When a child struggles in school, the natural instinct is to focus on the immediate problem. A poor grade in math might lead you to hire a tutor, invest in extra practice materials, or spend your evenings going over homework together. While these efforts are important, they may only address the surface issue.
What if the real challenge isn’t just the math itself? What if the root cause lies in your child’s ability to plan, organize, and develop effective study habits—skills that aren’t traditionally taught but are essential for academic and lifelong success?
This is where executive functioning skills and study skills come into play. Often overlooked, these skills form the backbone of effective learning and can mean the difference between fleeting improvements and lasting success.
Beyond the Math Problem: What Are Executive Functioning and Study Skills?
Executive functioning refers to a set of cognitive processes that help us manage our time, focus our attention, and regulate our emotions. Think of these as the brain’s “air traffic control system,” coordinating all the mental planes trying to land at the same time. For students, these skills are especially critical in subjects like math, where multi-step problems, logical reasoning, and consistent practice are required.
Some key executive functioning skills include:
Organization: Keeping track of assignments, materials, and deadlines.
Time Management: Allocating time effectively to avoid procrastination or overwhelm.
Working Memory: Holding and using information in the moment (e.g., solving a math problem with multiple steps).
Flexibility: Adapting when things don’t go as planned, like tackling a problem in a different way.
Self-Regulation: Managing emotions and staying focused, even when the work feels frustrating or overwhelming.
Study skills complement executive functioning by providing the how-to of effective learning. They are the actionable strategies that allow students to retain, organize, and apply information. Key study skills include:
Active Recall: Testing oneself on material rather than passively rereading notes.
Spaced Repetition: Reviewing information over time to boost long-term memory.
Note-Taking Strategies: Organizing ideas in a way that’s easy to review and understand later.
Time-Blocking: Allocating specific periods to focus on particular tasks or subjects.
When these skills are underdeveloped, even the brightest students can struggle. A child might understand fractions in theory but forget their homework, lose track of test dates, or freeze when faced with a challenging word problem—or lack a clear study strategy to prepare effectively for the test.
The Real Problem: A Disconnect Between Knowledge and Strategy
It’s easy to assume that a child struggling in school simply needs more instruction in the subject they’re finding difficult. This approach often helps in the short term—after all, targeted practice can improve understanding of a specific concept.
But what happens when the next challenge arises? Without executive functioning skills, students can fall into the same patterns of disorganization, procrastination, or overwhelm. They might feel like they’re constantly playing catch-up, no matter how much help they receive.
For example:
A child who understands math concepts but lacks note-taking skills may struggle to review and retain material effectively.
A student who knows how to solve equations but doesn’t prioritize studying might find themselves unprepared for a test.
A teenager with excellent academic potential but poor time management skills may leave assignments until the last minute, resulting in unnecessary stress and lower performance.
These issues are less about knowledge gaps and more about skill gaps. Without the ability to plan, organize, and regulate themselves, even the most motivated students can struggle to succeed.
Bridging the Gap: Why Executive Functioning Skills Are Essential
Imagine your child is trying to climb a ladder. Math skills are the rungs of the ladder—each step builds on the one before. But executive functioning skills are the framework holding the ladder together study skills provide the blueprint and tools to assemble the house.. Without that framework, the rungs can become shaky, making the climb much harder than it needs to be.
When executive functioning skills are strengthened, students gain the tools they need to approach learning with confidence and efficiency. They’re no longer just reacting to challenges—they’re proactively preparing for them.
Here’s how executive functioning skills transform the way students approach math (and learning in general):
Problem Solving: Breaking down complex problems into manageable steps becomes second nature.
Consistency: Time management ensures regular practice, which is crucial for mastering math.
Resilience: Emotional regulation helps students stay calm and focused, even when problems seem difficult.
Efficiency: Strong organization means less time spent searching for missing assignments and more time spent learning.
Study Skills equip them with actionable strategies for retaining information, preparing for tests, and tackling assignments efficiently.
Combined Impact: Students not only understand the material but can also apply it effectively across different contexts.
For example:
A student working on fractions might combine working memory (executive functioning) to hold steps in their mind with active recall (study skills) to reinforce their understanding.
Preparing for a geometry exam might involve time management (executive functioning) to schedule study sessions and spaced repetition (study skills) to review concepts systematically.
How You Can Support Your Child’s Growth
The good news is that executive functioning skills can be developed and strengthened—just like any other skill. Here are some actionable steps you can take to help your child build these essential abilities:
Goal Setting and Planning
Encourage your child to set specific, achievable goals related to their math studies. Whether it’s mastering a particular concept or completing a set number of practice problems each week, setting goals provides direction.
Focus on Routines
Establishing a consistent study routine is crucial for developing strong executive functioning skills. Work together to create a designated study space and a schedule that allows for regular math practice without overwhelming your child’s daily commitments. Consistency fosters familiarity, making math feel less daunting and more accessible. You should also encourage your child to keep a daily planner and set aside time for reviewing material.
Break Down Big Tasks
Large assignments or multi-step problems can feel overwhelming. Teach your child to break these into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, if they’re studying for a math test, start with reviewing notes, then practice problems, and finally complete a mock quiz. This planning process fosters a sense of control and autonomy, empowering your child to take charge of their learning journey.
Encourage Reflection
Help your child develop metacognition—the ability to think about their thinking. After completing a math problem, ask them:
“What strategy worked for you?”
“What did you find difficult, and how did you handle it?” Reflecting on their process helps them learn from mistakes, be more aware of their learning processes and develop strategies for improvement..
Model Executive Functioning Skills
Children learn by example. Show them how you manage your own tasks—whether it’s organizing your work schedule, setting priorities, or managing stress. Seeing these skills in action can inspire them to adopt similar strategies.
Balance Support and Independence
It’s tempting to step in and solve problems for your child, but this can hinder their ability to develop independence. Instead, offer guidance and encouragement while giving them the space to take ownership of their learning.
Incorporating Mindfulness Techniques
Math anxiety can severely impact a child's performance. Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or visualization exercises, can help alleviate stress. Encourage your child to take a moment to breathe deeply before diving into their math work. This simple practice can enhance focus and clarity, allowing them to approach problems with a calm mindset.
Using Visual Aids and Tools
Visual aids can bridge the gap between abstract mathematical concepts and tangible understanding. Encourage your child to use diagrams, charts, or even physical objects to visualize problems. This not only enhances comprehension but also engages their working memory, aiding in data retention and recall.
Introduce Proven Study Strategies
Teach your child techniques like:
Spaced Repetition: Reviewing material at gradually increasing intervals to improve long-term retention.
Active Recall: Quizzing themselves instead of passively rereading notes.
Chunking: Breaking information into smaller, more digestible pieces.
Building a Holistic Approach
Combining effective math academic assistance with a strong emphasis on executive functioning and study skills creates a well-rounded educational experience. By addressing not only the immediate academic needs but also the cognitive skills that underpin those subjects, you set your child on a path toward sustainable success. Investing in both math mastery and executive functioning development equips your child with tools that extend far beyond the classroom.
Final Thoughts: Setting Your Child Up for Lifelong Success
Success in school—and life—is about more than just good grades. It’s about equipping your child with the skills they need to navigate challenges, manage their time, and approach problems with confidence.
Math may be the immediate concern, but executive functioning skills are the key to unlocking your child’s full potential. By focusing on both, you’re not just preparing them for the next test—you’re giving them the tools to thrive in all aspects of their education and beyond. These abilities will serve them in their education, career, and personal life for years to come.
If you’re looking for ways to combine academic success with life-long learning strategies, consider reaching out to professionals who understand the importance of both. At MindBridge Math Mastery, we specialize in blending math instruction with executive functioning coaching, helping students not only master the subject but also build the skills they need for lasting success. Contact us today or go online and book your free consultation and see how we can help transform your child's future.
Because at the end of the day, your child deserves more than just a quick fix—they deserve a foundation for a brighter future.
Susan Ardila, a renowned expert in educational development, is committed to helping children overcome learning challenges through personalized tutoring and comprehensive support. Join our community of successful learners and start your child's path to success today.
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