Summer is the perfect time to recharge — and also to build skills that set you up for success next year! 🌞 Without the pressure of daily school assignments, you have the freedom to focus on small changes that can make a big difference when classes start again. One of the smartest investments you can make is tuning up executive function skills for students— the brain skills that help you plan, manage time, organize, and follow through. Not only is this a time to enrich your skills, by focusing on these areas you can help limit the summer slide.
Here’s a deeper look at 5 executive function skills you can work on — and simple ways to get started:
1. Planning and Prioritization 🗓️
What It Is
The ability to set goals, figure out the steps to achieve them, and organize them in order of importance.
Why It’s Important
Strong planning skills help you break big tasks into smaller ones, avoid last-minute stress, and work more efficiently.
General Strategies
- Set daily or weekly goals.
- Break big assignments or projects into smaller action steps.
- Rank tasks by urgency or importance.
Examples to Try
- Plan how you’ll finish a summer reading book by setting small page goals each day.
- List 3 personal goals for the summer and map out steps for each one.
- Make a to-do list for getting ready for school (supplies, paperwork, sports gear).
2. Time Management ⏳
What It Is
The ability to estimate how long tasks will take, use time wisely, and stay on schedule.
Why It’s Important
Good time management reduces procrastination, lowers stress, and helps you fit in everything that’s important.
General Strategies
- Use timers to stay aware of time passing.
- Practice estimating how long tasks will take.
- Schedule breaks to refresh your focus.
Examples to Try
- Set a 25-minute timer when working on a project, then take a 5-minute break.
- Guess how long a fun event will take and check afterward.
- Make a loose daily schedule for summer days.
3. Task Initiation 🚀
What It Is
The ability to start a task without too much delay.
Why It’s Important
Getting started is often the hardest part — strong initiation skills keep momentum moving and prevent overwhelming backlog.
General Strategies
- Use countdowns or set start times.
- Break tasks into smaller first steps.
- Reward yourself for getting started, not just finishing.
Examples to Try
- Countdown from 5 to 1 before starting homework or chores.
- Tell yourself, “I’ll just open the document and write one sentence.”
- Start your morning with one 5-minute task like making your bed.
4. Organization 🗂️
What It Is
The ability to keep physical spaces, digital files, and plans orderly and easy to navigate.
Why It’s Important
Staying organized helps you find what you need quickly, feel more in control, and avoid last-minute scrambles.
General Strategies
- Create checklists.
- Sort and label spaces and folders.
- Use planners or apps to track information.
Examples to Try
- Organize your backpack, closet, or computer folders.
- Create a checklist for back-to-school shopping.
- Make a simple calendar of important upcoming dates.
5. Self-Monitoring 🔍
What It Is
The ability to check in on your own progress, notice mistakes, and adjust strategies as needed.
Why It’s Important
Self-monitoring helps you course-correct early, celebrate successes, and avoid repeating patterns that don’t work.
General Strategies
- Reflect at the end of each week.
- Use simple trackers like sticky notes or apps.
- Ask for feedback from someone you trust.
Examples to Try
- Keep a quick “success and stretch” journal each week.
- Track how many days you meet a small goal.
- Reflect after each project: What worked? What didn’t?
Build Your Own Summer Tune-Up Plan
Fill in your goals below!
| Executive Function Skill | Goal for Summer | Action Plan | How I’ll Track Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning and Prioritization | |||
| Time Management | |||
| Task Initiation | |||
| Organization | |||
| Self-Monitoring |
Sample Tune-Up Plan Example
| Executive Function Skill | Goal for Summer | Action Plan | How I’ll Track Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning and Prioritization | Finish my summer reading book. | Set page goals for each day (10-15 pages). | Check off pages completed each night. |
| Time Management | Be on time for summer job shifts. | Set alarms 30 minutes before I need to leave. | Track how many days I leave on time. |
| Task Initiation | Start chores without reminders. | Use a 5-4-3-2-1 countdown each morning. | Make a tally mark when I start without reminders. |
| Organization | Set up a new school supply kit. | Create a shopping list and organize supplies in a bin. | Cross off items as I get them. |
| Self-Monitoring | Notice how I’m doing with my goals. | Reflect every Sunday night in my notebook. | Write 2-3 sentences about what worked/what didn’t. |
Build Your Best School Year Yet
A little time spent strengthening executive function skills for students this summer can make a huge difference next year. If you want personalized support to boost your skills and confidence, we’re here to help!
Start Your Growth Plan today! 🚀
