{"id":8656,"date":"2024-10-07T13:11:17","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T17:11:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/littleboxofmagic.ca\/?p=8656"},"modified":"2024-10-07T10:55:22","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T14:55:22","slug":"teaching-executive-functioning-special-needs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/littleboxofmagic.ca\/fr\/teaching-executive-functioning-special-needs\/","title":{"rendered":"Executive Functioning Skills in Special Education"},"content":{"rendered":"

When I first started teaching art as a specialist in a special needs high school, I was introduced to the staff as the new art teacher who would not only teach art but also executive functioning skills and life skills. “Wow,” I thought, “how on earth am I going to do that?!” My second thought was, “I have no time for this! Just planning art lessons will be time-consuming enough, and now I have to think about executive functioning skills as well?” My third thought was, “What are those skills anyway? Why haven’t I heard about this before? I’ve been a teacher for over a decade!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Executive Functioning Skills?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I soon discovered that executive functioning skills are cognitive abilities that help us manage our thoughts, actions, and emotions to achieve goals. We often take these skills for granted because they typically develop naturally over time as we grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Key Executive Functioning Skills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Working Memory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our working memory allows us to hold and manipulate information in our minds over short periods. We use it when following multi-step instructions or doing mental math.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Cognitive Flexibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This enables us to adapt to new situations, switch between tasks, and consider different perspectives. It’s essential for problem-solving and social interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Inhibitory Control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This helps us regulate our behavior, resist impulses, and focus on tasks despite distractions. It’s crucial for self-control and attention management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional Executive Functions:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n