Executive Functioning Resources

This post is for participants of my presentations about executive functioning skills.  Here is a collection of relevant resources for your use.  Please feel free to use, print, and share, as long as you properly credit me as the source.  Thank you!

• Worksheet on executive functioning and self-regualtion
• Key slides- first half
• Key slides-second half
• Resource pages
• Kindermusik Executive Function slide show, key slides
  • NPR show about teaching children self-control
  • 50 Ways to Praise a Child
• Kindermusik Brain Architecture slide show, key slides

Blog posts to check out for more info and resources:

Now What?  What Parent, Teachers, and Therapists can do to Encourage Executive Function and Self-Regulation Skills in Everyday Life

• A summary of key points is below, but for the full chart click on the pdf: Normal Development of Executive Functioning and Self (colored developmental chart)

What is it like to struggle with executive functioning?– links to resources that simulate dysfunction of executive functioning skills

All about international adoption and executive function development (4 part series), parts 3 and 4 are a great read for everyone!– some in-depth science about brain development, leading to what parents can do to help their children

Teaching Children to Problem Solve– using the strategy of goal-plan-do-check with children

Helping Children to Learn About Emotions

5 Best Answers to Your Child’s Questions (that encourage executive functioning skills)

How to promote executive function skills in daily routines:

• Family Meals: 5 Ways to Promote Executive Function Skills
• Reading Together: 5 Ways to Promote Executive Function Skills
• Car Rides: 5 Ways to Promote Executive Function Skills

Impulse Control: Home Activities and Game– great ideas for home, therapy, or school

3 Part Series on Self-Regulation Ideas:

• 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

Free Tools for Teaching Children to Calm (self-regulation)

Changing from “Time-Out” to “Take a Break”

How You Talk to Children Matters, A Lot!

OT Guide to Toys

Book review of “Taking Charge of ADHD” by R. Barkley

Curriculum review of Zones of Regulation by L. Kuypers

Resources for adults:

• Ideas about building core skills for adults from Harvard
• Organization tips from Attitudes magazine
• Resources list from ADDA

Paige Hays is an occupational therapist who provides in-home, pediatric occupational therapy services in the south metro area of the Twin Cities, MN. She is a mother of 2 girls, avid DIYer, and a highly skilled and experienced OT. She specializes in working in pediatrics, with diverse expertise ranging from cognition and sensory issues to working with children with neuromuscular disabilities or complex medical needs.  www.paigehays.net