4 “Out of the Box” Cognitive Tasks for Executive Functioning
Executive functioning is a broad term to describe the skills we need to manage or regulate cognitive processes, working memory, reasoning, planning and problem solving. Tasks that target this skill focus on “thinking outside of the box” such as organizing a trip, doing research for school or even figuring out how to take the local city bus.
Rebus Puzzles
You may not recognize the name of these fun little word puzzles, but you have probably seen or done something like this before! Rebus puzzles are word picture puzzles that often represent a common word or phrase (e.g., “cycle cycle cycle” is a common one that represents the word “tricycle”). These puzzles are great to use in therapy as they require some problem solving and cognitive skill to solve them!
Check out this great website to start you off on your search for Rebus Puzzles: http://www.puzzles-to-print.com/rebus-puzzles/rebus-puzzles-page-1.shtml – this website is great because it lists strategies on how to solve the puzzles that can help you along.
Logic Puzzles
“If Sally has a red flower but doesn’t like roses and Tina only likes yellow flowers but stayed home on Monday, who bought which flower on which day?” I know…confusing right? Logic puzzles are actually a great way to target “out of the box” thinking! If you are unfamiliar with these kinds of puzzles, they consist of word problems and a list various clues (some of which are important and some of which are not).
Each puzzle then comes with a grid in which you can eliminate and check off information that you already know. The challenge with these puzzles is to narrow down the important information and figure out the clues one at a time to solve the puzzle.Here are some useful websites to check out if you are interested in trying these out with your clients or family members: http://www.printable-puzzles.com (for printable puzzles) or http://www.logic-puzzles.org (to play online).
Newspaper Articles
Maybe it’s time to look more closely at those old newspapers! I’ve learned that there is some useful information in there that can be used to target functional tasks of all kinds. Here are a few examples of tasks you can do with your older clients to help them improve their executive functioning skills:
- Apply for a Job: Have your client pretend they are responding to a job ad. Discuss the steps for contacting the company as well as some qualifications they have for the job.
- Remember an Ad: Work on memory by showing your client an ad for something like a used car. Take the ad away and ask them some questions to see how much they remember (e.g., “What colour was the car?”, “What is the make and model?”, etc.)
- Write an Editorial: Have your client write a mock editorial for the local newspaper. This will help to work on planning as well as help them to practice getting their ideas down on paper!
Bus Schedules
Executive functioning tasks can be as simple as figuring out how to get from “a” to “b”. Bus schedules can be used as a great functional task that we use in day-to-day life! Take a look at the local bus schedule and present your client with problems such as “If I want to get from the Doctor’s office to the grocery store, what would be the quickest way to get there and what time would I arrive?” These word problems are great for working on temporal concepts as well.
Learn More About Executive Functioning Skills
There are many different ways to practice executive functioning skills, and we often use a variety of methods to help cater to each individual’s needs. Our team has worked with many individuals who have a range of cognitive issues, including executive functioning skills. If you are interested in learning more about any speech, language or literacy concerns, please contact our team today.
