’s where occupational therapy steps in by creating customized strategies and interventions that target each child’s unique needs.
Here’s a look at executive functioning strategies that occupational therapists might use with kids:
1. Creating Structure and Routine
One of the best ways OTs help kids with executive function difficulties is by creating structure. Children with executive function challenges often struggle to keep track of their responsibilities. A consistent routine is key! OTs help children set up daily schedules that break down tasks into manageable steps. This might include using visual schedules, to-do lists, or even timers to keep kids on track.
For example, OTs might create a visual schedule for getting ready for school, breaking the routine into steps: get dressed, pack the backpack, brush teeth, eat breakfast. The visual reminders help the child feel more organized and reduce feelings of stress or confusion. This can also help kids who struggle to sequence multi-step tasks.
2. Improving Time Management
Managing time is a big challenge for many kids. They might forget when assignments are due or have trouble estimating how long tasks will take. OTs help children build time-management skills by using visual timers for kids, clocks, and planners. They’ll teach kids how to break tasks into smaller chunks and set realistic time limits.
An OT might introduce a visual timer to help a child stay on track during homework. The child may set a timer for 15 minutes of focused work, followed by a short break. This makes the task feel more manageable and builds a sense of accomplishment.
For some kids, working to “beat the clock” can be a successful strategy to help them complete tasks in a timely fashion.
3. Building Focus and Attention
For children who struggle with attention, staying on task can feel like a battle. OTs teach children strategies for improving concentration and focus. This may include breaking tasks into shorter segments, using fidget tools to maintain attention, or using visual or auditory cues as reminders. Practicing mindfulness exercises can also help children stay calm and focused.
One common approach OTs use is the “First, Then” strategy. For example: “First, we finish reading for 10 minutes, then you can have a break.” This simple structure helps children stay on task and understand that they can earn rewards after completing responsibilities.
Prompts like “What do you need to do next?” or “What do you need to get started?” Can help focus kids on the next most important part of a task.
4. Managing Emotions and Impulse Control
Children with executive functioning challenges often have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. This can lead to outbursts, frustration, and challenging behavior. OTs teach kids how to recognize their emotions and use coping strategies to stay calm. These might include deep breathing exercises, counting to 10, or using sensory tools like stress balls or fidget toys.
OTs also use role-playing exercises to teach children how to respond to different emotional situations. For example, a child might practice taking deep breaths when they feel upset or frustrated, allowing them to react more calmly in real-life situations.
Games can also be used to practice impulse control – like these fun stop and go games!
5. Promoting Social Skills
Executive functioning impacts social interactions, too. Kids with executive function difficulties may struggle to read social cues, take turns, or regulate their behavior in group settings. OTs work with children to build these skills through structured play, role-playing, and social stories. These tools help kids practice turn-taking, understanding nonverbal cues, and problem-solving during interactions with peers.
For example, an OT might guide a child through a scenario where they learn how to ask for a turn with a toy or understand when it’s time to stop talking and listen to others. You can try these awesome toys for learning to share! These small social skills can make a big difference in a child’s ability to connect with peers and navigate social settings.
6. Creating Supportive Environments
Sometimes, kids need environmental changes to help them succeed. OTs assess a child’s environment—whether it’s their classroom, home, or social settings—and make recommendations for adjustments. This might mean minimizing visual distractions in the child’s study area, setting up a clear organization system for their belongings, limiting auditory distractions, or ensuring they have movement breaks to provide needed sensory input.
By creating structure, improving time management, enhancing focus, and teaching emotional regulation, OTs give kids the tools to thrive in a world that requires strong executive functioning skills.
7. Memory Supports
Occupational therapists (OTs) use a combination of activities and modifications/accommodations to support both short-term and long-term memory as part of executive functioning.
Memory-boosting activities might include:
-Playing card-matching or visual memory games.
-Asking kids to repeat a sequence of numbers, movements, letters, or words
-Telling a short story and having the child recall details.
Strategies to support memory in day-to-day activities might include:
-Breaking information into smaller parts (shortening instructions, providing only one or two steps at a time)
-Checklists and written reminders
-Alarms as reminders
-Repetition of information and instructions in multiple formats (written, verbal)
-Hands-on multi-sensory learning activities that engage all of the senses
