5 Study Habits to Improve Executive Function Skills

Executive function skills are the mental processes that help students plan, organize, focus, and follow through on tasks. Strong executive function is essential for academic success, especially for students balancing homework, extracurriculars, and increasingly complex assignments in middle school, high school, and beyond.

For students with ADHD, learning differences, or simply busy schedules, building good study habits can transform how they manage schoolwork. At Open Horizons Tutoring, we support students through personalized academic coaching and executive function coaching online, helping them develop independence, confidence, and structure.

Here are five powerful study habits that strengthen executive function skills and help students stay organized, motivated, and productive.

1. Build a Structured Study Schedule Using Time Blocking

Students with weak executive function often struggle with time management and knowing when to start. Time blocking creates a predictable routine that reduces stress and increases productivity.

Encourage students to:

• Block out dedicated homework times with specific cut off deadlines

• Schedule specific subjects for each block

• Include short breaks to reset focus (Pomodoro technique 25 minutes on, 5 minutes off)

• Use a virtual calendar such as iCal, Google Calendar, Notion Calendar

• Include alerts to give yourself reminders to let the tool keep track of times for you

A structured routine supports planning, task initiation, and consistency, helping students feel more in control of their workload.

2. Break Assignments Into Smaller, Manageable Steps (Chunking)

Large assignments can feel overwhelming. Breaking tasks into smaller steps, a strategy known as chunking, makes work more approachable and reduces the mental load needed to get started.

Students can:

• Divide essays into research → outline → draft → edits

• Break math chapters into problem sets

• Tackle science projects one section at a time

• Turn “study for test” into daily micro-goals

Chunking strengthens organization, sequencing, and working memory, helping students overcome procrastination and build momentum.

3. Use Active Study Methods Instead of Passive Reading

Many students reread notes or highlight chapters — but these passive habits do little to build understanding or retention, especially for students with executive function challenges.

Active study strategies support working memory and cognitive flexibility, and include:

• Creating flashcards (Quizlet)

• Teaching the material to someone else

• Solving practice problems

• Using retrieval practice to test yourself

• Making quick summary sheets after completing reading assignments

These methods promote deeper learning and keep students engaged.

4. Create a Distraction-Free, Purpose-Built Study Environment

Environment matters. Students with attention or executive function challenges benefit from a designated “learning zone” that cues the brain to focus.

Helpful strategies include:

• Removing unnecessary devices

• Turning off notifications

• Keeping materials within reach

• Using noise-canceling headphones

• Using a consistent study location (desk or library)

A structured environment helps students develop sustained attention and emotional regulation, making it easier to stay on task.

5. Use Visual Planners, Checklists, and Kanban Boards to Track Progress

Visual tools help students see what they need to do, what they are currently doing, and what they’ve already completed. This reduces overwhelm and strengthens organization, planning, and task completion.

Recommend tools such as:

• Daily homework checklists

• Weekly academic planners

• Color-coded calendars

• Priority lists (Now → Next → Later)

• Kanban boards using a simple “To Do → In Progress → Done” layout

  • Kanbans can also be effective in organizing tasks in customizable hierarchies such as “Due Today→Due Tomorrow→Due by the End of the Week”

A student with red hair smiles while organizing a Kanban-style study board with “To Do,” “Doing,” and “Done” sticky notes, demonstrating effective executive function skills, time management, and study habits for academic success.

⭐ Why Kanban boards are powerful for executive function:

• Turn tasks into clear visual steps

• Make progress visible and motivating

• Support prioritization and time management

• Reduce executive function fatigue by breaking tasks into stages

• Work well for ADHD learners who benefit from structure and immediate feedback

Students can use physical Kanban boards with sticky notes or digital versions through Notion, Trello, or Miro. This system helps students stay organized and focused, and builds lifelong habits that extend far beyond school.

Final Thoughts

Improving executive function takes time, but the right habits make a tremendous difference. These five strategies empower students to manage their workload, stay organized, and build confidence in their academic abilities.

At Open Horizons Tutoring, we offer:

• Executive function coaching online

• ADHD tutoring and academic coaching

• Homework support and study skills development

• One-on-one tutoring for math, science, writing, and test prep

If your student could benefit from structure, focus, and personalized support, our team is here to help them take the next step in their learning journey.

👉 Book a free consultation today and discover how personalized executive function coaching can transform your student’s academic experience.