Executive Functioning Tools: Practical Ways to Strengthen Core Skills

Posted by Erica Warren on Aug 31, 2025

Have you ever wondered how your brain manages to keep track of information, tune out distractions, and shift gears when plans change? These abilities are part of executive functioning, which I often describe as the conductor of our cognitive skills. Just as a conductor doesn’t play the instruments but guides them to create harmony, executive functioning organizes our mental processes so they work together in symphony rather than as overlapping sounds. Three of the most important skills it coordinates are working memory, which allows us to hold and juggle information, inhibitory control, which helps us pause and make thoughtful choices, and cognitive flexibility, which lets us adapt and shift perspectives.

🧠 Working Memory

Working memory is the mental workspace that allows us to temporarily store and manipulate information. It is essential for tasks like following multi-step directions, solving problems, and learning new material. When working memory is weak, learners may forget instructions, lose track of what they’re doing, or struggle to complete assignments.

Ways to strengthen working memory:

Chunk directions. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps so learners don’t feel overwhelmed. For example, instead of giving four instructions at once, start with one or two and build gradually.
Visualize. Encourage learners to create mental pictures of tasks, goals, or instructions. They might imagine their backpack by the door or create a mental image to remember lessons.
Rehearse. Have learners repeat instructions aloud, paraphrase them, or explain to a peer what they need to do. Rehearsing solidifies memory and deepens understanding.

⏱️ Inhibitory Control

Inhibitory control is the ability to pause and regulate our immediate responses. It allows us to resist distractions, control impulses, manage emotions, and make thoughtful decisions. Many students with weak inhibitory control may blurt out answers, act without thinking, or have trouble staying on task.

Ways to strengthen inhibitory control:

Practice the pause. Teach learners to take a deep breath, count to three, or silently repeat a calming phrase before reacting.
Model it. Show learners how you pause and make intentional choices by narrating your own self-control or metacognitive skills: “I want to check my phone, but I’ll finish writing this email first.”
Celebrate waiting. Provide opportunities for learners to wait just a little longer for rewards. Start with short delays and extend them gradually to build patience.

🔄 Cognitive Flexibility

Cognitive flexibility is the mental skill that allows us to shift perspectives, switch strategies, and adapt when situations change. It supports problem-solving, creativity, and resilience. Learners with weak cognitive flexibility may become frustrated when routines shift, have difficulty moving on from mistakes, or struggle to see different solutions to a problem.

Ways to strengthen cognitive flexibility:

Play with perspectives. Ask learners to argue one side of an issue, then switch and argue the other. This builds empathy and strengthens the ability to see multiple viewpoints.
Change the rules. Alter the rules of familiar games or classroom routines to challenge adaptability. For example, change the order of a typical routine.
Encourage creativity. Ask open-ended questions like, “How many ways can you use this paperclip?” or “What could this object become?” These activities train flexible and inventive thinking.
Model flexibility. Share moments when you adapt in daily life: “It’s raining, so instead of walking outside, let’s dance in the living room.” Children learn adaptability by watching adults navigate change calmly.

Ready-to-Use Tools

While these simple practices can be woven into everyday life, parents, teachers, and professionals often want structured resources. That’s why I’ve developed a wide collection of materials that turn abstract skills into concrete, engaging activities.

Executive Functioning Brain Trainer Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/executive-function-brain-trainer-podcast/id1588400094
Executive Functions Coaching & Study Strategies Certification Course: https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/collections
Working Memory Activities Bundle: https://goodsensorylearning.com/products/working-memory-bundle
Following Directions Bundle: https://goodsensorylearning.com/products/following-directions-primary-beginners-intermediate-bundle
E-Fun Cognitive Flexibility Workbook for Kids: goodsensorylearninghttps://goodsensorylearning.com/products/e-fun-cognitive-flexibility-executive-function-workbook-for-kids
E-Fun Working Memory Workbook for Kids: https://goodsensorylearning.com/products/e-fun-working-memory-executive-function-workbook-for-kids
E-Fun Inhibitory Control Workbook for Kids: https://goodsensorylearning.com/products/inhibitory-control-executive-function-workbook-for-kids?_pos=1&_sid=5e71c9df6&_ss=r
Executive Functioning Activities Library: https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/courses/executive-functioning-activities
What is Executive Functioning Workshop: https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/courses/executive-functioning-skills-worksho
Executive Functioning Coaching Assessment: https://goodsensorylearning.com/products/executive-functioning-coaching-assessment
Executive Functioning Remedial Assessment: https://goodsensorylearning.com/search?type=product&q=efra
Planning, Time Management & Organization for Success: https://goodsensorylearning.com/products/planning-time-management-and-organization-for-success-download

Executive functioning skills are not fixed traits—they can be nurtured and strengthened over time. Whether you try the everyday strategies shared above or explore structured tools, each small step helps learners build confidence, independence, and resilience. With patience and practice, growth is inevitable.

Cheers, Erica

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses.