Encouraging student talk to improve flexible thinking can be one of the most powerful ways to strengthen executive function skills in your classroom. Middle schoolers in grades 5–8 are at a crucial stage in their development, both academically and socially, and flexibility is one of the key executive function skills that supports not only their […]

Practicing flexibility is a powerful way to support young learners in building their executive function skills. In grades 1–4, students are still developing their ability to adapt to change, shift their thinking, and regulate their emotional responses when things don’t go as expected. Teaching executive function skills like flexibility helps meet student learning needs, builds […]

Reflective journaling is one of the most powerful tools elementary school teachers can use to build executive function skills—especially the skill of flexibility. With just a few minutes a day, you can help students grow in self-awareness, adapt to challenges, and develop problem-solving skills—all through writing. Plus, reflective journaling improves student confidence, supports student behavior […]

Discussing flexibility is one of the most powerful ways elementary teachers can help young students build essential executive function skills. As part of executive function instruction, teaching flexibility helps students develop the ability to shift their thinking, adapt to new situations, and problem-solve when things don’t go as expected. When we give students the tools […]