Executive function activities, from infancy to adolescence
Enhancing and Practicing Executive Function Skills with Children from Infancy to Adolescence
Evidence: Expert activity guide with references; the evidence for self-regulation interventions does not validate every activity in this collection.
1What parents should know
An age-grouped collection of games and activities for practising working memory, inhibitory control and flexible thinking, with adults gradually adjusting their help.
2What question it helps with
How can we practise remembering, taking turns, planning and changing approach through enjoyable activities?
3Who it is for
Caregivers and educators. Activity sections start at 6–18 months, then 18–36 months, 3–5, 5–7, 7–12 years and adolescence. Our tags include only the under-18 portion.
4How it relates to this stage
Use the relevant section as a starting point and adjust to the child’s interests and abilities. The age bands do not define an ability score.
5Reading notes
Our summary and paraphrase. Read alongside the source.- The introduction distinguishes working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility.
- The guide includes hiding games for infants, rule-based games for older children, and planning and reflection for adolescents.
- Adults support a challenge, then step back as the child is ready.
6How to use this resource
- Open one age-specific section rather than trying to complete the whole guide.
- Choose one activity with suitable materials and adult supervision, and simplify it if it is frustrating.
- Notice whether the child enjoys and understands the activity; do not turn it into a speed or ability test.
7Limits and things to keep in mind
The guide itself says that not all suggested activities have been individually proven effective. It is not ADHD treatment, a diagnostic checklist or a guarantee of higher intelligence or grades.
8Sources and check record
Read the official introduction and the English PDF’s introduction and age-group activity sections. The PDF has 17 file pages including its cover; the official page describes a 16-page guide.
Access and use: The official page provides free English downloads and some translated editions. Check each edition and its reuse terms; the website summary is not a complete translation.
The research behind it
Start with the finding, then check the study type, source and limits. We select research by topic; a programme’s overall effect does not establish the effect of each activity.A review of 49 studies covering 50 interventions and 23,098 participants aged 2–17 found that several approaches can support self-regulation. Programmes and outcome measures differed substantially.
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