Tips to Improving Executive Functioning Skills through Family Games

Executive functioning skills are essential cognitive processes that enable individuals to plan, organize, manage time, pay attention, and regulate emotions. These skills play an important role in academic success, social interactions, and daily life tasks. We understand that God has uniquely gifted everyone with talents and abilities, and our educators are responsible for nurturing and developing these gifts. Fortunately, parents can help their children develop these skills through fun and engaging games at home. Here are some tips and examples of age-appropriate games to promote executive functioning skills:

Preschool (Ages 3-5): At this age, children are quickly absorbing knowledge and experiences as they explore the world around them. At this stage, we recognize the importance of teaching children to listen and obey (Colossians 3:20). 

• Simon Says: This game helps preschoolers practice listening skills and following instructions. Parents can take turns being "Simon" and give simple directions such as "Simon says touch your nose" or "Simon says jump." Children learn to pay attention and inhibit impulsive responses.

• Red Light, Green Light: In this game, children learn to regulate their impulses and control their movements. Parents can call "green light" to signal children to move and "red light" to stop. This game encourages self-control and attentional focus.

• Traditional games such as "Korean Gonggi" or "Indonesian "Gasing" can help preschoolers develop fine motor skills, focus, and attention. Playing these games also teaches patience, perseverance, and turn-taking, instilling valuable virtues of self-control and respect for others.

Elementary School (Ages 6-11): As children grow older, they begin to understand the concepts of responsibility and accountability. We are called to be responsible with our time and resources, using them wisely for God's glory (Ephesians 5:15-17).

• Memory Match: Playing memory card games helps children improve their working memory and attention skills. Parents can use decks of cards with matching pictures or words and take turns flipping them over to find matches. This game strengthens memory retention and cognitive flexibility.

• Scavenger Hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt with clues and tasks encourages children to plan, organize, and problem-solve. Parents can hide objects around the house or backyard and provide written or verbal clues for children to follow. This activity fosters planning, organization, and task initiation.

• In Korea, "Yutnori" is a traditional board game that teaches strategic thinking and planning. Similarly, in Indonesia, "Congklak" encourages critical thinking and problem-solving. These games provide opportunities for children to learn to make wise decisions and set goals.

Middle School (Ages 12-14): Children struggle with increased independence and autonomy during the tween years. From a Christian worldview, we emphasize the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in all areas of life, including decision-making and time management (Proverbs 3:5-6).

• Strategy Board Games: Chess, Scrabble, or Settlers of Catan require strategic thinking, planning, and decision-making. Playing these games with family members or friends enhances problem-solving skills, cognitive flexibility, and impulse control.

• Codenames: A popular word association game where players work in teams to uncover secret agents' code names. It promotes teamwork and strategy.

• Games: "Janggi" (Korean chess) challenges middle schoolers to think strategically and anticipate their opponent's moves. Meanwhile, "Ular Tangga" (Snakes and Ladders) promotes planning and strategy. These games teach perseverance and resilience, reminding children to trust in God's plan and timing.

High School (Ages 15-18): As teenagers transition into young adulthood, they face increasing academic and social pressures. From a biblical perspective, we encourage them to seek God's will and purpose for their lives, trusting in His faithfulness and provision (James 1:5).

• Board Games: Board games like Trivia Pursuit is a knowledge-based board game where players answer questions in various categories to advance on the game board. It tests general knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Risk is a classic board game of global domination where players deploy armies, conquer territories, and engage in strategic battles to achieve world domination. It fosters strategic planning, diplomacy, and negotiation skills.

• Charades: Charades is a guessing game where players act out words or phrases without speaking while their teammates try to guess the correct answer. It encourages creativity, communication, and social interaction.

• Games: "Baduk" (Go) in Korea and "Monopoli" in Indonesia are games that require strategic thinking and perseverance. Playing these games fosters resilience and adaptability, preparing teens to overcome challenges with grace and determination.

Incorporating these games and activities into family routines can provide enjoyable opportunities for children and teens to develop crucial executive functioning skills while spending quality time with loved ones. In fostering these skills at home, parents play a vital role in preparing their children for the next stages while grounding them in a strong foundation of faith and character. Families can empower their children to navigate life's challenges with confidence and grace by instilling values of diligence, wisdom, and trust in God.

Please see attached link for more tips and ideas.

Enhancing and Practicing Executive Function Sills with Children Infancy to Adolescence

By Jami Sefiane

Director of Student Support Services

jami.sefiane@sph.ac.id