What Is Executive Function and Why Does It Matter in School?
Have you ever watched a child melt down over homework, forget their backpack three days in a row, or take forever to get started on a task they just said they’d do? You’re not alone—and no, it’s not just laziness or attitude. It might be executive function. What Is Executive Function? Executive function (EF) is the set of mental skills that help us plan, focus, follow directions, manage time, regulate emotions, and achieve goals. It’s like the brain’s CEO—making decisions, organizing chaos, and helping us switch gears when needed. There are three core areas: Why Does It Matter in School? Executive function affects everything in the classroom. From paying attention and following multi-step directions to organizing a backpack or managing frustration when things go wrong, EF is the engine behind learning. Kids with strong executive function tend to: Kids with weak EF often: EF Develops Over Time Executive function isn’t fixed—it develops from infancy through young adulthood. The prefrontal cortex, where EF lives, is still under construction well into the mid-20s. That means kids (especially tweens and teens) need support, not just discipline. What Can Adults Do? Understanding executive function is like discovering the instruction manual for how kids learn, behave, and grow. The more we support these skills, the more we empower children to succeed—not just in school, but in life.
Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling with Executive Function
Not every child who struggles with focus or organization has ADHD—but they might be struggling with executive function. These challenges can look different in every child, but here are five red flags parents and teachers should know. 1. They’re Always Forgetting Something Lunch box? Homework? Jacket? Again?! If your child seems to leave a trail of forgotten items everywhere they go, they may have weak working memory or poor organizational strategies. 2. They Struggle to Start (or Finish) Tasks You tell them to clean their room or start an essay, and they just… freeze. Executive dysfunction often looks like procrastination or laziness, but it’s actually a problem with initiation—the ability to start a task—and task persistence, or seeing it through. 3. Emotions Take Over Big feelings over small things? Tantrums after simple corrections? Kids with EF struggles often have difficulty regulating emotions. They may react impulsively, have trouble calming down, or feel overwhelmed easily. 4. Time Management is a Nightmare These kids often underestimate how long things take or panic at deadlines. You’ll hear things like “This will only take five minutes” (when it takes 45) or “I have plenty of time” (when they really don’t). 5. They Can’t Seem to Shift Gears Transitions are tough. Whether it’s moving from recess to math, or stopping a video game to get ready for bed, children with poor cognitive flexibility can become stuck or resistant to change. What to Do Next When kids struggle with executive function, they’re not being “bad”—they’re missing tools. Once you identify the struggle, you can start teaching the skill.