What is Executive Functioning?

Executive functioning is a group of mental skills that help children manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions so they can reach goals.

You can think of it as the “brain’s control centre.”
These skills help children:

• Pay attention

• Remember instructions

• Wait their turn

• Tackle challenges calmly

• Switch between tasks

• Solve problems creatively

For preschoolers, executive functioning is still developing - and it grows through everyday play, routines, and relationships.

Why Executive Functioning Matters

Strong executive function skills help children:

• Learn more easily - by focusing, remembering, and following directions

• Manage big emotions - by pausing before reacting

• Get along with others - by sharing, taking turns, and cooperating

• Build independence - by planning and completing simple tasks

Research shows that early executive function development predicts later success in school, friendships, and wellbeing - even more than early reading or math skills!

How We Support Executive Functioning at Fame Preschool

At Fame Preschool, these skills are nurtured naturally through play, routines, and creative exploration. For example:

• Pretend play encourages planning, memory, and self-regulation (“You be the doctor, I’ll be the patient”).

• Performing and visual arts by preparing for productions, dance pieces, and art exhibitions - help children build focus and flexible thinking. Through learning scripts, choreography, and art processes, they develop planning, sequencing, and the ability to follow and remember instructions. These experiences also encourage teamwork, perseverance, and creative problem-solving.

• Group games like “Simon Says” or “What’s the Time, Mr Wolf?” teach children to listen, wait, and act at the right time.

• Storytime strengthens working memory and attention.

• Daily routines (like tidying up or washing hands) teach sequencing and responsibility.

When teachers model calm problem-solving or help children label their emotions, they’re also growing executive skills that support learning for life.

Ways Parents Can Support Executive Function at Home

Here are some simple, fun ways families can help:

• Encourage Play That Requires Thinking

Games like “Memory,” “Go Fish,” or puzzles build working memory and concentration.

• Practice Waiting & Turn-Taking

Take turns talking during meals, or play “Red Light, Green Light.” These moments teach impulse control gently.

• Read Together Daily

Ask open-ended questions (“What do you think will happen next?”). This boosts attention and flexible thinking.

• Create Predictable Routines

Morning and bedtime routines help children plan, sequence, and manage transitions.

• Model Self-Regulation

Talk aloud when managing emotions: “I feel frustrated, so I’ll take a deep breath.” This teaches children calm strategies they can copy.

A Final Thought

Executive functioning skills don’t develop overnight - they’re built through loving relationships, patient guidance, and playful learning.

At Fame Preschool, we see these skills developing every day as children imagine, create, and connect. By working together, teachers and families can give children the tools to focus, problem-solve, and thrive - both now and for years to come.

Learn more about our creative learning approach