Wrentham Public Schools Executive Functioning

Executive Functioning

When addressing attention, distraction, planning, prioritization, time management, and other executive functioning skills, using apps is a no-brainer. Kids are exposed to the technology of devices every day and the ability to complete daily tasks using devices is just part of advances in our time.

Use these executive function apps as a support tool: devices to help with challenges like attention, organization, scheduling, and planning. Or, use these executive functioning apps to work on cognitive skills that enable function; Apps are a great way to practice filling out forms, recalling and typing passwords, addressing online distraction, and other functional tasks that kids and adults are faced with every day. App use is a task that occupies our daily lives, in a very real way. Remember that all kids are different and all have specific needs, so these recommendations may not work for every child or individual.

CogniFit Brain Fitness - This Google Play app uses memory games, puzzles, reasoning games, educational games, and learning games to train memory, attention, concentration, executive functions, reasoning, planning, mental agility, coordination and many other essential mental skills.
The Google Tasks app – This free app creates checklists and sub-lists and allows users to add details about the areas that users need need to focus on in order to accomplish tasks. The app helps users to stay on track with due dates and notifications.
The 30/30 app - This free app helps with executive functioning skills such as starting tasks, staying organized, and prioritization in tasks. This app is useful to address procrastination and motivation on bigger tasks or projects.
Study Bunny - This free productivity app helps students pay attention and focus on studying and larger school projects or tasks.
Habitica - This task completion app allows users to track habits, and add gamification to tasks to build motivation and help with productivity.
Brain N-Back - This working memory app helps to train working memory.
Clockwork Brain Training - This memory training app helps with working memory and concentration through games and puzzles.

How to Build Executive Functioning Skills at Home

Executive functioning (EF) skills help children plan, stay organized, manage emotions, solve problems, and complete tasks. These skills grow over time and can be strengthened through meaningful daily activities. Here are some family-friendly ways to support them at home:

Use Routines and Visual Schedules: Kids thrive with structure. Create a simple morning or bedtime routine chart with pictures or words. Keep routines consistent so children practice sequencing and time management.
Give Choices to Encourage Planning: Offer controlled choices so kids can practice decision making. Ask questions like “Do you want to start with homework or snack
first?” or “Would you like to wear the red shirt or the blue one?”
Play Games That Strengthen EF Skills: Board and card games are powerful EF builders!
- Working memory: Memory Match, Uno
- Impulse control: Freeze Dance, Simon Says
- Flexible thinking: Guess Who, Connect Four, puzzles
Practice “Break It Down” Problem-Solving: Teach kids how to tackle tasks step-bystep. Instead of “Clean your room,” try “Pick up the clothes, then books, then stuffed animals.” Ask them, “What’s the first step?” to build planning skills.
Use Timers to Build Time Awareness: Timers help kids stay on track and shift between activities. Try a visual timer, oven timer, or phone timer. Use it for homework, playtime cleanup, or morning transitions.
Encourage Kids to Help with Cooking or Simple Chores: Everyday tasks strengthen planning, sequencing, attention, and follow-through.
- Cooking: follow a recipe, gather ingredients, complete steps in order.
- Chores: sorting laundry, feeding pets, setting the table
Build Emotional Regulation Skills: Help kids notice and manage their feelings. Use calm-down corners, breathing exercises, or feelings charts. Model phrases like: “I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m going to take a deep breath.”
Make Organization Kid-Friendly: Give everything a clear and simple home. Use bins with labels or pictures. Do a weekly “reset” of backpacks, desks, or bedrooms together.
Praise Effort and Strategy: Reinforce EF skill use—not just the outcome. Say things like “I love how you made a plan before starting your project!” or “You stayed focused even when it was tricky.”
Build in “Wait Time”: Waiting helps kids practice impulse control. Try small waits during conversations, taking turns in games, or waiting before opening a treat or toy.
Use Calendars and Checklists: Teach kids how to plan ahead. Use a family calendar for schedules, events, or school deadlines. Provide simple checklists for homework, morning routine, or chores.
Model Executive Functioning Yourself: Kids learn the most by watching adults. Talk out loud as you plan (“We need to leave by 4, so first I’ll pack your snacks…”). Show them how you stay organized or manage stress.