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Building Executive Function: Strategies for Planning, Organisation, and Self-Regulation
- Soha Tarek
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
Starting a new school year is exciting, but for many students, especially those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), it can also feel overwhelming. One of the most important areas that supports academic and personal success is executive function: the set of mental skills that helps learners plan, stay organised, manage time, and regulate emotions.
In this blog, we’ll explore what executive function means, why it matters for online learners, and share practical, easy-to-use strategies and digital routines that can set students up for a successful year.
What Is Executive Function and Why Is It Important?
Executive function refers to a group of skills that allow us to:
Plan ahead and set goals
Stay organised and manage materials
Focus attention and avoid distractions
Regulate emotions and self-motivate
Adapt when plans change
For SEND students, challenges with executive function can make schoolwork, deadlines, and transitions more stressful. Strengthening these skills helps students become more independent learners and improves overall well-being.
Interactive Check-In: How Strong Are Your Executive Function Skills?
Ask your child (or yourself!) the following:
Do I remember to write down homework and deadlines?
Can I follow a multi-step instruction without reminders?
Do I manage my time well, or do I often leave tasks to the last minute?
How do I react when plans suddenly change?
If you answered “not really” to some of these, you’re not alone. These are exactly the areas we’ll work on below.
5 Strategies to Strengthen Executive Function at the Start of the Year
1. Use Visual Planners and Digital Calendars
Try free tools like Google Calendar or Microsoft To-Do.
Colour-code subjects or assignments.
Set reminders 24 hours before deadlines.
Tip: Print a monthly planner for the desk alongside digital reminders—it reinforces planning in multiple ways.
2. Break Down Big Tasks into “Chunks”
Large projects can feel impossible. Instead:
Divide into smaller steps (research → outline → draft → edit).
Tick off each step for a sense of progress.
Tip: Teachers can model this during lessons by showing their own step-by-step process.
3. Create Consistent Routines
Start study time with the same short routine (e.g., tidy desk, get water, review to-do list).
Build “transition rituals” between school and relaxation, such as 10 minutes of stretching.
Why it works: Predictable routines reduce anxiety and free up brainpower for learning.
4. Practice Emotional Regulation
Encourage “pause and breathe” moments when frustration builds.
Use apps like Headspace or Calm for guided mindfulness.
Introduce simple grounding techniques (counting 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear…).
Tip for teachers: Include mini-breaks with breathing or movement in online classes.
5. Encourage Self-Monitoring and Reflection
At the end of the week, ask: “What went well? What was tricky? What’s my plan for next week?”
Students can keep a short reflection journal (written or voice notes).
Why it works: Reflection helps students become more aware of their habits and empowers them to change.
Quick Resources for Parents and Teachers
Executive function isn’t something students “just have or don’t have.” Like muscles, these skills can be trained and strengthened over time. By starting early in the year with simple strategies, planners, routines, emotional check-ins, and reflection, SEND learners can feel more confident, independent, and ready to succeed.
At Eton Academy, we believe in empowering every student with the right tools to thrive. If you’d like to explore personalised strategies for your child, our SEND team is here to help.