Physical activity and executive function in kids are more closely linked than many school-based professionals may realize. Executive functions, which include the ability to focus, hold information in mind, and shift between tasks, develop gradually throughout childhood and play a key role in academic success and lifelong learning. A 2025 narrative review published in the […]
Mazes have been a go-to activity for therapists, teachers, and parents for generations. They look simple, but a lot is happening under the surface when a child picks up a pencil and starts navigating a path. Research supports what occupational therapists have long known: completing mazes on paper builds a wide range of developmental skills. […]
A recent longitudinal study followed children from preschool age into third grade to understand how early executive function skills and parenting behaviors shape later resilience, self-regulation, and behavior. Findings from this research offer practical guidance for educators and pediatric therapists who support young children every day. Learn more about early executive function and parenting. How […]
When students struggle to begin assignments, the issue is often more than reluctance. It can reflect difficulty with task initiation, an executive function skill that allows learners to start a task efficiently and independently. For some students, beginning work is the hardest part of learning. By understanding the barriers to task initiation and using research-based […]
Every teacher has met them: the students who shut down. Arms crossed. Head down. Blank stare at the paper. A quiet “I can’t” or complete silence when you prompt them to start. At first glance, it looks like defiance. But what if that refusal is really a clue? With the right approach, we can decode […]
Teaching kids impulse control is essential for their overall development. One of the best ways to help children work on this skill is through engaging activities that make learning fun. If you’re looking for ways to support impulse control in the classroom or at home, our free impulse control worksheets are a great resource. These […]
Effortful control is a vital skill that helps students manage their emotions, stay focused, and complete tasks, all of which are essential for academic and social success. As educators and occupational therapists, understanding how effortful control relates to sensory processing and executive function can offer new strategies to support children in the classroom. Recent research […]
Developing effective Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals for students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is crucial to harness their academic and social potentials. Learn more about the specific area of executive functioning IEP goals for ADHD. Educators, parents, and specialists can get ideas about measurable and impactful objectives that cater to individual needs. Executive […]
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder among children and adolescents. It has three types based on symptoms: predominantly inattentive (ADHD-I), predominantly hyperactive-impulsive (ADHD-HI), and combined (ADHD-C). About 5% to 10% of adolescents are affected, with boys being twice as likely as girls to have ADHD. Approximately half of these […]
Mastering time management is vital for high school students striving to balance their academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities, social engagements, and possibly even part-time jobs. With the right strategies, students can enhance their productivity, achieve better grades, and maintain a healthier work-life balance. Learn more about time management for high schoolers to help them navigate […]