Executive function refers to a group of skills that we humans use to navigate life. According to understood.org, “Some people describe executive function as “the management system of the brain.” That’s because the skills involved let us set goals, plan, and get things done. When people struggle with executive function, it impacts them at home, in school, and in life.” Executive functions help our brains, “prioritize tasks, filter distractions, and control impulses.“

The Skills

These skills tend to develop in two developmental windows–first, in the preschool years and again in adolescence through early adulthood. The skills involved in EF include:

• Adaptable Thinking–the ability to adjust to new situations and information
• Planning–the ability to think about and prioritize future activities
• Self-Monitoring–the ability to evaluate one’s own performance
• Self-Control–the ability to manage physical and emotional impulses
• Working Memory–the ability to retain learned information and recall it for later use
• Time Management–the ability to use time effectively
• Organization–the ability to efficiently arrange materials or thoughts in orderly and useful ways.

Executive Function Problems

Those lacking well-developed EF skills struggle to start or finish tasks, follow directions, keep things organized, and make decisions. But it can go beyond that. Psychology Today says, “Issues with impulse or emotional control are a less obvious sign of an executive functioning deficit. Someone with underdeveloped executive functioning may act without thinking and may appear overly emotional at times; this is because both behavioral and emotional inhibition are key aspects of executive functioning.”

Executive Function And Play

It turns out that play is an excellent way for young children to learn and improve these skills in their preschool years. Real play provides abundant opportunity for practice. Staying frozen during a game of freeze tag hones self-control, for example. Building a fort out of branches and blankets or dramatic play can involve all 7 skills listed above.

Here’s a PDF from Penn State Extension with more information about play and EF:

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