The Teaching Executive Function Guide: Why It's Important and How To Do It Right
Why is teaching executive function important?
Teaching executive function skills is essential because these skills are the foundation for how we plan, prioritize, start tasks, stay organized, manage time, and regulate emotions. Without them, students may struggle with completing homework, managing long-term projects, or simply remembering to turn in assignments.
When students build strong executive function skills, they become more confident, independent learners. They develop the ability to break down overwhelming tasks, manage distractions, and take ownership of their routines. By teaching executive function intentionally, we equip students with strategies they can use throughout their lives.
Too often, schools assume students will “pick up” these skills on their own. But for many—especially neurodivergent learners or those with ADHD or learning differences—executive function doesn’t come naturally. That’s why educators, parents, and coaches must take an active role in modeling, scaffolding, and supporting these skills.
My Top 5 lessons learned about teaching executive function as an EF coach
1. Connection comes before correction
Students won't engage with executive function strategies unless they feel safe, seen, and supported. Building trust and a positive coaching relationship is the first step to real progress.
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2. Start with what is working
Focusing only on what a student is doing wrong leads to shutdown. When you highlight their strengths and existing strategies, students become more open to learning new ones.
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3. Teach one skill at a time
Trying to improve time management, organization, and self-advocacy all at once overwhelms students. Progress accelerates when you narrow the focus and build momentum step by step.
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4. Students need to see their progress
Executive function growth is invisible unless you track it. Using scorecards, trackers, or visual reminders helps students notice how their efforts are paying off—and motivates them to keep going.
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5. Parents and educators are part of the system
No matter how strong your coaching is, it won’t stick unless the adults around the student reinforce it. Collaborating with families and teachers ensures consistency and makes the coaching more effective.
More on teaching executive function
Teaching executive function means giving students the tools to manage their own learning and responsibilities more effectively.
These skills don’t develop overnight—they require consistent support, real-world practice, and a safe space to make mistakes.
It’s a long-term investment that pays off in confidence, independence, and a greater sense of control over their lives.
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The articles below dive deeper into teaching executive function and best practices.
Looking for more articles about teaching executive function? I have a full list at the bottom of this page.
Simple guide to teaching executive function
1. Build a strong relationship first
Trust creates the foundation for meaningful growth—students are more likely to try new strategies when they feel supported. Connection leads to collaboration, and collaboration opens the door to lasting change.
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2. Start with a specific challenge
Instead of teaching abstract skills, begin with a real-life issue the student wants to solve (like missing assignments or forgetting materials). This helps students see the relevance of executive function and motivates them to engage.
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3. Break tasks into smaller chunks
Help students turn overwhelming tasks into manageable actions. When they know exactly what to do next, it’s easier to get started and keep going.
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4. Focus on one area at a time
Teach one skill at a time—like time management or planning—until the student gains confidence before introducing something new. Trying to fix everything at once can lead to frustration and burnout.
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5. Use visuals and tools
Calendars, timers, checklists, and sticky notes can make invisible skills more concrete and easier to apply. These tools also create consistency and reduce the need to rely on memory alone.
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6. Model your thinking out loud
Show how you plan your week, decide on priorities, or deal with distractions to make your thinking visible and accessible. Students learn better when they can observe how someone else navigates similar challenges.
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7. Practice regularly with feedback
Build in time to apply skills consistently and reflect on what worked or didn’t. Repetition and feedback help turn new strategies into lasting habits.
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8. Celebrate small wins
Recognize progress, no matter how small—it boosts motivation and helps students see their growth over time. Even a small step forward builds momentum and encourages persistence.
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9. Involve family or teachers when possible
Aligning support systems ensures that students are reinforced and reminded outside of coaching or teaching sessions. Consistency across environments strengthens the impact of the skills being taught.
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10. Revisit and revise often
Executive function isn’t “one and done.” Periodically revisit strategies to fine-tune them as students grow and their needs evolve. What works in one season of life may need adjusting as responsibilities change.
Best books and resources for teaching executive function
"Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents" by Peg Dawson & Richard Guare
The go-to manual for school-based professionals, packed with research-backed strategies, intervention plans, and reproducible tools to support executive skill development.
"Building Executive Function: The Missing Link to Student Achievement" by Nancy Sulla
Focuses on embedding executive function instruction into curriculum design and classroom culture to improve engagement and academic outcomes.
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"Promoting Executive Function in the Classroom" by Lynn Meltzer
Written by a leading expert in the field, this book connects theory to practice with real classroom examples, lesson plans, and reflection questions.
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"The Everything Guide to Executive Functioning Disorder" by Rebecca Branstetter
Written by a school psychologist, this book provides clear explanations and practical strategies for teachers and parents to help students improve focus, organization, and emotional regulation.
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The IRIS Center at Vanderbilt University (Free Online Modules)
Provides excellent, evidence-based online training modules for educators on supporting students with executive function and related learning challenges.