Executive Functioning Skills for Students: 9 Simple Strategies To Use at Home

By Anna Kubetin

Executive function (EF) is the set of cognitive skills that help us plan, stay organized, manage emotions, and adapt to change. They work a lot like an air traffic control system, managing dozens of “incoming and outgoing flights” in the brain all at once. 

These skills are especially important in homeschooling as students gradually take more charge of their learning and daily routines. Children with executive functioning skills are more likely to stay organized, manage their time well, and learn independently — making homeschooling smoother overall.

Here are 9 practical actions for parents to help kids build executive functioning skills:

1. Create Routines and Checklists To Build Independence

When the day has a familiar structure, students find transitions more manageable and instinctive. Small routines and simple checklists can reduce decision fatigue and encourage independence. 

Some examples of this:

• In the morning, fill a water bottle, check the day’s schedule, and gather materials.
• When switching subjects, stretch for one minute, reset the workspace, and preview the next task.
• At the end of the day, put everything back where it belongs, check off completed tasks, and choose tomorrow’s first task.

Having your child help create their checklist can also build their sense of ownership and responsibility. Younger students often benefit from visual checklists, while older students can design their own.

2. Break Assignments Into Bite-Sized Goals

Large assignments or projects can feel intimidating! Breaking big tasks into smaller steps can help students plan realistically, visualize progress, and increase motivation.

• Instead of one goal of “Write the essay,” try smaller goals, like “Brainstorm for 5 minutes,” “Choose a main idea,” or “Write one paragraph today.”
• When reading longer texts, set a timer for 10 minutes, then pause to summarize one key point before continuing.
• Break projects into small, manageable tasks to complete over multiple school sessions instead of all at once.

3. Use Time-Tracking Tools

Many students struggle with time management because it can feel abstract. Time-tracking tools help students pace themselves and reduce rushing or procrastination.

• For younger learners, timers can help them stay focused for short bursts.
• For older students, a planner or a digital calendar can help estimate the time to complete tasks. These tools can also help students review their accuracy in future planning.

For students with ADHD or autism, color-coded schedules (blue for reading and green for math) or other visual supports can help them organize their time and easily transition between tasks.

4. Create a Consistent Workspace to Support Focus

A reliable workspace helps students transition into “learning mode” more quickly and with fewer distractions.

You can create this by:

• Removing distractions by keeping only the essentials within reach, such as a pencil, notebook, laptop, or water bottle.
• Keeping a go bag for any workspace changes throughout the day. This could be a small bin or tote with essentials, such as pencils, a notebook, a charger, and a water bottle.
• Establishing a cue to focus, such as turning on a lamp or playing quiet background music, to signal that learning has begun.

5. Encourage Flexible Thinking When Plans Change

Things happen! When a plan needs adjusting, students can benefit from strategies to help stay calm and flexible.

Some of these include:

• Talking through choices: “This isn’t working. Let’s brainstorm two other ways we can try.”
• Asking guiding questions: “What’s a realistic next step?” “Do you need to take a break?” or “What do you need to continue?”
• Modeling phrases like “Try something else” or “Let’s switch ideas.”

6. Praise Effort To Build Internal Motivation

External motivation means working for a reward or recognition. Internal motivation is when a student feels proud of their effort and progress. A strong executive function foundation grows from internal motivation, not just external rewards. By praising effort, you can help your child shift their motivation inward.

Try saying things like:

• “I noticed you stuck with that problem even when it was frustrating.”
• “You tried two different strategies to see which worked the best. That shows real problem-solving and adaptability.”
• “You were organized today, and it made your work a lot smoother.”

7. Create a System for Materials and Supplies

A clear, consistent “home base” for school supplies can reduce stress and teach responsibility. 

This “home base” can look like:

• A drawer, bin, or shelf dedicated to school materials
• Color-coded folders for each subject
• A digital folder system that mirrors the physical one

Older students typically prefer to do the organizing themselves, making them more likely to stick with it and keep it effective in the long run.

8. Build Metacognition Through Reflection

Metacognition is “thinking about your own thinking.” Practicing metacognition helps students understand what works for them and what they might want to adjust. It’s also one of the strongest predictors of independent learning, and short daily reflections can strengthen it. 

Here are some ways your student can practice metacognition:

• Writing a brief journal entry with prompts: What went well today? What was challenging? What will I try tomorrow?
• Recording a quick video or audio reflection.
• Doing a brief 1:1 check-in where the student talks and you listen.

9. Practice Executive Function Skills in Real Life 

Executive function doesn’t happen overnight. These skills develop over time as we practice routines, solve problems, and reflect on our learning. 

Real-life tasks help students practice planning, problem-solving, and following through in ways worksheets never can.

• Younger students can feed a pet, help pack up learning materials, and water plants weekly.
• Middle grades can cook a simple recipe, manage a weekly chore, or follow a multistep instruction list.
• Older students can manage their laundry schedule, plan and shop for one meal, or track their own deadlines or appointments.

Practicing Executive Function Skills for Kids With Miacademy

As an educator, providing consistent opportunities for students to hone their EF skills and learn from mistakes will help them become more confident, capable, and independent. 

Choosing a homeschool curriculum that supports EF skills can help you and your learner build strong habits for planning, organizing, and self-regulating — making daily learning smoother, more independent, and less stressful over time.

Miacademy supports executive functioning for kids by giving them opportunities to:

1. Plan and manage their time through self-paced lessons and flexible schedules
2. Set goals and monitor progress
3. Practice learning independently, with the help of predictable lesson structures and clear, step-by-step instructions
4. Build self-regulation through routine, reflection, and guided independence

Curious if Miacademy is a good fit for your family? Try us out for 30 days for only $1.99! If you have questions along the way, our friendly customer support team is always happy to help!