Building Executive Function Skills with Everyday Play

July 05th, 2025 / By Olivia Maitre

The concept of executive function, and its importance for learning and development, has been given increasing attention in recent years. Executive function skills span from focus, knowing how to plan, remembering things, and controlling behaviour - skills that are also essential for school, friendships, and everyday life. In fact, researchers have found that executive function skills are even stronger predictors of success in school, the workplace, and later in life than IQ. Children who struggle with these may feel frustrated or overwhelmed - but with proper support and guidance, they can improve! Everyday play, also including STEAM play (not just formal education) can powerfully help build these skills. Let’s dive into it.

Executive Function: Key Skills for Growth

There are three major executive function skills. The first one is focus: the ability to concentrate on a task and ignore distractions. The second one is working memory: holding and manipulating information in the mind, such as remembering rules or steps. It allows children to hold and update information over short periods of time. Children are asked to remember an incredible amount of information during the course of the school day. The third one is self-control: managing impulses, emotions, and behaviours to achieve goals. There are also plenty of other related skills such as planning, flexible thinking, organisation, and more…

According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, one way we can help students develop EF skills is to use traditional games: card games, board games, physical games and activities, movement and song games, and STEAM games. Collaborative, interactive STEAM boxes naturally foster learners’ executive functioning skills. These games provide healthy challenges and practice for EF skills.

The Power of Play in Executive Function Development

Repeating Crossbow, Explore Box

Children can practice and strengthen executive function in a low-stakes, enjoyable environment by engaging in both structured games (with rules) and unstructured, imaginative play. Both types of play are equally beneficial, and when parents and caregivers get involved, they can help guide and scaffold skill development, especially for younger children.

Here are some examples of our STEAM boxes that build focus, designed for kids aged 9-12:

• Our Repeating Crossbow Box: This hands-on STEAM kit lets children build a working crossbow, promoting focus, step-by-step problem-solving, and perseverance as they explore engineering concepts.
• Our Automaton Box: By constructing a marble run automaton, children learn about automation and mechanics while practicing logical thinking, attention to detail, and independent learning.

By integrating these types of toys and activities into daily play, children can develop the cognitive foundations needed for lifelong learning, all while having fun.

Birds, Wonder Box

Toys and Games That Strengthen Memory

Storytelling and Role-Play: Activities like storytelling and role-play encourage children to remember roles, rules, and narrative details, exercising both memory and flexible thinking. Our Birds Box is ideal for little ones aged 3-5 to start expressing their imagination through creative storytelling and pretend play.

For older children, the Spy Academy Box offers hands-on fun as kids assemble gadgets, practice code-breaking, and enjoy hours of imaginative play, all while strengthening their memory and problem-solving skills.

Sorting and Matching Games: These games require children to keep track of changing rules and categories, which strengthens working memory and adaptability. Our Probability Science Box, designed for kids aged 6-8, introduces the concept of probability through hands-on experiments. Children build a hand-cranked probability machine, spin the discs, and try to predict outcomes: challenging their memory as they track patterns and results.

Toys and Activities That Foster Self-Control

Self-control is a cornerstone of executive function, helping children manage impulses, emotions, and actions. Simple games like Simon Says teach inhibition by requiring kids to act only when prompted, practicing impulse control. Board games with turn-taking encourage patience and emotional regulation, as children wait for their turn and follow rules. Imaginative play also plays a vital role as kids must regulate their own and others’ behaviour to keep the play scenario going, building both self-control and social understanding. Physical activities such as yoga or team sports also further support behavioural and emotional regulation by requiring children to control their bodies and emotions.

Tips for Parents and Educators

• Encourage a variety of play: Mix structured games with free, imaginative play to target different executive skills. This balance ensures children practice both following rules and thinking creatively.
• Model and scaffold: Play alongside children, gently guiding them to use memory strategies, wait their turn, or plan their next move. Your involvement provides valuable support and helps children internalise these skills!
• Celebrate effort and progress: Focus on growth, not just outcomes, to build confidence and resilience. Praise children for their perseverance and problem-solving, not just for winning or completing a task.
• Adapt challenges: Increase game complexity as children’s skills grow, such as by adding new rules or combining tasks. This keeps activities engaging and ensures ongoing development.

Conclusion

Strong executive function skills are essential for lifelong learning and well-being. Everyday play, with the right toys and games, offers countless opportunities to nurture these critical abilities. Whether it’s building memory through matching games, practicing focus with our STEAM boxes, or fostering self-control with turn-taking activities, play is a powerful tool for growth. By embracing play as an essential part of development, parents and educators can help children build the foundation for future success. Remember, the best learning often happens when children are having fun: so let’s make play a priority in every child’s day!