Executive functions sandbox - Skills for active learning, adjusting to expectations, being independent, making good decisions

Oct 23, 2026

Executive functions and self-regulation in the early years and primary focus on core skills for active learning: inhibition, working memory, and shifting, supported by self-regulation practices that build independence and better decision-making. The resource highlights myth-busting claims about needing executive functions only for struggling children, emphasizing that these skills can be trained and benefit all learners. It also covers universal supports as less stigmatizing, evidence review points, and diverse regulation trajectories including emotion regulation and screening guidance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time50 min

AccessFree to download

Executive functions and self-regulation

Core executive functions

Myth busting and training brain games

Universal supports and stigma reduction

Evidence review and diverse trajectories

Screening tool and observation examples

Mechanisms before choosing targets

Executive functions sandbox Prof Sara Baker [stb32@cam.ac.uk](stb32@cam.ac.uk) @SaraBCam Executive functions and self-regulation in the early years and primary Skills for active learning, adjusting to expectations, being independent, making‘good’ decisions Executive functions and self-regulation in the early years and primary Executive functions: Inhibition Working memory Shifting Early Years Library resource on self-regulation Myth busting Executive functions matter only for children who are struggling on the fringes . Executive functions can be trained with‘brain games’. Once developed, we don’t need to focus on executive functions any more . Executive functions and self-regulation in the early years and primary Huizinga, Dolan and Van Der Molan (2006) Adobe stock photo Executive functions and self-regulation as a foundation for lifelong learning Gradients in the data suggest everyone can benefit from improving EF and SR. While children from lower income backgrounds tend to have weaker EF skills at school entry and can particularly benefit from EF support, all children face EF/ SR challenges . Universal supports can be less stigmatizing and ensure nobody misses out. Executive functions and self-regulation EEF evidence review Executive functions and self-regulation in the early years and primary Diverse trajectories of regulation e.g. emotion regulation and the pandemic cohort Screening tool (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire): Often has temper tantrums or hot tempers Constantly fidgeting or squirming Can stop and think things out before acting Sees tasks through to the end, good attention span Executive functions and self-regulation in the early years and primary EF skills may be at the root of other behaviours . Consider the mechanisms before deciding on the target. For example, if a child is reluctant to play outside, it might be because they need extra support with transitions during the day (as opposed to not liking the cold weather) . Unsplash

FAQs

What are the key executive function skills discussed in the resource?

The resource highlights inhibition, working memory, and shifting as core executive functions supporting self-regulation in early years and primary learners.

How does the resource address myths about executive functions only helping struggling children?

It emphasizes that executive functions and self-regulation can be trained, and gradients in the data suggest everyone can benefit from improving EF and SR.

What does the resource suggest to do when a child shows behaviours like reluctance or temper tantrums?

It recommends considering underlying mechanisms before deciding the target; for example, reluctance to play outside may relate to extra support needed for transitions rather than disliking the weather.

Oct 23, 2026

Uploaded by River Wang