Executive Functioning Skills for Little Learners

Executive functioning skills refers to a set of cognitive processes that help individuals plan, organize, initiate, and complete tasks, as well as regulate their emotions and behaviours. These skills are essential for success in all areas of life, and can be especially important during the elementary school years, when children are developing the habits and behaviours that will shape their future. These skills play a crucial role in their academic and social success.

During this weekly class, young learners will explore and enhance their knowledge of specific executive functioning skills and various strategies that can be utilized to support their growth, development, and self-confidence. Students will learn about strategies that can be easily implemented, in various situations and environments, to support their continued development of these mental thinking skills. This class is especially helpful for neurodivergent learners (i.e. ADHD, Autism), however all learners can benefit from increasing awareness of executive functioning skills. 

This class will focus on 8 areas of executive functions. Each week will begin with a check-in then proceed to the weekly topic. The skill areas are: 
1) Planning and Prioritizing
2) Organization
3) Time Management and Task Initiation/Completion
4) Self-Control (with an emphasis on Emotional Regulation)
5) Attention and Focus
6) Working Memory
7) Mental Flexibility
8) Perseverance

Learner-to-learner interaction is encouraged throughout the class. The teacher will facilitate ongoing dialogue, and fun and interactive activities, as well as google slides, to help learners understand the concepts being taught. Scenario examples, videos, crafts, interactive opportunities, games and other engaging materials will be utilized throughout the class. 

All weekly skills areas are independent of one another, join for all or join only on a specific week. 
Learners do not need any previous skills or experience to participate in this class.

The schedule is as follows:

May 15/25-  Planning and Prioritizing
May 22/25-  Organization
May 29/25- Time Management and Task Initiation/Completion
June 5/25- Self-Control (with an emphasis on Emotional Regulation)
June 12/25 - Attention and Focus
June 19/25- Working Memory
June 26/25- Mental Flexibility
July 3/25 Perseverance

July 8/25-  Planning and Prioritizing
July 15/25-  Organization
July 22/25- Time Management and Task Initiation/Completion
July 29/25- Self-Control (with an emphasis on Emotional Regulation)
Aug 5/25 - Attention and Focus
Aug 12/25- Working Memory
Aug 19/25- Mental Flexibility
Aug 26/25 Perseverance