What Are Executive Functioning Skills and Why Do They Matter for Middle School Students? 

Do you find yourself frustrated with your child because their backpack or binder is disorganized? Do they forget assignments often? If your child finds themselves knowing what they should do, but does not know how to do it, they may not be able to help it. Before assuming they are being lazy or lacking motivation, consider that they may be struggling with executive functioning skills. 

What are Executive Functioning Skills? 

Executive Functioning Skills are a set of mental processes that help students plan, organize, manage time, and regulate emotions. These skills can act like “air traffic control” in their brains through the areas of working memory, cognitive flexible thinking and inhibitory control.  

The following skills help students and continue to develop into early adulthood: 

Why Executive Functioning Skills Matter in Middle School 

During middle school, we find it easier to see students’ weaknesses. It is common to see many bright students struggle with executive functioning skills. Because students now have multiple teachers, different homework expectations, increased independence and possibly more extracurricular activities and social pressures, we recognize they may need help.  

The signs of a student struggling with executive functioning skills could be one or more of the following:  

Acknowledging these struggles now will allow you to create a plan to help your student by giving them the tools they will need to be successful.   

How to Improve Executive Function 

With strategies in place and time devoted to working on improving these skills, students and parents will see improvement in executive functioning skills. Encourage your child to make morning and evening checklists to instill a routine. Calendars, color-coded folders, and assignment planners create a visual organization tool. Chunk assignments into smaller more manageable tasks. Use timers, backward planning and weekly planning sessions to teach your child time awareness.  

With practice and coaching, students will see results. Help your child reflect to make adjustments and recognize their strides in improving these skills. Ask them “What’s your plan? What’s your next step? What worked this week?” 

Executive functioning skills are learned, not fixed traits. Helping your child recognize where they struggle, and giving them consistent support, will help them become more independent learners. They will grow in confidence and be ready for their future in high school in college.