Childhood Map

Discover the amazing things 5-year-olds are learning — from climbing and jumping to friendships, feelings, and first words on a page. Each skill comes with fun activities you can try together.

Physical & Motor 8 › Sensory 8 › Executive 7 › Cognitive 6 › Language 5 › Communication 5 › Emotional 5 › Social 6 › Self-Care 7 › Literacy 4 › Math 5 › Creative & Artistic 5 › World & Science 5 ›
by Robert Pankowecki
Executive Functions

Higher-order cognitive processes that enable goal-directed behavior, self-regulation, and adaptive responses — the strongest predictor of school readiness.

Sources (7)
  • Diamond (2013) Executive Functions research
  • Miyake & Friedman (2012)
  • Zelazo (2015)
  • Tools of the Mind Curriculum
  • Head Start ELOF (Approaches to Learning / Cognitive Self-Regulation)
  • NAEYC
  • Polish IBE Research (Funkcje Wykonawcze)
7 Subdomains
Inhibitory Control › Working Memory › Cognitive Flexibility › Planning & Organization › Emotional Regulation (Hot Executive Function) › Self-Monitoring & Metacognition › Initiation & Task Engagement ›
Initiation & Task Engagement

Starting tasks independently and maintaining engagement without excessive external prompting.

Examples & Achievements

  • Begins morning routine independently (hanging coat, unpacking bag)
  • Chooses an activity and starts it without adult direction
  • Returns to a task after a brief interruption
  • Begins cleaning up when the signal is given without individual reminders

How to Measure

  • Begins a familiar routine within 1 minute of cue (observed)
  • Sustains engagement in a chosen activity for 10-15 minutes
  • Teaching Strategies GOLD Objective 11 (approaches to learning)
Sources (2)
  • HighScope
  • Teaching Strategies GOLD

Childhood Map › Executive Functions

Initiation & Task Engagement

Starting tasks independently and maintaining engagement without excessive external prompting.

Examples & Achievements

How to Measure

Sources