The Cougar Connection

• Planning: Figuring out what needs to be done and how to do it.
• Prioritizing: Deciding which tasks are most important and should be tackled first.
• Time Management: Estimating how long tasks will take and organizing time effectively.
• Self-Monitoring: Keeping track of progress and making adjustments as needed.

Why Are Executive Function Skills Important?

For middle schoolers, strong executive function skills are crucial because they help with:

• Completing homework and assignments on time.
• Staying organized with school materials and schedules.
• Managing time effectively to balance school, activities, and downtime.
• Reducing frustration and anxiety related to schoolwork.
• Developing independence as students begin to take on more responsibility.

Strategies to Improve Executive Function Skills

Here are some effective strategies that can help students strengthen their executive function skills:

1. Be a Model
   1. Explanation: Students learn by watching others. When planning an activity, such as a field trip, show how to break the task into smaller steps.
   2. Example: Talk about the route, how to organize materials, and what needs to be taken. This action demonstrates how to plan and prioritize tasks.
2. Let Students Plan
   1. Explanation: Encourage students to plan activities by breaking them down and estimating how long each step will take.
   2. Example: For a science project, a student can list the steps: research, outline, write, and revise, guessing the time for each and comparing it to the actual time taken.
3. Anticipate Roadblocks
   1. Explanation: Help students think ahead about potential challenges that could disrupt their plans.
   2. Example: If a student intends to finish homework before dinner, discuss what might happen if their computer crashes or they can’t locate their notes.
4. Apply the Premack Principle
   1. Explanation: Use this principle to motivate students to complete less enjoyable tasks by connecting them to more enjoyable ones.
   2. Example: If a student prefers video games to study, encourage them to finish their homework first, which allows for game time afterward.
5. Use the Eisenhower Matrix
   1. Explanation: This tool helps prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance.
   2. Example: Create a four-quadrant chart to categorize tasks. For instance, finishing a project due tomorrow goes in the “urgent and important” quadrant, while tidying the backpack might fit into the “not urgent and not important” quadrant.
6. Get Started Together
   1. Explanation: Getting the ball rolling on a task can be the hardest part. Work alongside the student on the initial steps.
   2. Example: For a substantial research project, help them brainstorm ideas or outline key points before they continue on their own.
7. Play “Beat the Clock”
   1. Explanation: Turn tasks into a fun game to make them more engaging.
   2. Example: Challenge students to finish a task within a specific timeframe, like 10 minutes. This can help make the task feel more manageable.
8. Use Buddy Systems
   1. Explanation: Pairing students together can provide motivation and accountability.
   2. Example: Have students study together or collaborate on a group project. Encouraging teamwork can make the task more enjoyable and less lonely.
9. Use Charts and Self-Monitoring
   1. Explanation: Visual tools can help students keep track of their progress and stay motivated.
   2. Example: Create a checklist for a multi-step project. As students finish each step, they can cross it off, providing a sense of accomplishment.

Conclusion

Improving executive function skills takes practice, patience, and support. By using these strategies, students can learn to manage their time