Executive Functioning
Executive Functions are a set of skills that make it possible to set up goals, make
a plan to meet those goals, and follow through until it is done. These skills include things like organizing and planning, paying attention, staying focused, thinking flexibly, and regulating emotions.
A great way to think about executive functioning is with the phrase “Ready, Do, Done.” Kids can use READY, DO, DONE when playing.
READY - Encourage kids to figure out what they want to play, and think through what they need on their own. They can then make a plan about who is going to do what
DO - Get started and play!
DONE - Clean up and put away all the materials that were used during playtime.
I’m so excited to welcome Dr Lynne Kenney on to the Calm & Connected Podcast this week. We chat about all things executive functioning and how sessions differ with children in comparison to teenagers. We kept the conversation on the lighter treatment side rather than all the science-lingo heavy side. I hope you enjoy it!!
The topics we cover in this episode are:
Puzzles are one way my family and I love to play. I also use them at times in individual and group therapy. Puzzles are fun, but they also work on skills like organization, patience, perseverance and working together. Take a listen to how doing puzzles can help you playfully practice executive functioning skills and social skills.
On this episode of the podcast, I share a bit about my experiences growing up playing video games with my siblings, continuing to play as an adult, and now as a parent. Digital play is a part of our day to day lives - it has been acknowledged as a type of play. There are social skills you get a chance to practice when you play certain games, including working together, practicing conversations, and even executive functioning skills.
Play advocates often talk about the importance of open ended play, open ended play materials and having play be child led instead of adult led. There is a popular theory called Loose Parts was developed by Simon Nicholson in 1971.