Effective Learning Hacks to Help Your Child with Executive Functioning

As a parent, it can be hard to watch your child struggle with executive functioning challenges. These challenges can make it difficult for children to succeed in school, and can prevent them from reaching their full potential. However, there are some learning hacks that can help students with executive functioning challenges to rise above and succeed. In this blog post, we will explore some effective learning hacks that you can use to help your child develop stronger executive functioning skills, and achieve academic success. Let’s get started!

1. Implement Organizational Strategies: Organization is key to good executive functioning skills. This is why it's important to help your child develop strong organizational strategies. One of the best ways to do this is to provide them with a planner or calendar where they can write down important deadlines, assignments, and exams. You can also help them to organize their desk or workspace so that it's easier for them to find what they need.

2. Encourage Breaks: Executive functioning challenges can often cause difficulties with focus and attention. One way to help your child overcome this is by encouraging them to take breaks. Encourage them to take a break every 20 or 30 minutes, even if it's just to stand up, stretch, or take a short walk. This can help them to refocus and stay on task.

3. Use Memory Techniques: Remembering important information can be difficult for students with executive functioning challenges. Luckily, there are memory techniques that can help. For example, you can encourage your child to use mnemonic devices to help them remember key information. Mnemonic devices involve creating a word or phrase that helps to jog their memory (such as using "ROYGBIV" to remember the colors of the rainbow).

4. Focus on Self-Regulation: Self-regulation is an important part of executive functioning skills and can be difficult for some students. However, there are strategies that can be used to help improve self-regulation. One effective strategy is to use a countdown system. For example, if your child is having difficulty focusing, you can start a countdown from 10 to 1. By the time you reach 1, your child should be focused and ready to continue working.

5. Use Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement can be very effective in helping children with executive functioning challenges to stay motivated and focused. Be sure to praise your child for their efforts, and reward them when they do well. Rewards don't have to be big or expensive – even a small treat or a word of encouragement can go a long way in helping them to stay motivated.

Executive functioning challenges can be difficult to overcome, but with the right strategies and support, your child can succeed. Be patient, supportive, and encouraging, and don't be afraid to reach out to Rise Above tutors for help if needed. By implementing these learning hacks, you can help your child to rise above and achieve academic success.