Executive Functioning Skills Task Cards & Journal Prompts for Elementary

Use these executive functioning task cards to teach critical EF skills to elementary learners. These over 300 task cards focus on all areas of executive functioning skills: planning, time management, working memory, self control, flexibility, organization, task initiation, metacognition, attention, and perseverance. A student-friendly cover page explaining each skill is also included.

These task cards are aimed specifically to help students in elementary school who need help with their executive functioning skills. Many times, these students are very bright but perform poorly in school because they are lacking these skills. Learning these skills can benefit of number of students also requiring special education services, such as students with ADHD, learning disabilities, and more.

Digital Version

Digital versions with Google Slides are now included! Students can independently respond to each question on their devices.

Note: If you are looking for task cards that are aimed at middle or high school students, I also have an Executive Functioning Task Cards set for older learners.

Additionally, if you have already purchased the Executive Functioning Task Card set for older learners, you can certainly get these to use as additional independent practice. They include all new questions with more elementary-friendly language, visuals, and scenarios. Please see the preview for examples of actual task cards.

How to Use

The task cards in this set can be used as part of a whole class curriculum or small group / individual instruction, based on your students’ needs. Several ideas are listed below:

• Set up class centers for each executive functioning skill. Allow small groups to walk around and work at the center until time is up. Then, they can move on to the next executive functioning center.
• Use a card each morning as part of a guided class or small group discussion. This can also be part of a morning meeting.
• Group students up to discuss the task cards. Each group can focus on one particular executive functioning skill. Have the group then share out what they learned about the skill.
• Allow students to pick a card and random and discuss in a small group. Let the students run the group discussion.
• Have students independently read a card and respond in their journal before talking with a partner or group about it.

Skills Covered

Some of the core executive functioning skills covered include:

• Planning - Setting up a plan before starting a task
• Organization - Keeping materials and plans tidy
• Time Management - Using time well to complete goals
• Task Initiation - Using strategies to get started
• Working Memory - Juggling information in our brains while we use it
• Metacognition - Self-awareness about what we know and don't know
• Self-Control - Using strategies to manage our thoughts, feelings, and actions
• Attention - Using techniques to focus, fine-tune the level of focus, and stay on track
• Flexibility - Being able to perspective-take and think in new ways to solve problems
• Perseverance - Working through challenges to complete goals

Why Teach Executive Functioning Skills?

Executive functioning skills are the basis for planning, organizing, initiating, and following through will all tasks, assignments, and problems inside and outside of school. Many students who forget assignments, are disorganized, can’t complete long-term assignments, have trouble focusing, and experience difficulty with change often have weak executive functioning skills. These are the students who need to be taught explicit skills in order to become successful in school and in life after school. Simply put, executive functioning skills are necessary life skills.

Three Versions

I've included two separate versions to help you print exactly what you need:

- Colored cards

- Black/white cards

- Added: Digital version!

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Disclaimer: These resources and materials are for supplementary support/education purposes and not intended as a replacement for counseling, education, or other necessary supports. Educators, parents, counselors, and others who utilize these materials are encouraged to seek out additional support, as needed.

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