Executive Function Character Cards for Young Children
Introduce children to key executive function skills through engaging character cards. These cards encourage kids to connect with each character’s unique traits and each character embodies an executive function skill. For example Stop Spot, a dog, who learnt response inhibition skills to help him to stop jumping up, and Penny Planner, a squirrel, who takes pride in planning where to store her nut collection for winter. Every character has a fun and unique backstory to look out for, making these skills come to life! These resources are perfect for parents, teachers, and practitioners working with children, these cards make skill-building relatable, interactive, and accessible. Look out for our fun executive function character colouring pages too.
How to use these cards
- Introduce One Character at a Time Pick a character that relates to what your child is currently working on. For example, if transitions are tough, start with Ad-aptable (Flexibility).
- Read Their Story Aloud Use the character backstory to create empathy. Talk about their challenges and strengths. Encourage your child to share similar experiences.
- Explore the ‘What Can I Do?’ Tips Each card offers simple strategies to practise the skill. Choose one or two to try together that week — like using a checklist with Penny Planner or deep breathing with Keep Calm Crock.
Tips for incorporating the cards into daily routines
- Use Visual Prompts: Display cards on a wall or fridge to cue strategies during the day.
- Celebrate EF Moments: “Wow! You just used your See-it-Through Sam skills!”
- Reflect Together: Use Eve-Owl-uate‘s WWW/EBI questions after an activity: What Went Well? Even Better If…?
- Play Games: Memory games, task-timing races, or tidy-up challenges can reinforce character strategies in a fun way.
- Model and Name Your EF Skills: “I need to use my Ad-Aptable thinking right now because our plans have changed.”
£16.00
What's included with the Executive Function Character Cards for Young Children
- Printable character cards featuring vibrant illustrations, relatable traits, and compelling back stories
- Engaging activities for each character to encourage real-life skill application
- Tips for discussing each character’s traits and strategies with children, as well as exploring how they can relate their own lived experiences to each character’s back stories
- Unlimited printing to allow for repeated use and extended learning
Why we developed the Executive Function Character Cards for Young Children
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