Summertime is in full swing! Camp, beach time, BBQs — lots of fun things are happening. Summertime (believe it, or not) is also a really good time to work on executive functioning skills. This time of year, I often hear a lot of parents worry that summer won’t be a beneficial time to learn (or continue to build) these important central skills. Many people assume that the only real work towards skills such as time management, planning, self-regulation, and organization can occur during the school year, when there is ongoing homework. This isn’t true! This mindset discredits the learning potential that the summer months bring — and conveys to students the perception that executive function skills are only necessary when an essay is due. However, executive function skills help us in all aspects of our lives. Imagine taking a trip without looking at a calendar, comparing accommodations, setting a budget, or requesting time off from work!
Summer break is a great opportunity to apply skills addressed during the school year to non-academic tasks, which could even be a little fun. Check out the ideas below that you can try with your children this summer.
1. Summer Projects Can Foster Executive Function Skills.
What is your child really interested in or excited about? Collaborate with your child to find a DIY project that engages them. Maybe your child wants to plant their own garden or build a race track for their cars. Planning, executing, then reflecting on a project involves multiple executive function skills like planning ahead, time management, emotional regulation (if they hit an unexpected roadblock), prioritizing, and sustained attention (staying on task). The goal here is that your child feels proud of the work they’ve done and is more confident in his or her ability to handle a multi-step project.
2. Upgrade the Work Space.
Take some time to reflect back on the school year with your child during the summer. What were some successful moments? What strategies worked really well? What felt challenging, and what changes can he or she make in advance, for the next school year? If distraction and disruption were an issue, think about your child’s work space. Thoughtfully organizing your child’s work space is a great thing to do during non-school months and is crucial for their ability to focus, eliminate distractions and initiate the task at hand.
Eliminate distractions. Choose a work area that is quiet, with a properly sized desk and room to spread out. Keep the desktop clutter-free, to eliminate distractions. Gather your supplies — make sure you have all the materials you need for studying close at hand, so you don’t waste time fumbling around for a ruler or pencil lead refills.
Consider a clock. Place a clock nearby so that your child becomes familiar with working or reading for small periods of time (start with 5-10 minute increments for younger students). Setting time-related study goals will help build up sustained attention (ability to focus for longer chunks of time).
A well-lit space. A study area that is too dark will not only make it easier to nod off, it can strain your eyes, which will put a damper on any study session. Use a desk lamp to focus light on your workspace. If natural light is available, certainly make use of it.
*Look out for next month’s blog post where we discuss organizing your work space in more depth.
Every student has a different learning style. For an individualized plan customized to your child's needs, please contact Dana Aussenberg at danaaussenberg.com or email dana@danaaussenberg.com.