Don’t Let Executive Function Take a Summer Vacation

Don’t Let Executive Function Take a Summer Vacation

Don’t Let Executive Function Take a Summer Vacation

By SOS4Students Coach Marco Vieira

I used to love summer. That moment when school ended, the backpack got flung into the back of the closet, and you didn’t see it—or your brain—again for three months. Beautiful. Glorious. Unproductive.

But we’ve gotten smarter. Schools figured out that letting kids go completely feral for an entire season might not be the best way to foster educational growth. And the same goes for executive function skills. We work hard all year getting students to use planners, set reminders, manage their time … and then summer arrives and all those good habits go out the window.

So how do we keep those executive function muscles from atrophying over break?

Here’s your summer survival guide:

1. Create a (Loose) Routine

We’re not talking military strict, here, just consistent. Kids thrive when they know what’s expected each day, even if that’s as simple as: wake up, eat something green, and don’t disappear into TikTok for nine hours.

I encourage my students to start each day by making a to-do list that includes one meaningful goal they want to accomplish that day. It can be as simple as getting all the dishes out of their room.

2. Set Expectations

Summer doesn’t mean a free pass. Chores still exist. Hygiene still exists. A room that doesn’t resemble an abstract painting? Still exists. Structure builds accountability, and a dash of sanity.

3. Leave the House

I mean it. Humans are social creatures. Go outside. Meet friends. Touch grass. Being stuck in a dark room all summer isn’t just bad for mental health, it’s executive function kryptonite.

4. Start a Project

Take on a goal-driven activity—something long-term, something with multiple steps. Build a birdhouse. Reorganize the garage. Learn to cook one edible meal. Anything that requires follow-through and planning keeps executive function skills sharp.

5. Reflect on the School Year

End-of-school-year conversations shouldn’t feel like a trial. Be real. Ask, “What worked this year?” and “What totally didn’t?” Keep it low-pressure and positive. The goal isn’t judgment, it’s growth.

Productive Summer = Fall Wins

Summer doesn’t have to be a productivity wasteland. Keep it light, keep it fun, but keep those executive functions engaged. Fall—and “new-school-year-you”—will thank you!

SOS4Students Can Help

  • Read our blog, the Inside Scoop, for more tips like this.
  • Now scheduling summer coaching sessions from June through August and slots are filling fast.
  • Sessions are already booking up for our summer workshops so don’t wait—secure a spot today!