The Executive Function Needed to ‘Do School:’ Key Takeaways for Parents/Guardians
Throughout the year, St. Anne’s-Belfield parents/guardians are invited to The Parent Series. Featuring expert speakers, parents and teachers gain valuable and topical insights for all stages of development. The series is presented as a collaboration between SAIS and ISACS. Below is a guide of key takeaways from the September 2026 event on executive function.
“School Readiness: Executive Function Needed to “Do School.”
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026
Presenter: Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP, executive functioning expert and co-director of Cognitive Connections.
As school begins, we focus on giving students the right tools — planners, folders, schedules, and routines — to set them up for success. What if these tools aren’t the starting point? What if they depend on executive function skills that many students are still developing?
In the webinar, Sarah Ward helped parents, guardians, and educators shift from the tools to the underlying skills students need to successfully “do school.” She discussed skills such as working memory, time awareness, task initiation, and organization. Attendees also explored how everyday school demands — such as getting out the door with materials — require more than reminders and checklists. And finally, Sarah discussed when challenges in these areas can make even the best systems fall apart, and what to do about it.
This guide highlights the core concepts and actionable strategies shared by Sarah Ward to help you support your child’s independence and school readiness at home.
Core Concepts of Executive Function
Executive function skills are the brain’s management system. They help children plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully.
Non-Verbal Working Memory and “Done Goal”
Executive function begins with non-verbal working memory. This allows students to visually picture what a completed task looks like (the “done goal”) before they start working on it.
Situational Awareness
Helps students “read the room” by understanding the surrounding Space, Time, Objects, and People (STOP) in any environment.
“Mind Mime” Mental Movie
Children mentally simulate executing a task across space and time prior to performing it.
Spatial Temporal Window
Refers to how far into the future a student can visually picture, plan, and organize their actions.
Visualize the Final Result First
Planning backwards is key to successful task completion. Rather than starting with step one, children should visualize the final result first.
| Stage | Focus | Key Action / Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| 1. DONE | Visualize the End Result | Identify what the finished product or completed task will look like. |
| 2. DO | Map Out the Execution | Determine the specific action steps and time needed to reach the “Done” state. |
| 3. GET READY | Gather Necessary Materials | Identify and gather all required supplies, tools, and materials before starting. |
Make Time Visible
Time can be an abstract concept for students. To help make time concrete and visible, incorporate three main elements into daily schedules:
Fixed Time Events
Activities that occur “at a specific time” (e.g., school start times, sports practices, appointments).
Buffer Time
Explicitly schedule extra time for transitions, travel/commutes, setup, and cleanup.
“Chill Time”
Intentionally block out unstructured downtime so students can recharge without feeling rushed.
Practical Executive Function Strategies for Home
Use Visual Anchors
Take photographs of completed tasks (e.g., a properly packed backpack, a clean desk, a made bed) to create a clear mental anchor of what “done” looks like.
“Show and Tell Me Your Plan.”
Prompt with visualization. Use the phrase “Show and tell me your plan” to encourage students to mentally picture their route through a task instead of just reciting a list of steps.
Create a Dedicated Homework Space
Establish a consistent homework routine in a dedicated location free from unnecessary distractions.
The “Get Done” Chair
Designate a specific chair or station where all required learning materials are kept ready for immediate action.