Guillermo R. answered 05/27/22
Behavior Analyst, Special Education Specialist; 27 Years Experience
Executive Function Skills are simply a set of skills that help us become better learners. In fact, even after school, these skills are useful to help us succeed professionally, in sports, and in our social life. There are many views of what Executive Function is, but all have in common a simple set of qualities that we can develop for life. I think that setting goals and controlling our desires to do something else is at the heart of Executive functioning. Those who focus on their goals and work to get them are the most successful people. Flexibility is essential to success because the world offers so many reversals and throughbacks that we must be willing to adapt to continue in our path. Soon in our pursuit of goals, we will come to the realization that planning and getting started on every part of the plan is the only way we can be certain we will accomplish our goals. Additionally, many people add the development of short term memory to a good Executive Function Skill development program. I would think that developing memory functions should come before the rest of the Executive Function Skill development.
Now that I have expressed how I see Executive Function Skills, I can assure you that the summer, when you are free of so many other responsibilities, is the best time for you to learn non academic skills. You can spend the summer playing basketball, canoeing, swimming, or partying. I am sure you will learn some skills that will be used for you. Yet, mostly, you will just be passing time.I know those games will be very entertaining, but learning Executive Function Skills should be even more entertaining. Do you realize how much fun it is to learn to do things better, to accomplish more, to succeed? If your Executive Skill program is good, you should wake up every morning looking forward to participate in the program. Every day, you should have a challenge that makes you better.
Give Executive Skills a chance. You will have fun doing it and will be more successful next year.