Executive function in preschool: games that build focus and self-control - post

What is executive function in #preschool?
Executive function is like an “air traffic control system” in the brain. It helps children:

• Pay attention (focus on a #teacher, a game, or a story)
• Use working memory (hold a rule in mind, like “wait for green”)
• Use self-control (stop their body, wait, and take turns)
• Be flexible (change plans when rules change)

These skills #support-learning, friendships, and smoother days at school. They also connect closely to self-regulation. 

Why do focus and self-control #matter for #preschoolers?
When executive function is stronger, preschoolers can:

• Follow 2–3 step directions
• Handle small problems (like losing a turn)
• Wait briefly without melting down 
• Join group activities more easily
• Calm their bodies after big feelings

The good news: you don’t need special equipment. You can build these skills with simple games you already know. 

Which games build focus and self-control fast?

Below are easy games that work well in #classrooms, #homes, and child care programs. Try 5–10 minutes at a time.

1) “Red Light, Green Light” (Stop-and-Go Control)

Skills: impulse control, listening, body control
How to #play:

• Children move on “green light.”
• Children #freeze on “red light.”
• Add “yellow light” = slow motion.

Make it easier: let children copy you instead of remembering rules.
Make it harder: add “purple light” = dance, “blue light” = tiptoe.

2) “Simon Says” (Listening + Working Memory)

Skills: attention, self-control, rule-following
How to play:

• Only do the action if you say “Simon says…”
• Keep commands short: “touch your head,” “clap twice.”

Tip: Praise effort: “You stopped your body so fast!”

3) “Freeze Dance” (Fun Self-Stop Practice)

Skills: inhibition (stop), emotional control
How to play:

• Play music while children dance.
• Pause music and everyone freezes like a statue.

Try this: Ask children to take one slow breath while frozen.

4) “Copy My Pattern” (Focus + Memory)

Skills: working memory, attention
How to play:

• Clap-stomp (children repeat).
• Tap knees-clap-clap (children repeat).

Make it harder: Use 3–4 steps, then switch to a new #leader.

5) “Opposite Day” (Flexible Thinking)

Skills: #mental flexibility, impulse control
How to play:

• “When I say ‘up,’ you touch down.”
• “When I say ‘fast,’ you move slow.”

Start simple: Use only two opposites at first.

6) “Quiet Detective” (Sustained Attention)

Skills: focus, self-monitoring
How to play:

• Choose one “detective.”
• Everyone else sits very still and quiet for 10 seconds.
• The detective guesses who moved.

Tip: Keep it #playful, not “gotcha.” The goal is practice, not perfection.

How can I turn daily routines into focus practice?
Executive function grows faster when children practice in real moments, not just games.

Try these quick “everyday challenges”:

• Waiting practice: “Hands in lap, eyes on me—wait for your name.”
• Clean-up countdown: “Pick up 5 things, then stop and check.”
• Line leader job: Give a child a simple “plan” (hold the sign, count friends).
• Snack step memory: “First napkin, then cup, then snack.”

Small, repeated practice is powerful. 

What if a child struggles with self-control?
Some children need more support (and that’s okay). Use these gentle strategies:

• Shorter turns: 30–60 seconds is fine
• Visual cues: a picture of “stop,” “go,” or “quiet mouth”
• Model first: show the action, then let children copy
• Co-regulate: speak slowly, get on their level, and breathe together
• Celebrate progress: “You waited longer today!”

If a child gets upset, reset with kindness: “Let’s try again. I’ll help you.”

How do I set up games so they work in a group?
A few simple steps can prevent chaos:

• Teach the rule, then practice once slowly
• Use clear start/stop signals (a bell, a hand signal, a picture card)
• Keep groups small (especially at first)
• End while it’s going well (stop before children get too silly)

When games feel #safe and predictable, children can focus more.

Want more support? ChildCareEd courses and resources to explore
If you want deeper strategies for building self-control and guiding behavior, these ChildCareEd trainings and resources fit this topic well:

• Self-Regulation & Change: Helping Children Cope 
• From Tantrums to Triumphs: Equipping Preschoolers with Self-Regulation Skills 
• Student Success: Expectations & Independence 

Free ChildCareEd resource to try in your space:

• Peace Corner 

Related ChildCareEd article:

• How to Promote Self-Regulation Skills in Young Children  

Stay connected: Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram for more quick tips, activity ideas, and training updates: @childcareed