Executive functions in children are those abilities responsible for processing and organizing information, determining decision-making and managing emotional response executive functioning skills.
Why are these functions so important for any task they perform ? Whether it is to complete an activity, solve a problem or manage your emotions in the face of a conflict, executive functions are what allow you to successfully carry out a task and achieve your goals .
What are executive functions?
According to Shallice, executive functions are those cognitive processes that “allow us to associate simple ideas, movements and actions to carry out more complex tasks.” But this definition is not the only possible one.
Because? In reality, executive functions encompass a wide variety of cognitive skills and abilities in children. The common denominator is that all of them aim to achieve an objective.
And why is it so important to stimulate these functions in children ?
Simply because they are not developed at birth. In fact, it is something that must be worked on through favorable environments and social interactions.
Below we tell you some examples of how to work on executive functions in children , through different activities to do in the preschool or primary education classroom.
What are the executive functions in children?
Inhibition or self-control
It refers to the ability to resist automatic stimuli, both internal and external, when facing a situation or task. It allows you to take some time and evaluate your thoughts to achieve the desired objective.
This ability is related to concentration and managing distractions . It is also responsible for regulating emotional response and mood.
Cognitive flexibility
Children with developed cognitive flexibility are capable of adopting new perspectives when solving difficulties and responding to unforeseen events.
By stimulating their cognitive flexibility, their creativity in the search for alternatives is encouraged. The opposite capacity would be cognitive rigidity.
working memory
Working memory, also known as operational memory , is present in all mental tasks . It is what allows you to keep information in your mind, whether when writing an essay or solving a calculation problem.
How does working memory work in children? What it does is select and combine information to reach the resolution of a problem, its understanding or the achievement of the objective.