Executive Function Skills Are Not Just Key for Schoolwork, They Are Essential Life Skills.
(from SOS4Students Director Beth Samuelson)
Here are four practical ways students can improve their Executive Function skills during the summer:
#1 Establish and Keep Routines—Make sure to establish some routine to your days, such as waking up/going to bed every day at a certain time, or exercising, meditating, reading, etc. It’s important to set and maintain a routine so that when the school year starts again, the transition will be easier.
#2 Try a Timer When Doing Tasks—Get familiar with using a time timer for tasks that aren’t necessarily your favorite. Do your clean clothes end up in a pile on your bed for days? Estimate how long the task will take and set a timer. Watching the time pass will help you understand how long the task is taking AND hold you accountable to getting it done in the time you set.
#3 Redesign Your Study Space—
- Consider things that will make you more comfortable and help you focus, such as natural light and a plant or fish on your desk, or an alternate seating option like a yoga ball or spring chair.
- Clean out old papers and materials.
- Get organized, but don’t make it overly complicated. A simple deep drawer or Rubbermaid box to keep all school supplies in can be great. You will know where everything is and be able to put it away by just wiping your space clean, all back into one bin! A Rubbermaid box is great because you can take it outside and make a study space anywhere!
#4 Help Plan a Family Trip—Students can look up sights, plan an itinerary, or even check out hotels and rates. Take notes on findings and tee up a family meeting to share information.