Executive Function Skills

Front

Response Inhibition

Back

A young child can wait for a short period without being disruptive. An adolescent can accept a referee’s call without an argument.

Front

Working Memory

Back

A young child can hold in mind and follow one-or two-step directions. The middle school child can remember the expectations of multiple teachers.

Front

Emotional Control

Back

A young child with this skill can recover from a disappointment in a short time. A teenager can manage the anxiety of a game or test and still perform.

Front

Flexibility

Back

A young child can adjust to a change in plans without major distress. A teenager can accept an alternative such as a different job when the first choice is not available.

Front

Sustained Attention

Back

For a younger child an example is completing a 5-minute chore with occasional supervision. A teenager can pay attention to homework, with short breaks, for 1–2 hours.

Front

Task Initiation

Back

A young child is able to start a chore or assignment right after instructions are given. A teenager does not wait until the last minute to begin a project.

Front

Planning/Prioritization

Back

A young child, with coaching, can think of options to settle a peer conflict. A teenager can formulate a plan to get a job.

Front

Organization

Back

A young child can, with a reminder, put toys in a designated place. A teenager can organize and locate sports equipment.

Front

Time Management

Back

A young child can complete a short job within a time limit set by an adult. A teenager can establish a schedule to meet task deadlines.

Front

Goal-Directed Persistence

Back

A first grader can complete a job to get to recess. A teenager can earn and save money over time to buy something of importance.