Executive function is the set of mental skills a child uses to hold an
instruction in mind, resist the first impulse and switch tack when the rules change. These
ten games build exactly those skills, and every one of them plays like play.
Working memory
Self-control
Cognitive flexibility
Pick a Game
01
Cognitive flexibility
Dimensional Change Card Sort
The instructor shows the child a deck of cards that contain two dimensions: color and shape.
The instructor informs the child that the deck can be sorted according to either.
They then work with the child to sort the cards into both possible dimensions (color and shape), and eventually how to switch from one dimension to another.
02
Self-control
Lips and Ears
Children receive either a picture of a pair of lips (indicates they are the speaker) or a picture of an ear (indicates they are the listeners).
Only children with the lips are allowed to speak.
Children take turns alternating lips and ears.
03
Working memory
Block Building
The instructor places small (Lego®) or big (Duplo®) building blocks on a table surface in front of the child.
Also, in front, there is a pre-built model.
The child is asked to recreate a model from the pieces that are evenly distributed on the left and right sides of the table.
The instructor should encourage the child to use their preferred hand to reach out for the desired blocks to build the model regardless of where the blocks are on the table.
04
Self-control
Working memory
Musical Freeze
For this game, the instructor choses a pose from a variety of poses depicted by stickmen.
With music playing, the child is instructed to assume the pose that is revealed as soon as the music stops.
A new pose is then chosen for the next musical interlude.
Children must perform the pose correctly or else they will get counted out.
The last person to perform the pose is also counted as out.
The game can continue until there is a clear winner.
05
Cognitive flexibility
Opposites
After familiarizing a child with deck of picture cards and what they are depicting, the children are asked to respond with the “opposite” of what is depicted on the card.
For example, if the child is shown a picture of “the sun” the child is expected to say “night” and when shown “the moon” the child should respond “day.”
They should respond as quickly as possible.
06
Cognitive flexibility
Pretend Play
This game involves two children playing together and taking on a “role” (e.g., doctor and patient).
They should be encouraged to play in an unstructured manner, but some guidance may be needed at the start.
The children should switch roles halfway during the play bout.
07
Self-control
Red Light and Green Light
This game involves the teacher/caregiver providing the children verbal or visual cues as to when they should move (green light) and when they should stop (red light).
The children can also take turns being the ones to give the instructions.
If the child fails to follow the cues, the child will be called out.
08
Working memory
Cognitive flexibility
Shared Project
Children work in pairs to create either a picture or another form of constructive creation from assorted household materials (e.g., paper, boxes, and tape).
They are encouraged to decide what and how is to be created thus, negotiating is required.
09
Self-control
Working memory
Simon Says
In this game, the adult stands in front of the children and instructs them to follow all actions that start with the words “Simon says.”
For example, “Simon says put your hands on your head.”
The child should then place their hands on their head.
However, if the adult gives an action without saying “Simon says” the children must not complete that action.
If the child does, then they are out.
10
Self-control
Wait for It
The instructor dispenses a tasty treat to all the children.
The children are instructed to refrain from eating it until the instructor says they are allowed to do so.
If they wait until the instruction to eat the treat is given, they receive a second treat.
If they cannot wait for the instruction they do not receive the second treat.
Swipe, use the arrows, or press the left and right arrow keys.
Want to see these in a class?
Our sessions weave games like these into language, math and creative work, so children build
focus and self-control while they are busy having fun.
