Free (or Mostly Free) Resources That Support the Executive Functioning Brain

After more than 25 years working as an educational therapist and executive functioning coach, I have learned that students do not need complicated productivity systems. What they need are simple tools that support how the executive functioning brain works. 

Executive functioning includes several core cognitive systems, including:

• Working memory – holding and manipulating information in the mind
• Inhibitory control – managing distractions and impulses
• Cognitive flexibility – shifting thinking and adapting to new demands

These foundational systems support higher-level skills such as:

• planning
• organization
• task initiation
• time management
• sustained attention

When these processes are overloaded, students often forget assignments, underestimate how long work will take, feel overwhelmed by large tasks, or struggle to stay focused.

The tools below help students externalize some of these cognitive demands, making it easier for the brain to manage information and complete work.

---

Google Calendar

Cost: Free

Learning to use a digital calendar effectively is one of the most impactful skills I teach students. Google Calendar helps students visualize their time and plan.

Executive Function Supports

• Planning and scheduling responsibilities
• Time management and prioritization
• Anticipating upcoming deadlines
• Creating routines and structure
• Supporting cognitive flexibility when plans change
• Reducing working memory load by externalizing schedules

When students can clearly see their week, they are better able to manage competing demands.

---

Goblin Tools

Cost: Free (web version)

Many students struggle with task initiation, especially when an assignment feels too large or unclear. Goblin Tools helps break complex tasks into smaller steps.

Executive Function Supports

• Task initiation
• Planning task sequences
• Breaking projects into manageable parts
• Reducing overwhelm
• Supporting cognitive flexibility when adjusting plans
• Organizing multi-step assignments

When students see the individual steps required to complete a task, the work becomes much easier to begin.

---

Google Keep

Cost: Free

Students often lose track of important information because working memory has limits. Google Keep acts as a simple capture system for reminders, ideas, and quick notes.

Executive Function Supports

• Supporting working memory through external reminders
• Capturing ideas before they are forgotten
• Creating checklists for tasks
• Organizing small pieces of information
• Prioritizing responsibilities
• Reducing cognitive load

Because it is quick and simple, students are more likely to use it consistently.

---

Google NotebookLM

Cost: Free version available

NotebookLM helps students manage and organize complex reading and research.

Students can upload articles, notes, or PDFs and generate summaries and study guides.

Executive Function Supports

• Organizing large amounts of information
• Supporting comprehension of complex texts
• Extracting key ideas
• Preparing for exams
• Managing research projects
• Supporting cognitive flexibility when analyzing multiple sources

This tool can be particularly helpful when students feel overwhelmed by large reading assignments.

---

GoodNotes

Cost: Free limited version

Many students remember information more effectively when they write notes by hand. GoodNotes allows students to write digitally while organizing notebooks and annotating documents.

Executive Function Supports

• Organizing notes by subject
• Supporting visual learning and diagramming
• Engaging working memory through handwriting
• Structuring information clearly
• Annotating lecture slides and PDFs
• Encouraging active engagement during learning

This tool works especially well for students who benefit from visual and kinesthetic learning strategies.

---

Pomofocus

Cost: Free

Sustained attention can be difficult for many students. Pomofocus structures work into short intervals followed by breaks.

Executive Function Supports

• Strengthening inhibitory control by limiting distractions
• Supporting sustained attention
• Encouraging structured work intervals
• Reducing procrastination by creating clear start times
• Improving time awareness
• Increasing productivity through focused work sessions

Working in shorter intervals often helps students maintain focus and momentum.

---

Shovel Study Planner

Cost: Paid subscription - 20% off: Go to https://shovelapp.io/dig/108/  Use coupon code: DRWARREN

Shovel addresses one of the biggest executive functioning challenges students face: estimating how long assignments will take.

Students can plan study sessions and see whether they realistically have enough time to complete their work.

Executive Function Supports

• Planning long-term assignments
• Estimating time requirements
• Tracking workload across classes
• Preventing last-minute cramming
• Improving time awareness
• Supporting strategic planning

For many students, this tool dramatically improves how they manage their academic workload.

---

A Final Thought

Over the years, I have found that the most effective systems are often the simplest ones. Students do not need to master dozens of productivity apps. Instead, they benefit most from choosing one or two tools they will use consistently.

When students learn to use tools that support working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, planning, and time management, they begin to develop habits that strengthen their executive functioning skills over time.

Small systems, used regularly, can make a meaningful difference in a student’s ability to stay organized, focused, and confident in their learning.

Explore my full collection of executive functioning resources, tools, and activities designed to support learners at every level.