Parents, let’s be honest: summer skills review worksheets rarely spark joy for kids—or adults! If you’re looking for a powerful, practical way to keep your child learning this summer (even with limited time for academics), it’s time to swap out the worksheets for something that will pay dividends all year long: real-time executive function skills practice.
The secret weapon? A daily planner.
At Yellow Parachute, we’re piloting a brand-new daily planner/journal for all our students and families this summer—with elementary, middle/high school, and adult versions to choose from. Why? Because the simple act of planning, tracking, and reflecting on daily life is one of the most effective ways to boost the 12 Executive Function Skills that drive success in school, work, and life.
Why Executive Function Skills Matter More Than Worksheets
Executive function skills are the “brain’s management system”—the set of abilities that help us plan, organize, focus, remember, regulate emotions, and get things done. They’re not just for school—they’re for life! Research shows that these skills are best learned through meaningful, real-world practice, not rote drills or fill-in-the-blank worksheets.
The Power of a Daily Planner
A daily planner isn’t just a calendar—it’s a hands-on tool for practicing executive function skills every single day. By using a planner to set goals, track tasks, and reflect on progress, kids (and adults!) build self-awareness, independence, and confidence.
Even small actions—like contributing to a family calendar, recording personal goals, or checking off completed tasks—build time awareness, prioritization, and self-management. And when every family member has their own way to plan and reflect, everyone grows together!
12 Executive Function Skills—And How to Practice Each with a Planner
Here’s how you can use a daily planner to target each executive function skill, with a fun activity for each skill. Rotate these activities—one per day—for three months of meaningful practice!
| Skill | Planner Activity Example |
| 1. Planning | Map out tomorrow’s schedule, including meals, activities, and downtime. |
| 2. Organization | Color-code or categorize tasks (school, chores, fun). Organize your workspace and note it in your planner. |
| 3. Time Management | Estimate how long each task will take, then compare actual vs. estimated time at day’s end. |
| 4. Task Initiation | Pick one “must-do” task and write when you’ll start it. Set a timer and jump in! |
| 5. Working Memory | List 3–5 steps for a multi-step task (like making lunch) and check them off as you go. |
| 6. Metacognition | Reflect: What went well today? What was challenging? Write a quick note or emoji review. |
| 7. Self-Monitoring | Track your focus: Use a symbol or color to mark times you stayed on task vs. got distracted. |
| 8. Emotional Control | Add a “feelings check-in” to your planner. Use colors or faces to show how you felt during the day. |
| 9. Flexibility | When plans change, write what changed and how you adapted. Celebrate your flexibility! |
| 10. Goal-Directed Persistence | Set a weekly goal and break it into daily steps. Track progress and celebrate small wins. |
| 11. Response Inhibition | Mark moments when you paused before reacting or speaking. Give yourself a star for each success. |
| 12. Stress Tolerance | Plan a daily stress-buster (walk, music, doodle) and check it off when you complete it. |
90 Days of Executive Function Activities
Imagine the growth if your child (or your whole family!) practiced one of these skills each week for three months. Here are a few more ideas for each skill to keep things fresh:
- Planning: Create a summer bucket list and schedule one activity each week.
- Organization: Declutter a drawer or backpack and record before/after in your planner.
- Time Management: Use a timer for a “beat the clock” clean-up challenge.
- Task Initiation: Try a “two-minute start”—commit to just two minutes on a tough task.
- Working Memory: Memorize a short grocery list, then check how many items you recall.
- Metacognition: Write a “thought of the day” or question to ponder.
- Self-Monitoring: Rate your effort on a scale of 1–5 after each task.
- Emotional Control: Draw a “mood meter” for the day.
- Flexibility: Plan a “mystery hour” where the activity is a surprise.
- Goal-Directed Persistence: Track a new skill (like juggling or typing) over several weeks.
- Response Inhibition: Pause before dessert—write down what you’re thinking and feeling.
- Stress Tolerance: Schedule a “pause and breathe” break after a busy activity.
Why This Matters (Even If You’re Short on Time)
If you only have time for one academic habit this summer, make it meaningful executive function practice. These skills are the foundation for all learning—and life success. Plus, using a planner is simple, flexible, and can be personalized for every age and interest.
Try the Yellow Parachute Quantum Jump Planner!
We’re excited to pilot our new daily planner/journal for students and families this summer, with versions for elementary, middle/high school, and adults. Whether you’re new to planning or a seasoned organizer, there’s a version for you. Let’s make this summer a launchpad for lifelong skills—ditch the worksheets and jump into real-time growth!
Ready to get started?
Let’s make every day a step toward stronger executive function—for your kids and your whole family! Try our Quantum Jump Planner available for download in our Quantum Jump ADHD Community.
Join us now! 
Quantum Jump ADHD Community
Yours in the journey,
Cara & The Yellow Parachute Team
