Cognitive Flexibility | Executive Functioning Skills Workbook | Elementary Students
Executive Functioning Activities to Strengthen Flexible Thinking in Elementary Students
Help kids shift perspectives, handle change, and think creatively with this engaging, printable executive functioning workbook! Designed for children in grades 2–5, this 40-page digital download supports the development of cognitive flexibility, a key executive functioning skill that improves learning, behavior, emotional regulation, and social success.
Created by Dr. Erica Warren—an educational therapist and executive functioning coach with over 25 years of experience—this resource provides playful, structured activities grounded in cognitive science and designed for classroom, home, or therapeutic use.
🌈 What Is Cognitive Flexibility?
Cognitive flexibility is the ability to adapt to new situations, shift between tasks, and consider alternative points of view. It helps students problem-solve, regulate emotions, and respond to changes with resilience instead of frustration.
Learners with strong flexible thinking skills can:
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Cope with unexpected challenges
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Adjust when plans change
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Take feedback without shutting down
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Collaborate and empathize with others
This resource provides repeated, scaffolded practice to help build this essential brain-based skill.
📘 What's Included in This 40-Page Digital Workbook?
✔️ Hands-on thinking activities to practice task-shifting, perspective-taking, and open-mindedness
✔️ The PAUSE Strategy – a mindfulness-based tool for thoughtful decision-making
✔️ Tricky Situations & Word Play Challenges to spark flexible problem-solving
✔️ Meet C. Flex! – a friendly guide who supports kids throughout their journey
✔️ Creative journaling prompts to promote metacognition and emotional awareness
✔️ Print-and-go format or digital use on iPads/tablets with apps like GoodNotes or Kami
🎯 Learning Goals and Benefits:
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Improve cognitive flexibility and task-switching
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Encourage emotional regulation and thoughtful responses
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Strengthen social thinking and empathy
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Boost creativity, resilience, and confidence
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Support students with ADHD, ASD, anxiety, or executive functioning challenges
👩🏫 Who Is This Resource For?
This resource is ideal for:
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Elementary teachers supporting executive functioning development
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Special educators and school counselors targeting self-regulation and perspective-shifting
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Parents looking to nurture open-minded thinking at home
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Therapists and executive function coaches guiding neurodiverse learners
🛠️ How to Use This Workbook:
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In the classroom: Use for morning work, centers, SEL blocks, or small group instruction
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At home: Explore together or allow children to work independently
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In therapy or coaching: Assign activities between sessions or use as session structure
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Digitally: Upload to GoodNotes, Notability, Kami, or other annotation tools for paperless learning
🧠 Teach the PAUSE Strategy for Emotional Control & Perspective-Taking
This workbook includes a simple, research-backed tool that teaches children how to slow down and respond thoughtfully:
🛑 P – Pause before reacting
💨 A – Allow yourself to take three deep breaths
🤔 U – Understand your thoughts and feelings
🎯 S – Set your intention
➡️ E – Engage with purpose and flexibility
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What age or grade is this resource best for?
A: The E-Fun Cognitive Flexibility Workbook is designed for students in grades 2–5, but it can be used flexibly based on the learner's developmental level.
Q: Can this be used with neurodiverse learners?
A: Absolutely. The activities are ideal for students with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and other executive functioning challenges. The format is highly adaptable to individual needs.
Q: Is this resource printable?
A: Yes! It's a PDF download that can be printed for hands-on use or uploaded into apps like GoodNotes, Kami, or Notability for digital interaction.
Q: How long does it take to complete the workbook?
A: It depends on how you pace it. Some educators use one page per session or day, while others integrate activities over several weeks. The workbook is designed to be flexible for your schedule and setting.
Q: Can I use this with a group?
A: Yes! It works well for small groups, class lessons, or one-on-one coaching or therapy sessions. It encourages meaningful discussions and group reflection.
Q: Is there a license for schools or teams?
A: The download includes a single-user license. If you plan to use this resource across a school or organization, please purchase additional licenses or contact us for bulk licensing options.
📥 Ready to Help Your Students Pivot with Confidence?
Empower your learners with tools to navigate change, approach problems creatively, and build emotional resilience. With E-Fun Cognitive Flexibility, you’ll provide the structure and strategies kids need to grow into confident, adaptive thinkers.
👉 Download your copy today and bring flexible thinking into your students' daily routines—in print or on screen!
Looking for Other Executive Functioning Resources?
Learn about Dr. Warren's other executive functioning activities, courses, and more:
- Executive Function Coaching and Study Skills Course
- Executive Functioning Games for Groups and Classes
- Executive Functioning Library
- Working Memory Activities Bundle
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Working Memory, Hemisphere Integration and Attention Building Activities for Optimal Learning
- Following Directions the Fun and Easy Way
- Making Inferences the Fun and Easy Way