Let's get creative when considering how to support kids that struggle with executive functioning, skills that help kids focus, make decisions, and plan.
Let’s take a look and discover some fun ways to accommodate and boost these crucial skills in our little thinkers. Check these out...
Time for Transitions
Ah, the art of transitioning from one activity to another – a challenge for both the youngest and the wisest... Sometimes, it's even challenging for us! To make these shifts smoother, create a learning space or classroom schedule with visual cues. Bright and engaging images representing different activities will guide your kids from one task to the next. Wave goodbye to chaos and embrace the charm of structured transitions!
Bonus: Visual cues and supports increase independence, too!
Where are My Crayons?
Picture this: you hand out a bunch of crayons to your tiny creators, only to see them become enchanted by the mere existence of these rainbow-hued tools. Now, imagine taking it up a notch by organizing supplies in labeled containers. Not only does this promote tidiness (kudos, organization skills!), but it also saves valuable learning time, letting kids focus on the art of creation.
Thoughts and Doodles
Sometimes, kids can get lost in the maze of their ideas. To help them navigate, introduce mind mapping – a creative, visual way to organize thoughts. Encourage kids to draw doodles and jot down keywords related to a topic. This not only sparks imaginative thinking but also nurtures skills like planning, categorization, and memory recall. Graphic organizers are a great tool to help with organizing thoughts.
Choices for the Win
Empower your kids by letting them have a say in their learning journey. Offer them choices within boundaries, like selecting between reading a story or watching an educational video. This teaches decision-making and boosts their self-regulation skills. And hey, if a mini debate about the merits of story vs. video erupts, you've just facilitated a lesson on communication and negotiation!
Gimme a Break!
Learning is a marathon, not a sprint, and our kids need regular pit stops. Introduce short brain breaks that involve playful activities like stretching, dancing, or even some controlled breathing exercises. These breaks refuel their attention spans and give their executive functioning a delightful workout!
Ready, Aim, Fire
Make goals achievable. Collaborate with your kids to set realistic targets for the day. Whether it's completing a certain number of math problems or finishing a creative writing activity, these mini steps nurture their ability to plan, prioritize, and experience the joy of accomplishment.
Make goals achievable on their IEP, too! Goals should be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timed.
Executive function strategies help students to go beyond the content that is being taught, so that learning is process-based rather than only out-come based. ~Dr. Lynn Meltzer
Let's make learning fun and creative to accommodate and supercharge executive functioning in our kids. Remember, every high-five for a completed task, every burst of laughter during a brain break, and every "aha!" moment in their eyes is a testament to your incredible role in shaping their future.
What more information, fun ideas, and ways to reflect your kiddo's needs in an IEP or 504 Plan? Schedule a free consultation with Inclusiveology right HERE! Let's get you started...
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