What are Executive Functions and Why Are They Taught Explicitly at Gaynor?
“Executive Functions” is an umbrella term for all complex cognitive processes that control flexible, goal-oriented behavior, and the coordination and synthesis of multiple processes and subskills. In other words, executive functions are a set of mental skills that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. They are often described as the brain’s “management system,” and are critical for regulating behavior, managing emotions, and achieving goals.
Teaching executive function skills is particularly important at a school for students with language-based learning differences because these skills play a crucial role in managing the challenges associated with such differences. According to Assistant Head of School Jill Thompson, “Many students with ADHD and other learning differences may have different perspectives about their own skills/level of effort from how their teachers and parents view them — this difference of view may lead to frustration and tension.”
At Stephen Gaynor School, executive function training for students is embedded through the curriculum. Students receive scaffolded support to manage their daily responsibilities as they develop these skills independently. Additionally, this skills training is seamlessly integrated into their classes across subject matter from reading to physical education class, from the Early Childhood program to the Middle School. Middle School students also have a chance to participate in a dedicated executive functioning after school class.
Some examples of creating an executive function-rich environment at Gaynor include:
- Supporting Task Management and Organization: Language-based learning differences can make organizing thoughts and tasks challenging, which can be overwhelming. By teaching executive function skills, students learn how to break tasks into manageable steps, prioritize work, and set achievable goals—skills that are essential for academic success and personal growth. At Gaynor, multistep directions are paired with visual imagery. This multisensory approach moves beyond simple checklists. We also focus on strategies like sequencing, and tools like Thinking Maps to help students get organized.
- Enhancing Self-Regulation and Focus: Students with language-based learning differences may struggle with attention and self-control, often experiencing difficulties in regulating their emotions or staying focused on tasks. Strengthening executive functions helps these students develop strategies to maintain attention, manage their emotions, and adapt to classroom challenges. At Gaynor, we use the RULER Approach to support self- and social awareness, and support the development of a nuanced emotion vocabulary and a range of strategies for regulating emotion.
- Building Working Memory and Processing Skills: Executive function training supports working memory, which is often impacted in students with learning differences. Strong working memory is critical for tasks like following multi-step directions, participating in discussions, and retaining information. Improved working memory helps students better process language and information, making learning more accessible. One strategy used at Gaynor is “Get Ready, Do, Done!” This strategy for goal setting works backwards from the end result. It considers all tasks to have 3 phases: what a task will look like when it is completed; pre-planning and task initiation; and then identifying and gathering the materials they need to complete their task. The motto of the Get Ready, Do, Done model is… Plan Backwards to Execute Forwards!
Executive function skills equip students with tools to become more independent learners and self-advocates. By understanding how they learn best and developing personalized strategies, they gain confidence in communicating their needs, asking for help, and managing their learning process. These skills are foundational not only for academic success but for life skills beyond the classroom. Teaching executive function helps prepare students for challenges in further education and the workplace, where organization, time management, and adaptability are crucial.
