Downloads and Resources
EXECUTIVE FUNCTION & INDEPENDENCE
Welcome to our Term 4 newsletter! This term we're focusing on executive function and independence: the thinking skills that help children get ready for school, follow instructions and finish what they start.
Executive function covers the brain-based skills that help us plan, focus, remember instructions and juggle more than one task. Think of it as the brain's "management team". These skills sit behind almost everything a child does on their own, from packing a school bag to finishing homework to staying calm when plans change.
These skills keep developing well into the early twenties, so it's typical for children to need lots of support along the way. The good news is that everyday routines are some of the best places to practise them. Small, consistent steps at home and school add up to big gains in confidence and independence.
We have free resources you can download. These will help further support you navigating and working on the executive functioning with your child. Please see below.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SCHOOLS
Here are a few simple ideas to support the students in setting and working towards their goals this year:
Visual Timetables
Display the day's sequence with pictures and words, and flag changes ahead of time. Individual mini-timetables on a desk or lanyard help children who need extra support with transitions.
Timers/Clocks
Using the faces on the clock, show the children how long they have to complete a task. It might help the children to break up the task into smaller chunks and use the clock as a guide, “when the small hand gets to the one you, make sure you’re moving to the next stage of the task.”
Task Baskets
Put everything needed for an independent task in one basket, with a numbered step card or "first, then" visual. Children can start without waiting for an adult and see when they're finished.
Flexible Thinking
In group discussions, ask open-ended and "what if" questions, such as "What's another way we could solve this?" or "What if the bus is late?" Celebrate more than one right answer.
OT ACTIVITIES AT HOME
You don't need special equipment to build executive function. Playful, structured experiences woven into your week work best.
• Morning routine charts. Make a picture or word chart of the morning steps, such as bathroom/toilet, dress, breakfast, teeth, shoes and bag. Let your child help take photos or draw the pictures so they own it, and have them tick off or move each card as they go. Fade your verbal reminders over time and point to the chart instead.
• "Pack & Plan" games. Pick an outing, such as school, swimming or a sleepover, and ask "What will you need?" Your child makes a list or draws it, gathers the items, then checks them off. Afterwards, chat about what worked and what was missing.
• Memory builders.
o What's Missing? Place 5–8 objects on a tray, cover them, remove one and ask what's gone.
o I Went to the Shop… Take turns adding an item to the list and repeat the whole list each time.
o Matching card sequences. Show a short row of cards, turn them over and have your child recreate the order.
• Problem-solving play. Build with LEGO or blocks from a plan, then change one rule ("Now make it taller with fewer blocks"). Set up an obstacle course and let your child design and sequence it. Role-play tricky moments, such as a friend taking your turn, and brainstorm different responses.
• Emotion coaching. Name the feeling ("You look frustrated that the tower fell"), model a calming strategy out loud ("I'm going to take three slow breaths") and reflect together once everyone is calm ("What could we try next time?").
CAREGIVER / PARENTS CORNER
Remember skills take time to develop whether at school or at home!
These skills work together. A child who is overwhelmed emotionally will find it much harder to plan or remember, so regulation often comes first.
Planning and organisation
Working out the steps to reach a goal and keeping belongings and time in order.
Whilst it develops you might notice the child forgetting items, losing track of time, not knowing where to start on a bigger task.
Working memory and flexible thinking
Remembering information while using it, and adapting what you do when something changes.
Whilst it develops you might notice the child losing multi-step instructions halfway through, getting stuck when a plan changes.
Task initiation and completion
Getting started without lots of prompting, and following through to the end.
Whilst it develops you might notice the child avoiding or delaying tasks, drifting off partway, leaving jobs half done.
Emotional regulation and impulse control
Managing big feelings, pausing before acting and recovering after setbacks.
Whilst it develops you might notice quick frustration, meltdowns over small changes, calling out or acting before thinking.
SUCCESS STORY
A 6-year-old young friend was finding it hard to start tasks and stay focused in class. Instructions often slipped away before he began, and unfinished work left him feeling discouraged.
Working with his OT, his family and teacher built a shared home-school plan. He learned to use a simple visual checklist that broke each task into small, manageable chunks, along with a timer to help him start and keep going. The same tools were used at home and at school, so he had plenty of consistent practice. Within the term, his teacher noticed a real shift: "He's now initiating tasks independently and even reminding peers of the steps. It’s been great to see his confidence soar." His story shows how small, consistent strategies shared across home and school can make a big difference.
