Car Rides: 5 Ways to Promote Executive Function Skills
Posted by pchays on Jun 20, 2016The reality of modern life is that we often spend a lot of time in the car with our children. This time can be valuable, quality time with our children if we find ways to use it well. Conversation and activities in the car can help build executive functioning skills, such as…
- making inferences
- using logic and reasoning
- problem solving
- flexible thinking
- making predictions
- critical thinking and skepticism
- social and conversation skills
- Learn how to answer your child’s questions. My children talk and ask questions constantly in the car. Read this post about great ways to answer your child’s questions that will promote higher level thinking skill.
- Observe the world around you and wonder about something. Ask questions such as “what if?” together. Then seek out answers together. Older children can be taught to use a smart phone and look up answers while you drive.
- Learn to read a map and follow directions. We often just rely on electronic navigation devices, but there is a lot to be learned from reading a map and following directions. Give your child the job of navigator on your journey. Younger children can watch for landmarks (Remind me to turn right at the McDonald’s) and older children can follow printed directions from an online map site to navigate journey.
- Listen to a variety of radio music. Listening to children’s music can get really boring, so take the chance to expose your child to a variety of musical styles. Find a jazz or oldies station (or get a CD from the local library). Discuss the music, have opinions, and explore together.
- Play car games. All those silly car games you played as a kid- teach them to your children and enjoy them together. I Spy, License Plate Game, 20 Questions, and the Alphabet Game. (Need ideas, check out this post on car games from MiniTime.)
Need other ideas?
- Reading Together: 5 Ways to Promote Executive Function Skills
- Family Meals: 5 Ways to Promote Executive Function Skills
Interested in learning more about executive functioning- visit this posts:
- Now What? What Parent, Teachers, and Therapists can do to Encourage Executive Function and Self-Regulation Skills in Everyday Life
- Impulse Control: Home Activities and Game
- The 5 Best Answers to your Child’s Questions (that encourage executive functioning skills)
- 5 Free at Home Activities for Helping Children Learn Self-regulation
- 5 Fun Ways to Learn Deep Breathing to Help Children Learn Self-regulation
- 5 Free Online Resources for Helping Children Learn Self-Regulation