Understanding the Importance of Executive Function Development in Early Childhood: Insights from Tera Sumpter, CCC- SLP
Are you eager to gain a deeper understanding of executive function development in early childhood? Perhaps you’re a caregiver, educator, or a professional working with children or looking to expand your knowledge in this area. My recent conversation with Tera Sumpter, CCC-SLP, is a must-read for anyone passionate about child development and learning. Let’s delve into the key takeaways from our discussion, highlighting the significance of executive function and its impact on children’s cognitive growth.
Importance of Identifying Patterns of Processing
Tera introduces the concept of POP (patterns of Processing) as a vital framework for understanding a child’s skill development across various domains and settings. It’s essential to identify weaknesses in perception, working memory, and executive function through detailed observation. She emphasizes that collaborative work among practitioners is crucial to gain a broader picture of a child’s ability.
Tera comments, “We need to look beyond standardized measures and consider the whole system, including executive function, for skill development in children. The key is to understand the root needs rather than just the symptoms.”
Twice Exceptional Children and Executive Function Support
Tera sheds light on the idea of “twice exceptional” kids, who may excel in certain areas but have significant needs in others. She highlights the importance of providing support at the level of the executive function system for these children, acknowledging their unique strengths and challenges.
Sumpter explains, “Children with varying aptitudes require a comprehensive approach. It’s crucial to internalize a simple plan and provide sensory experiences to help them develop a robust internal map in the brain.”
Working Memory Components and Sensory Experiences
Discussing the working memory model, Tera highlights the verbal and nonverbal components. Verbal working memory involves holding onto sound without meaning, while nonverbal working memory is the brain’s ability to create and retain mental representations of sensory experiences with objects.
She shares, “Sensory experiences play a fundamental role in early childhood development. They allow the brain to create internal maps to which all other information will attach. This promotes self-evaluation and learning from mistakes, leading to the development of executive function skills.”
Reflexive Questioning and Self-Directed Learning
During the interview, Tera Sumpter discussed reflexive questioning as a game changer for children’s self-direction and decision-making. An example of reflexive questioning could be a scenario where a child is given the opportunity to make their own decisions. Here’s an example of reflexive questioning:
– Instead of telling a child what to do, the adult could ask the child, “What do you think would be a good way to start?”
– This prompts the child to think and make their own decisions, fostering independence and self-directed behavior.
This approach fosters the development of executive function skills and self-leadership in children. Tera emphasizes, “The goal is to help children create a mental map of the plan and internalize it in their brains. Sensory experiences and reflexive questioning are invaluable tools for building these cognitive skills.”
Wrapping Up
The insights shared by Tera underscore the critical role of executive function in early childhood development, particularly in the areas of perception, attention, working memory, and inhibition. Her emphasis on collaborative efforts, sensory experiences, and self-directed learning offers valuable guidance for professionals and caregivers alike. As we strive to support children’s cognitive growth, understanding and intervening in executive function become essential components of our approach.
If you’re seeking further resources and expertise in executive function development, Tera Sumpter’s community and book are valuable assets to explore. By integrating these principles into your work, you could make a profound impact on the holistic development of the children under your care.