The website of the Center on the Developing Child has a 16-page guide about ways to help children learn executive function. Teachers/caregivers can use the instructions to choose age-appropriate activities and games for children from infancy through adolescence. The guide includes many physical activities. It lists some quieter activities that develop attention skills that help children think through the options rather than acting immediately.
The guide suggests activities by age groups:
- For infants - lap games, hiding games, imitation activities, role play, finger plays and conversations
- For toddlers- ball catch/throw, floor level balance beam, running up & down an incline, jumping, games with rules for taking turns, imitation games, games that require attention to stop or move, songs with gross motor movement or finger play, matching/sorting games
- For 3-5 year olds - imaginary play, movement challenges with songs, matching/sorting and story-telling
- For school-age children - games that combine movement with songs, certain types of organized sports, physical activities that combine mindfulness and movement, and games that require coordination while providing aerobic exercise.