Executive Function Power
This executive-function skill helps you remember directions long enough to complete them.
What is working memory?
Brain & Learning
What is the prefrontal cortex?
You have three assignments due tomorrow. What should you do FIRST?
Figure out what needs to be done and prioritize
How many legs does a spider have?
What is 8?
You are doing homework and your phone keeps buzzing. What could you do to help yourself focus?
Put it on Do Not Disturb, put it away, or leave it in another room.
If you stop yourself from blurting out an answer, you are using this skill.
What is self/inhibitory control?
True or False: Your brain can strengthen connections when you practice something repeatedly.
What is True?
Your teacher gives you five directions at once and you forget directions 3–5. What could help?
Write them down, ask for repetition, or use a checklist.
What is the largest planet in our solar system?
What is Jupiter?
You have a test tomorrow and haven't studied yet. What should you NOT do?
Panic or give up! Make a plan and prioritize the most important material.
You planned to do your homework, but your friend invited you outside. You decide to finish your homework first. What executive-function skill helped you?
What is self-control/inhibitory control?
This is the ability to focus on one thing while ignoring distractions.
What is attention?
Your backpack is so messy that you can't find your homework. What executive-function skill needs some help?
What is organization?
What animal is known for changing its color to blend into its surroundings?
What is a chameleon?
Your teacher gives you a big assignment and you have no idea where to begin. What's your first move?
Break the task into smaller steps and identify the first step.
You planned to study for 30 minutes, but realize your strategy isn't working. You change your plan. What skill are you using?
What is cognitive flexibility?
If you learn something better by saying it, hearing it, writing it, or moving while learning, you are using different ways of doing what?
What is learning/processing information?
You sit down to do homework but spend 20 minutes sharpening pencils, getting snacks, checking your phone, and rearranging your desk. What EF skill are you struggling with?
What is task initiation?
How many bones are in the typical adult human body?
What is 206?
You're playing a game and your team is losing. You really want to quit. What executive-function skill could help you manage your reaction?
Emotional regulation/self-control.
You have a huge project due Friday. You break it into smaller steps and decide what to do first. What two executive-function skills are you using?
What are planning and organization?
Your brain is not a fixed machine. It can change and build new connections throughout your life. What is this ability called?
What is neuroplasticity?
You have a 10-page project due in two weeks. Instead of waiting until the night before, you create smaller deadlines along the way. What strategy are you using?
What is backward planning?
What is the only mammal capable of true sustained flight?
What is a bat?
You planned to finish your project tonight, but you realize it will take much longer than expected. What should you do?
Reassess the plan, break it into smaller pieces, prioritize, and adjust your timeline.