Summer offers a wonderful opportunity for preschoolers to enhance their executive functioning skills in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Here are some summer-specific activities to help them develop inhibition, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and basic planning.
Inhibition: Try the "Marshmallow Test" on a warm summer day. Set up a blanket in the backyard and offer your child a marshmallow. Explain that if they wait a few minutes without eating it, they will get a second one. This fun activity teaches self-control and delayed gratification.
Cognitive Flexibility: Organize a backyard scavenger hunt with different themes or rules. For instance, one round could involve finding items of specific colors, while another focuses on different shapes. This encourages your child to adapt to changing tasks and improves cognitive flexibility.
Working Memory: Play a game of "Simon Says" during a picnic or outdoor gathering. Give your child a series of instructions to follow, helping them practice holding and using information in their minds.
Basic Planning: Involve your preschooler in planning a small garden. Let them choose which flowers or vegetables to plant, and plan where to place them. This activity helps them understand planning and organizing in a tangible way.
By incorporating these summer activities into your preschooler’s routine, you can support their executive functioning development in a fun and natural way. Enjoy the season while fostering important skills.
Looking for a perfect summer workbook for your child?
Our Executive Functioning Workbook is the perfect companion for any summer curriculum, ideal for tutors, summer school teachers, or learning centers.
The only EF workbook that focuses on self-awareness and social-emotional skills, both critical for Executive Functioning
Fully customizable for each student’s needs
Complete Instructor Guide included
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