Following classroom rules, switching tasks without a meltdown, and waiting in line without pushing. These are all critical executive function (EF) skills at work in young children.
But what exactly is executive function? Executive Function is a set of skills involved in consciously controlling one's thoughts, actions, and emotions. With strong executive function skills, children can plan ahead, stay focused, follow directions, manage impulses, and handle multiple tasks at once.
If you suspect a child is struggling with executive function, here's the good news: no one is born with these skills. Children develop executive function through consistent reflection and practice—starting as early as age two and continuing throughout early childhood. Keep reading to learn the science behind executive function, why it matters for young learners, and how to assess these skills in the children you serve.
Executive function, or the brain's "air traffic controller," is a set of brain-based skills that help control our attention, thoughts, emotions, and behavior. We use these skills to navigate ordinary, day-to-day tasks—and persist through whatever challenges life throws our way.
Though they may seem simple, these skills are one of the most significant indicators of how well a child will do in and outside the classroom. Reflection Sciences sees executive function as the root of academic success and social-emotional development. Research even shows that it can be a better predictor of success in these areas than IQ.
There are three key components of executive function:
1. Working memory: This involves holding information in your mind so it can be used to guide behavior. For young children, this can be recalling instructions for a learning activity or remembering to raise their hand instead of blurting out answers.
2. Inhibitory control: This involves ignoring distractions and inhibiting impulsive responses. Some examples are staying focused on a task despite distractions or resolving conflicts using words, not hands.
3. Cognitive flexibility: This reflects children's ability to shift or switch their thinking and attention between different tasks or operations. This can be approaching the same problem from a different angle or considering someone else's perspective.
Executive function skills rely on whole-brain networks to grow and strengthen over time. The prefrontal cortex plays a central role by linking parts of the brain responsible for emotion, attention, and memory. As children's brains grow, they build stronger, more complex connections that help boost their executive function skills. This is why consistent reflection and practice are crucial at a young age.
When children start school, they're expected to have a few key executive function skills under their belt. Skills like sitting still, paying attention, and following directions don't just affect how well children do in kindergarten. They also shape how they learn, connect with others, and grow throughout childhood and into adulthood.
But it takes time for executive function skills to develop. Young children need plenty of practice and support right from the start. Educators can reinforce executive function skills as early as 12 months through simple activities like sorting shapes and pretend play. As they grow from toddlers into preschoolers, they'll take on more complex tasks to continue boosting their executive function.
What's more, the most critical development happens in earlier years—between the ages of 3 and 5—when the brain is growing rapidly. Investing in these skills early gives children a strong start, setting the stage for success in school, relationships, and life.
Assessing executive function skills helps you understand how children learn, manage emotions, and get along with others. With this information, you can tailor instruction, meet each child's needs, and create a classroom where all children thrive.
One powerful example of EFgo™ in action comes from New Mexico's new Pre-K Executive Function Program. The state's Early Childhood Education & Care Department (ECED) recently launched an initiative to give early childhood educators and administrators across the state access to professional development on EF, the EFgo™ Assessment Tool, and EF development in the classroom.
EFgo™ delivers immediate, data-driven insights into children’s executive function, helping NM ECECD—and programs like yours—build core skills that set children up for success in kindergarten and beyond.
Executive function shapes how children manage everyday challenges, whether in the classroom, at home, with peers, or in the world around them. Building these skills early lays a strong foundation for lifelong success in every domain, including reading and math.
Visit our website to explore our EFgo™ products. You can also contact your local Kaplan Representative, who can answer your questions and help you learn more about implementing EFgo™ in your program.