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Executive Function Programs For Kids
Our cognitive training for executive function improves organization, self-regulation, and learning independence.
At-Home Executive Functioning Help
School day complexity escalates sharply around 4th grade, when the “read to learn” starts, learning independence is assumed by the school, multiple classes are introduced, and high-stakes testing begins.
Many children are overwhelmed by these demands because they lack the necessary organizational and planning skills – executive functioning.
Executive function is the ability to plan, organize, self-regulate, and juggle multiple tasks successfully, often referred to as the brain’s “air traffic control system.” The three cognitive pillars of executive function are:
- Working Memory: The ability to hold and manipulate information in mind
- Self-Regulation: Being able to stay on track and avoid distractions
- Cognitive Flexibility: The capacity to switch gears, solve problems, and learn from mistakes
These skills tend to develop naturally in response to the escalating demands of school and life. However, learning difficulties hinder the development of these higher-level skills.
Can Executive Function Skills Be Improved?
Yes. Executive function programs for kids at home that use cognitive training can (1) strengthen the cognitive foundation needed to promote the natural development of executive functioning and (2) train working memory, self-regulation, and cognitive flexibility directly. We offer two interventions for executive functioning skills:
- Fast ForWord remediates language processing and related cognitive skill gaps
- Cogmed targets working memory and attentiveness
More on our cognitive training here.
“He struggled with getting the various assignments done. He took the English class twice without success. After Gemm Learning, he was able to take the class again without distractions, with total focus on the course. I’m happy to report his final grade was an “A” and proves that Gemm works.”
“My daughter started doing things on her own. I couldn’t believe it. Instead of having to remind her step by step on everything, she started managing her own day. We were thrilled.”
Cognitive Training for Executive Dysfunction
We provide two executive function programs for kids at home, each using different strategies to improve executive functioning skills:
- Build learning efficiency (automaticity), freeing up mind space for executive function to develop naturally.
- Train executive function directly: working memory and attention, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility.
For individuals with a working memory deficit, we will recommend Cogmed. All other students will start with Fast ForWord.
Both executive function interventions require 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, with coaching from Gemm Learning professionals.
Fast ForWord Cognitive Training
Fast ForWord software is a series of language, cognitive, learning, and reading exercises that strengthen fundamentals and build a platform for growth in executive function.
In addition, many of its exercises directly target executive functioning:
- Cognitive loading forces the brain to automate one task to solve another, building cognitive flexibility.
- Attention distractors and impulse-control exercises build sustained attention and self-regulation.
- Working memory is a major theme throughout the program series.
The exercises are neuroscience-based, designed to help the brain develop learning efficiency by activating new neural connections and breaking bad learning habits.
The program is adaptive. If your child has the skills targeted in an exercise, she will complete it quickly. If not, then work starts. The adaptive algorithms increase speed and complexity at the student’s pace.
Cogmed Working Memory Training
Cogmed is cognitive training for executive function, working memory, and attention.
It consists of 11 discrete adaptive exercises, each targeting the auditory, visual, or spatial aspects of working memory. It takes 40 sessions of 25-30 minutes each, 5 days a week.
Take Our Screening To Find Out What’s Holding Your Child Back
Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child notes that executive function skills are just as critical to learning as content knowledge itself. No doubt it’s an important skill.
However, identifying specific bottlenecks is challenging. Before deciding on the best treatment for your child’s executive dysfunction, take our complimentary 5-minute screening of risk factors and symptoms to help map out your child’s unique cognitive profile.
Gemm Learning Case Studies
How our executive function programs made a difference. Read more case studies here
Working MemoryExecutive Function
Kristopher
Age: 15
Location: CT
Diagnoses: ADHD, Executive Function
Results
Kristopher’s interest in reading has improved. He is more organized, working independently and planning ahead for each day.
AnxietyExecutive Function
Dean
Age: 12
Location: Texas
Diagnosis: APD, anxiety
Results
Dean jumped two full grades in reading and has become much more organized at school, with no sign of the anxiety that used to hold him back.
John was never a great student, but was a hard worker. The summer after a disappointing SAT score following traditional test prep, he came to Gemm Learning. He retook the SAT in the Fall and posted a 300-point gain, which opened up his first choice school. He and his parents were thrilled.
FAQ on Executive Function Programs
How does cognitive training for executive function help?
Executive functioning is the product of several cognitive skills, including working memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility. Cognitive training strengthens these skills, creating a platform for the natural development of organizing and planning skills and, ultimately, learning independence.
What are the best programs to improve executive function in children?
Neuroscience-based digital interventions for executive functioning skills (such as Fast ForWord and Cogmed), coaching, mindfulness, and metacognitive strategies have all shown measurable improvements in EF skills. However, the best programs to improve executive function in a fundamental and significant way involve cognitive training. That’s the only way to address the cognitive skill gaps that cause executive dysfunction in children.
How can I help a middle schooler start assignments independently?
The transition to the complexity of middle school proves challenging for many students. Different teachers, more homework, and heavy reading requirements overwhelm students, particularly if they are struggling a little with reading and/ot learning. Executive function training for middle schoolers can make a huge difference here, as it works on organizing, planning, cognitive flexibility, and learning independence. Take this free learning screening to see if anything resonates.
What if my child is resistant?
A key part of our value-add is achieving a very high participation rate at home. Under the age of 12, it’s a combination of adaptive and engaging exercises and our advice on managing routines and incentives. After that age, you need buy-in from your child before you start. It’s a question of the teenager seeing their difficulties and recognizing that the skill gaps holding them back can be improved with exercise, just as basketball skills improve with practice.