Introduction
I often get calls from parents whose intelligent children seem to struggle academically. The parents are at a loss as to why their bright children are not excelling in school. The conventional wisdom is that intelligence is all that is needed for academic success. However, for many children, academic achievement is not tied solely to intelligence. Executive functioning, a set of brain skills that enable us to plan, organize, and maintain focus, is just as important as intelligence for academic success in school. Children with low executive functioning often have poor homework habits, struggle with organization, and have difficulty staying focused. This can lead to poor grades and feelings of being overwhelmed. This article explores the reasons for this phenomenon and provides strategies to help children improve their academic performance.
What is Executive Functioning?
Executive functions are a set of cognitive skills that enable us to plan, organize, and maintain focus. They help us to execute tasks across diverse domains, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and managing time. Executive functions are not just about intelligence; they are also about habits, discipline, and emotional regulation. Children with low executive function skills may have trouble with homework, organize their school materials, and maintain attention during class. They may also struggle with time management and have trouble completing assignments on time. These executive functioning disorders can also contribute to problems with sleep, anxiety, and depression.
Why Isn't My Child Achieving?
Children with low executive functioning often have trouble with homework habits, such as completing homework in a timely manner, finding lost assignments, and maintaining a neat workspace. They may also struggle with organization, often losing track of assignments and projects. This can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and may even push to a more serious form of disengagement from school. Additionally, children with low executive functioning may have difficulty staying focused during class, often daydreaming or losing concentration. This can affect their performance in class and their overall academic achievement.
How Can I Help My Child?
-
Set Clear Expectations: Parents should set clear expectations for their children regarding homework, academic performance, and behavior. They should communicate these expectations in a respectful and supportive manner.
-
Provide Autonomy: Children with low executive functioning often benefit from greater autonomy in their learning. Parents can allow their children to take more control over their learning, including choosing topics for research and projects and developing their own study plans.
-
Encourage Organization: Children with low executive functioning may benefit from assistance with organization skills, such as creating a designated study area, using planners, and maintaining schedules. Parents can model these behaviors and provide support as needed.
-
Assess Executive Functioning: Parents can assess their child's executive functioning by observing their ability to plan, organize, and maintain focus. They can also monitor their child's academic performance and report any concerns to their child's teacher.
-
Provide Support: Parents can provide emotional Support and encouragement to their children, recognizing that academic challenges can be frustrating and demoralizing. They can also help their children develop strategies for managing stress and anxiety.
-
Seek Professional Help: If children's executive functioning difficulties are severe and persistent,家长们 should consider seeking the help of a professional educator or therapist experienced in special education and Specialized Developmental Services (SPED) integrated special education.
##Academic achievement is not solely reliant on intelligence. Children with low executive functioning often struggle with homework, organization, and focus, which can lead to poor grades and feelings of being overwhelmed. Parents can help their children improve their academic performance by setting clear expectations, providing autonomy, encouraging organization, assessing executive functioning, providing support, and seeking professional help. By addressing these areas, children can improve their academic standing and develop the habits and skills necessary for success in school and in life.