Executive Functioning

Winter Fun with Purpose: 10 Great Brain Boosting Activities for Kids

Brain Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Social Awareness /

Are you looking for ways to keep your kids active and learning during the winter months? The chilly season might seem like a time for hibernation, but it’s actually the perfect opportunity to strengthen essential life skills—all while having fun. Executive function skills are the brain’s “management system.” These skills—such as planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and […]

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AMAZING Ideas – Teaching Flexible Thinking with Mazes

Brain Awareness, Emotion Regulation, Executive Functioning, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Think Socially /

Have you ever planned your day, only to have things go completely off track? Maybe a traffic jam caused you to miss an important meeting. Perhaps you were all set to enjoy a sunny day at the park, only to be caught in a sudden downpour. For kids, these situations might look different, but the

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These Classic Games are Fun and Good for Your Brain!

Brain Awareness, Emotion Regulation, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Self-Awareness /

Remember those classic activities we used to do as kids, like word searches, crossword puzzles, and “Seek & Find” games? They were often assigned as busy work or something to pass the time, but did you know they also offer numerous benefits for brain development? It’s time to bring these classic activities back into the

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Parenting in the Age of Screens: Finding a Healthy Balance

Anxiety, Brain Awareness, Digital Citizenship, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Mental Health, Screen Time /

Have you ever heard the quote, “You can’t put an old head on young shoulders”? It’s a proverb that emphasizes the value of experience in making wise decisions. My Irish Nana, like many grandparents of her generation, often used this saying to remind us that maturity and life experience are essential for navigating complex situations.

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An Ocean of Emotions: How to Navigate the Waves of Feelings

Emotion Regulation, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Executive Functioning, Mindfulness, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness /

Imagine a beautiful beach, bathed in sunlight. The ocean stretches out before you, its waves rising and falling rhythmically. As you watch, you can’t help but notice how each wave is different—some gentle and peaceful, others powerful and intense. Just like those waves, our emotions ebb and flow within us. In a child’s world, emotions

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It May Look Like Fun, But Play is Actually a Child’s “Work”

Brain Awareness, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Friendship, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision Making, Social Awareness, Think Socially /

Have you ever wondered why children seem so immersed in play, as if it’s the most important thing in the world? What if I told you that for children, play is their most important work? Through play, children develop critical skills that shape their social and emotional development, and it’s much more than just fun

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10 Great Games for Boosting Executive FUNctioning!

Brain Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Optimize Learning /

Did you know that in addition to being fun to play, board games provide great exercise for your child’s brain? Board games can be an enjoyable way for all kids, including those with learning and attention challenges, to build their brain’s executive function skills.  Executive functions are the mental processes that are required to pay

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Unfolding the Secrets of Learning: An Origami Lesson

Brain Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Optimize Learning /

Have you ever wondered how learning unfolds in our minds, much like the intricate folds of an origami project? Imagine the human brain as a complex origami masterpiece, with each fold representing a new learning experience. As we navigate the challenges and triumphs of learning, we forge neural pathways that shape our understanding of the

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From Chaos to Calm: Unlock the Power of the Pause Place

Brain Awareness, Emotion Regulation, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Executive Functioning, Manage Emotions, Self-Awareness /

As teachers and parents, we know that children can often become overwhelmed, frustrated, or anxious in the classroom or at home. In these moments, it is important to have a designated calming space where children can go to reset their minds and calm their bodies. One way to create a calming space is to set

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The Distraction Dilemma: How to Outsmart the Squirrels

Brain Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Mindfulness, Mindset, Optimize Learning, Self-Awareness /

Dear Ordinary Extraordinary Humans –  Welcome to an exciting exploration of the fascinating world of distractions! In our children’s picture book, “Cranium Critters: Einstein Acts When Squirrels Distract,” we explore the mischievous realm of squirrels—the kind that cause all kinds of nutty nonsense and distract us from our goals. Join us on a journey to

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Growing Friendships: 3 Common Friendship Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Friendship, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision Making, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Think Socially /

Friendship can be kinda tricky. When kids are excited about having new friends, sometimes without meaning to, they end up pushing their friends away by doing things that ANNOY them. Has anyone ever accused you of being annoying? Then you might need to figure out how and when to stop so that you can keep

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Pick Up Sticks: An Essential Skill Builder!

Executive Functioning, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Optimize Learning, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision Making, Uncategorized /

As an elementary school counselor, I am always on the lookout for innovative and effective ways to teach social-emotional skills to the students I work with. Amidst the myriad of resources available, I have found that classic table and floor games offer a delightful and engaging approach to developing essential life skills.  One classic game

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Ned’s Head: An Engaging Game and Powerful Teaching Tool

Brain Awareness, Executive Functioning, Mindfulness, Self-Awareness /

As an elementary school counselor, I’m always on the lookout for engaging tools to teach social-emotional skills. Enter What’s in Ned’s Head, a whimsical game that has become a favorite game in my counseling sessions. This quirky and delightful game not only captivates young minds but also provides practical ways to illustrate inside-the-head and outside-the-head

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Help Kids See Into the Future: A Tool for ADHD

Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Mindfulness, Mindset, Optimize Learning, Self-Awareness, Uncategorized /

Does your child frequently show up unprepared for events or activities, resulting in negative consequences?  Do you find yourself feeling frustrated by their inability to plan ahead or make thoughtful decisions? Are your well-intentioned warnings ignored by your child, despite their feelings of regret later?  If these challenges resonate with you, you are not alone.

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Standing Out & Blending In – Lessons from a Sea Dragon

Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Friendship, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision Making, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Think Socially /

Have you ever seen a sea dragon? When encountering the awe-inspiring beauty and gracefulness of a sea dragon gliding through the water, it’s hard not to be captivated. These majestic creatures possess a remarkable ability to blend into their surroundings, ensuring their safety and survival in the vast ocean. As I stood in wonder, observing

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Exploring the Great Outdoors: 5 Benefits for Children

Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Optimize Learning /

Recently, I took a leisurely walk with some friends. One friend brought along her preschool-aged children, and watching them explore and interact with nature was a joyous sight. It was a breath of fresh air, both literally and metaphorically. The experience made me reflect on the incredible importance of outdoor adventures for young children, particularly

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A Mental Dress Rehearsal: Planning in Your Mind

Brain Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Responsible Decision Making, Self-Awareness /

As the sun begins to set, you find yourself sitting behind the wheel of your car, ready to embark on a flurry of evening activities. As you navigate the familiar route home, your mind springs into action, engaging in a mental dress rehearsal of the tasks that lie ahead. You mentally choreograph the evening’s agenda—picking

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Finger Traps: Fun Toys for Powerful Lessons

Communication, Conflict Resolution, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Executive Functioning, Social Awareness /

Finger traps are simple yet intriguing little toys made from woven bamboo, paper, or plastic. They consist of a hollow, tubular structure with open ends. When you insert your fingers into each end and attempt to pull them out, the trap tightens around your fingers, making it challenging to free yourself. The more you try

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 Kids & Phones: Making Wise Choices in the Digital Age

Communication, Digital Citizenship, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Executive Functioning, Screen Time, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Think Socially /

We live in an age where technology has become an integral part of our lives, and children are being given cell phones at younger and younger ages. Inspired by the beloved children’s book “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” let’s discuss the topic of giving a kid a cell phone and the crucial responsibility

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Affirmations: Powerful Little Pep Talks for Your Brain

Brain Awareness, Emotion Regulation, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Mindfulness, Mindset, Self-Awareness /

Hi everyone! Have you ever heard of affirmations? Affirmations are simple, positive statements that we repeat to ourselves to provide encouragement and motivation. And did you know that they are based on science? Our brain’s language is repetition. Whatever we say or think or do repeatedly sticks in our brain. When we practice doing something

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The Art of Memory Making: How to Create Positive Thoughts in the Minds of Others

Brain Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Executive Functioning, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness /

Today, we’re going to be talking about something that affects all of us – memories. Did you know that we have the power to shape the memories that others have of us? That’s right, everything we do and say gets stored in “memory files” in the minds of those around us, and it’s up to

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From Chaos to Peace: Proven Strategies for Managing Temper Tantrums

Anger, Conflict Resolution, Emotion Regulation, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning /

You’re at the grocery store with your child, who is begging and pleading for a box of “Frosted Fudge Flakes.” You’ve told them no, but they’re having none of it. Suddenly, they throw themselves onto the floor, kicking and screaming at the top of their lungs. You’re embarrassed, frustrated, and feeling like the worst parent

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Visualizing Success: How to Teach “Future Thinking“

Brain Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning /

As a parent or teacher of a child with executive function challenges, you may have noticed that your kid struggles with tasks that require organization, planning, or self-regulation. These skills, known as executive function skills, are important for helping us achieve our goals and succeed in school, work, and other areas of life. Before we

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Using Flexible Thinking to Cope with the Unexpected

Anxiety, Brain Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness /

Imagine this: your child is faced with a problem at school and instead of feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, they confidently come up with a creative solution. As a parent, you know that this kind of adaptability and flexibility is key to your child’s success in school and in life. But how can you help your

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New Year, New Mindset: Cultivating a Growth Mindset

Brain Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Self-Awareness /

As the new year approaches, it’s a great opportunity for parents and teachers to help their elementary aged children develop a growth mindset. But what exactly is a growth mindset? It’s the belief that one’s abilities and intelligence can be developed and improved through effort and perseverance. This is in contrast to a fixed mindset,

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