Executive function is a term used to describe a set of mental processes that help us connect past experiences with present actions. It is the part of our brain function that controls the planning, organizing, strategizing, paying attention to and remembering details, & managing time & space.
Executive functions include organizing, prioritizing, focusing, sustaining and shifting focus to tasks, regulating alertness and processing speed, managing & regulating emotions, and self-monitoring and regulating action (often called inhibiting). All of these skills enable us to formulate a goal, plan for reaching that goal, then initiate, sequence, sustain or inhibit behaviors to work towards and finally attain that goal. It helps us override procrastination & emotions that would otherwise interfere with these other important activities.
Children who have executive functioning weakness often have trouble with focus, attention, organizing, memory, time management, transitions, regulating emotions & dealing with frustration.
In a well planned children's yoga program, all of these important skills can be reinforced through targeted movement, guided imagery, interactive movement games, storytelling and deep relaxation.
As you read the list of executive functions above, it should be clear that these are all skills necessary for children to succeed in school, understand social interactions at home and in the community, and manage daily schedules and routines. Children with good executive functioning take all of these tasks in stride, but those with deficits in executive skills struggle with school and homework demands, social interactions, and changes in schedule. These ever fluctuating dynamics feel overwhelming & confusing.
Executive functioning weaknesses can be managed with a plan & consistent support. There are some simple strategies that can assist the child with weak executive skills. These include:
- Maintaining a regular routine at home and school, as much as possible
- Posting a daily schedule so the child can refer to it throughout the day
- Informing children of changes in schedule, ahead of time (such as a doctor's appointment )
- Create a short set of rules. Be clear on expectations & consistent with following through on consequences for breaking the rules.
- Use Reminders to prepare for a transition: "Jay, 10 minutes until we leave the playground. 3 Minutes ...1 ..... time to go.
We know that daily and varied movement is what helps our brains develop and we know that executive function can be significantly improved, especially if interventions are consistent & begin at an early age. In the current issue of The Wall Street Journal, author, journalist & neuroscientist Jonah Lehrer talks about why executive function is so important. He points out that the very activities that will help our kids develop are the ones being cut out of school budgets. I like Jonah's candidness. Among other things, he cites studies tracking how this relates to an increase in rates of crime and drug addiction to ways to overcome information overload.
In his article, Learning How to Focus on Focus , he talks about why our kids are so overwhelmed and what can be done by parents & schools to help our children succeed in this age of information. Martial arts, yoga and board games are mentioned as other interventions to this growing problem.
As I always stress to parents: you are your child's first teacher! If the school doesn't offer what your child needs, get it for him! Don't wait for someone to give you permission to help your child. There is a wealth of information out there all at your fingertips. I hope you find Jonah's insights a welcome addition to your resources.
Find Jonah's Blog here: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/frontal-cortex/
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