3 Classic Board Games That Build Executive Functioning Skills In Children

If you've been following me a while, you know that I'm a BIG...let's say HUGE...fan of games for developing Executive Function skills. I remember the giddiness that I felt when I read my first research article on how great game playing is for developing cognitive/EF skills {speech and language of course too!}. From that point on, my therapy and coaching took on an entirely new look/feel. 

As a parent, I know that trying to carve out more time for something is nearly impossible. In my practice, I have always tried to recommend activities and programs that are easy for families to implement, FUN for all and BIG on benefit for skill development. 

GAMES...GAMES...GAMES.

Without further ado, I give you Part One: Classic Games to Strengthen Executive Functioning Skills

CHESS

Object: Checkmate your opponent.


Top Executive Function Skills Addressed:
(1) Response Inhibition-when your opponent makes a move that benefits them and not you-you've got to  keep your cool. You also need to think about the consequences before making your move.
(2) Working memory-Remembering how to set the board up and the many rules for each piece. 
(3) Emotional Control-Staying cool throughout the game so you can stay focused on the game. Being a good sport.
(4) Flexibility-Revise your plan when your opponent makes a move you weren't expecting.
(5) Sustained Attention-This game can be long. Keeping your focus the entire time or over a series of days depending on the version you are playing. 
(6) Plan/Prioritize-Figuring out the sequence of moves/steps to reach your goal.
(7) Organization-Being able to organize your thoughts so you can plan/prioritize to reach your goal.
(8) Time Management-keeping a pace of play to maintain momentum and interest for all playing. 
(9) Goal Directed Persistance-Not giving up when you keep having to adjust/change the plan. Beginning with a goal for certain moves/strategies.
(10) Metacognition-Watching your opponents reactions and making moves based upon past observations. 

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SCRABBLE

               

                    

Object: Scoring the most points
Top Executive Function Skills Addressed:

(1) Response Inhibition- Thinking about the consequences of playing a certain letter a certain place. Keeping your emotions in check. 
(2) Working Memory-Remembering vocabulary words!
(3) Emotional Control-Keeping your cool when you have nothing but vowels in your rack and when you win/lose.
(4) Flexibility-Revising your plan when you see a space for a great word on the board and your opponents play there first.
(5) Sustained Attention-Scrabble can be a long game. Keeping focus on the game and making good plays not quick plays. 
(6) Planning/Prioritizing-Planning your words while you wait. Making bigger plays first that will allow for future plays too.
(7) Organization-Keeping those tiles organized in some way on your rack.
(8) Time Management-Keeping moves quick so momentum continues and interested doesn't wane. 
(9) Goal Directed Persistence-Not giving up when someone plays in a space you wanted
(10)Metacognition-Checking in with yourself throughout the game to make sure you are optimizing your strategy. Can I change/adjust anything?

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PICTIONARY

Object: Guess the most pictures drawn by teammates. Get to the final space on the board. 

Top Executive Function Skills Addressed:
(1) Response Inhibition-Resisting the urge to say things while you draw or the other team draws.
(2) Emotional Control-Keeping your cool when nobody guesses your picture. Being a good sport. 
(3) Flexibility-Adjusting your picture if you aren't getting guesses. 
(4)Task Initiation-Starting to draw right away so time isn't wasted.
(5) Plan/Prioritize-Before beginning to draw, have a plan of where to begin and what to include in your drawing. Prioritize what piece would get the most guesses.
(6) Organization-Organizing thoughts and using the space on the paper/board effectively. 
(7) Time Management-Getting enough on the board before time runs out. 
(8) Goal Directed Persistance-Keep drawing even IF you aren't getting any guesses or correct guesses. 
(9) Metacognition-watching and listening to your teammates reactions and guesses and adjusting your strategy while drawing or for future turns. 

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Pretty AMAZING, huh?  Did you have any idea how beneficial games are for Executive Function skills? Isn't it great that you can help your child/student while also having FUN? 

Would you like more information on popular games and the executive functioning skills they strengthen/develop?  Download our Executive Function game Guides for ®UNO and ®Sorry! Our game guides are great for parents and professionals to use while playing the game. They not only help to teach the child HOW to play the game but also give the parent/professional "scripts" on what to say to strengthen a particular skill while playing. 

Until next time...keep growing and blooming....and what's your favorite game to play at home or with your students? I'd love to know. 


Jen

P.S Would you like even MORE ideas for how to work on executive functioning? You can find them here!