Page 2 - Infographics Units 1 to 5

What is the key information to remember from this unit?

There are six main Executive Function Skills

Emotional
Working Thinking Flexible Attention Impulse & Energy
Memory Speed Thinking Control Control
Regulation

1 Executive Function Skills are a bit 2 Connections between di erent areas 3 Executive Function Skills do not finish developing
like the control centre of the brain: of the brain are not as strong and until around 25 years of age.
they help us to get things done fast in children and young people. This means it is harder for children to focus attention,

and get on with others. 25 be flexible, manage impulses and take control of
This means children can their energy and feelings.

Executive Function Skills are sometimes say and do unhelpful

critical to success in and things before their Executive 4 Executive Function Skills can be improved,
outside of school and are Function skills have had a chance just like other skills.

nearly always the issue when to kick in. The brain is not ‘making We can help children get better at these crucial
a child is struggling. choices’ - it is reacting.
skills – it just takes lots of practice.

How can I apply this information into how I support children and what I say and do?

1 Use the language of ease and di culty with children, 2 Give children lots of 3 In practice, this means spending time with children 4 Help children improve
rather than using the words ‘good’ and ‘bad’ behaviour. opportunity for rehearsal rehearsing likely scenarios ahead of time – Prep4Best! their Executive Function Skills.
so they can make good

decisions automatically. First help them to learn what
they are. Notice times when
This will mean they are stronger (Bright

they do not Spots). Use some

have to rely For example of our top tips in the
For example on their “You are with a group of friends. You have promised Strength Based

“You are finding it so much easier now to give up Executive to get home by 7:00 p.m. When you say you have to Approach to
a little bit of what you want so everyone in the group Function skills at times leave, they try to persuade you to stay and call you Executive Function

feels good. That shows you are really improving when emotions are high, a chicken. How would you like to respond? What would Skills book
your Flexible Thinking Skills. You are being when these skills are feel comfortable to say so you keep to our agreement to help them

socially flexible! This is a great skill for teamwork. likely to be compromised. but also feel ok amongst your friends and do not lose face?” improve.

UNIT 2 Brain Control