Executive function can be understood as the mental ability that enables planning, problem-solving, and adapting to new situations. The core abilities include working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibition control.
During a child's development, executive function and self-regulation skills grow quickly, so activities should match the skills of a child.
The aim is to support children in their independence.
Boosting executive Function Skills through Imaginative play:
When children engage in pretend play, they naturally create rules for the roles they take on. They imagine real-life scenarios that they have experienced, such as going on a family holiday, where one child is the father and another one is the mum, and so on. Each role comes with its own way of talking and acting, and children try to adapt their behaviour to match.
This not only sparks creativity but also helps them practice self-control, cooperation, and understanding others’ perspectives. As children move from independent play to playing together, pretend play becomes an important step in building self-regulation and social skills.
Ways to support high-level imaginative play (for 3-5 year olds )
You can support pretend play by giving children plenty of inspiration.
- Read books together or go on trips
- Watch a short video that introduces them to different scenarios and different roles they can act out.
- Props and toys also make a big difference—young preschoolers often benefit from realistic items like toy medical kits, while older children enjoy using everyday objects in creative ways, such as turning a paper towel tube into a cast for a 'broken arm.' Repurposing objects not only sparks imagination but also helps develop flexible thinking
- Encouraging kids to make their own props is another powerful way to build skills. They need to decide what’s needed, hold that idea in mind, and follow through on their plan. If their first attempt doesn’t work, they practice adjusting and trying again.
- Creating play plans can also be helpful. For example, children can choose who they will be and what they’ll do before starting. This simple step teaches them to think before acting, supports self-control, and promotes cooperation when planning as a group. It also strengthens language skills and problem-solving as children work together to bring their ideas to life
Executive function skills grow and change throughout life. They may decline with age, but they can be maintained, improved, and even strengthened.