Executive function refers to the mental skills that help us manage attention, control impulses, plan actions, and switch between tasks. These skills are crucial for academic success, social relationships, and life-long learning.
The three core components of executive function are working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. Through play-based activities, toddlers can develop these skills naturally, building the foundation for future success.
Activities that require sustained attention help children develop focus and concentration skills.
Play "I Spy" games, do simple puzzles together, or engage in activities that require following directions. Start with short attention spans and gradually extend. Use timers to make focus time fun and achievable.
Games that require stopping and starting help children develop impulse control and self-regulation.
Play "Red Light, Green Light," "Freeze Dance," or "Simon Says." These games require children to stop actions on command, building inhibitory control. Start simple and increase complexity as skills develop.
Simple planning tasks help children develop the ability to think ahead and organize actions.
Plan simple activities together: "First we'll get blocks, then we'll build a tower." Create visual schedules for daily routines. Ask "What do we need to do first?" to encourage planning thinking.
Activities that require switching between tasks or adapting to changes build cognitive flexibility.
Play games that require switching: sort by color, then switch to sorting by size. Change rules mid-game. Adapt activities when plans change. This builds the ability to adjust thinking and behavior.
Begin to follow simple one-step directions. Start to wait briefly for desired items. Focus attention for short periods on engaging activities.
Follow two-step directions. Begin to wait and take turns with support. Sustain attention for longer periods. Start to plan simple actions.
Follow multi-step directions. Wait and take turns more independently. Plan and execute simple tasks. Switch between activities with less support. These skills predict school readiness.