Sentry Page Protection

Please Wait...

Unit 8 Student Login Hi, (First Name) | Log Out

Unit 8 Student Login

Welcome, (First Name)!

Enter Student Area

(Message automatically replaces this text)

OK

My Profile Log Out

(Unit 8) Topic 4: Executive Function 

2 Clock Hours of Early Childhood Education

Executive Function

​Topic 4 Page 2

Executive function is defined as the skills and abilities needed to perform certain tasks that involve planning, sequencing, and management among other things. The area of the brain called the frontal lobe does the bulk of the work for executive function. The Harvard Center for the Developing Child describes this as a traffic control center that controls many runways and many aircraft. This is because executive function is involved in setting goals, arranging tasks, avoiding distractions, and controlling impulses. 

Executive function includes:

• Planning and organizing
• Remembering past experiences or information
• Avoiding saying or doing the wrong thing
• Focusing and paying attention
• Transitioning from one thing to another

Examples of when there is a breakdown in executive functioning skills:

• Anya is a kindergartner who has difficulty making decisions. She will sit and consider her options for a very long time before making a choice. Sometimes she is completely unable to make a decision.
• Bart is a first grader who struggles greatly with changes in his routine or habits. It takes him a long time to transition back to school after a weekend.
• Maliah seems to have difficulties with following multi-step directions. She will complete the first step but needs help from her kindergarten teacher to complete the next step.

(Unit 8) Topic 4: Executive Function * Navigation Menu