Why Executive Function Matters for School Success

Building Better Brains: Why Executive Function Matters for School Success 

Executive function refers to the cognitive control skills that allow us to focus, switch tasks, control impulses and process working memory. These skills are crucial building blocks that affect a child’s ability to:

• Stay on task: Children with strong executive function can concentrate on schoolwork, avoid distractions and follow multi-step directions. Week executive function leads to losing focus and lack of productivity.

• Self-regulate behavior: Executive function allows kids to think before acting, resisting impulsive behaviors in favor of actions that align with goals and rules. Poor inhibition control is linked to disruptive actions in school.  

• Handle planning, organization: Students with robust executive skills can create schedules, set goals, keep track of materials and assignments and manage their time effectively to complete projects. Deficits lead to last-minute, scattered work.

• Access recall and working memory: Executive function impacts how much information students can keep in mind and retrieve to apply to academic tasks. Lagging skills slow complex skill acquisition that involve retaining and processing several concepts simultaneously. 

In the 21st century digital age, mastering self-management skills may matter more than IQ for determining school readiness and success. Boosting executive function through games, aerobic play and mindfulness could give kids cognitive benefits that transform their academic journeys.

This covers some key points regarding why executive function matters so much for children’s achievement in and enjoyment of school. Please let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!Hero Quest Treasures: Cards Cultivating Executive Function and Habits of Mind

Patience Pouch (5 points)
This small pouch contains magic dust that helps the bearer wait calmly in difficult situations without getting frustrated. Illustration shows the pouch emitting sparkling dust around an impatient adventurer.

Planning Shield (7 points)
A lightweight shield etched withmaps and diagrams. Grants a +2 bonus to rolls made when strategizing and thinking ahead. Illustration depicts battle plans and maps covering the shield's surface.

Sword of Self-Control (10 points)
This magic sword grants a +3 bonus to saves against impulsive actions. Its wielder is able to stop and consider consequences before acting. Illustration shows the sword emanating waves of calm energy.

Helm of Curiosity (4 points)
Wearing this sturdy helm embellished with question marks gives the user advantage when gathering information and learning new things. Illustration shows a puzzled adventurer with large question marks emanating from the helm.

Boots of Persistence (6 points)
These rugged boots are etched with encouraging mottoes. Their wearer gains advantage on rolls to keep trying when faced with setbacks or failures. Illustration depicts an adventurer with skid marks on the boots, but still marching forward determinedly.

Bracers of Focus (8 points)

These bracers are adorned with eye designs. They give the wearer advantage on rolls made to concentrate amid distractions. Illustration shows an adventurer intently reading a scroll while chaos ensues in the background.

Ring of Responsibility (6 points) 

This metal ring is etched with images of characters diligently performing good deeds. The wearer makes Wisdom saves with advantage against urges to blame others or give up. Illustration shows several small scenes of heroes helping people depicted on the ring.

Cloak of Empathy (9 points) 

A vibrant, patchwork cloak mystically granting the wearer insight into others' moods and feelings. Provides advantage on rolls made to understand motivations or provide emotional support. Illustration depicts the cloak radiating a soothing aura over a distressed character.  

Boots of Open-Mindedness (7 points)

Embroidered with fanciful creatures, these boots grant resistance against judgments about unfamiliar people or ideas. Wearer also has advantage on rolls to find value in alternate solutions. Illustration shows boots with creatures like dragons and wizards on them. 

Circlet of Integrity (10 points)

A gleaming silver circlet engraved with honorable symbols. Wearer has advantage on Saving Throws against selfish impulses and always knows the honorable path. Illustration depicts proud coat of arms, badges, and other integrity symbols adorning the circlet.

Gloves of Cooperation (5 points) 

Sturdy leather gloves etched with images of adventurers working together. Grants +2 bonus on group checks when assisting allies or contributing ideas. Illustration shows engraved vignettes of successful collaborative efforts.  

Necklace of Resilience (7 points) 

Chunky pearl necklace with one cracked pearl. Advantage on Wisdom saves against hopelessness and despair when facing setbacks. Illustration depicts philosopher or sage contemplating a cracked pearl, deep in thought. 

Shield of Self-Reflection (9 points)  

Brilliantly polished steel shield decorated with mirrors, acting as an aid to reflection and self-evaluation. Grants inspiration to face and overcome personal weaknesses. Art depicts a warrior gazing evaluatively into the mirrors after battle.

Bow of Creativity (8 points)

Intricately carved longbow seeming almost alive, with flexible limbs and fluttering string. Provides creative inspiration, granting +3 on artistic checks or creative problem solving. Illustration depicts abstract patterns and animals flowing across bow.  

Quill of Clarity (6 points)

Goose feather quill pen that organizes thoughts and aids in clear expression. While held, grants advantage on checks related to explaining ideas or articulating arguments. Illustration shows quill pen resting on top of neat stacks of perfectly aligned paper.

 Here is a draft outline for a 32-page illustrated fantasy book to teach kids executive function skills and positive habits of mind through an engaging story. The main character will model growth in areas like focus, planning, and curiosity.

A Most Unusual Spell (Working Title)

Target audience: Ages 6-10

Page 1 

Illustrations show disorganized wizard tower with enchanted dust and overflowing books to set scene

Page 2

Introduction of Bartholomew, a kind but rather chaotic young wizard with poor cleaning habits who has trouble perfecting his spells and is mocked by other wizards 

Pages 3-4 

Dialogue from his mentor wizard Lina: 

"Your spells go wrong because you lack focus and preparation. A great wizard must cultivate orderliness of mind by better organizing his enchantments and reducing clutter than distracts."

Page 5  

Montage illustration of Bartholomew developing organization systems but still struggling with messy habits 

Pages 6-8

Bartholomew feels down, dialogue from Lina: 

"Do not lose hope! Stay persistent and curios! Experiment to find spells that aid concentration. Read books on enchanting techniques. I know you will discover the focus you seek!"

Page 9

Illustration shows Bartholomew determinedly reading books with titles like "Attentive Spellcasting" 

Pages 10-16

Various illustrations depict Bartholomew trying focusing techniques and casting spells that fail comically.

Sample dialogue after a failed spell:

"Hmm, that enlargement spell got a bit out of hand! But each attempt teaches me something new. I will carefully analyze what went awry and try again."

Pages 17-20 

Montage of small illustrations show Bartholomew slowly improving his workspace organization and habits while also learning from his magical mistakes. Dialogue reflects his growth mindset.

Pages 21-24 

Bartholomew discovers an ancient book on a high shelf he finally cleaned and dusted. It describes a potion to enhance concentration and memory. The ingredients represent executive function concepts (e.g. crushed emeralds = focus) 

Pages 25-30  

Illustrations and dialogue depict Bartholomew gathering ingredients, creating the potion, and dramatically casting spells successfully with his new mental clarity and control. He becomes renowned for his wondrous magics in the land.

The End

Bartholomew continues perfecting his spells and habits, showing grit and lifelong learning. He now mentors other young wizards.