Lights, Camera, Executive Function!

This summer, turn your child’s interests into impact with a fun, real-world challenge: Have them create a short how-to video on something they know and love.
 
Whether it’s “How to throw a perfect spiral,” “Three ways to level up your Minecraft house,” or “How to make the world’s best grilled cheese,” this project does more than pass the time. It quietly builds real executive function skills:

1. Planning: What will they teach? What’s the step-by-step breakdown?
2. Task initiation: Starting is often the hardest part—this gives it purpose.
3. Working memory and sequencing: Keeping the process straight while teaching it clearly.
4. Self-monitoring: Reviewing the recording helps them reflect, revise, and improve.
5. Time management: Setting up, recording, and editing takes forethought and follow-through.

There’s no need for fancy tools—just a phone, an idea, and a little encouragement. And who knows? You might just have a budding YouTuber, teacher, or TED Talker on your hands.