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 ›
Planning & Organization

Sequencing steps to achieve a goal and organizing materials and actions.

Examples & Achievements

  • Describes what they will build before starting a block construction
  • Gathers needed materials before starting an art project
  • Follows a simple recipe with picture steps
  • Plans what to do during free play time
  • Packs own backpack with needed items

How to Measure

  • Tower of Hanoi (simplified 3-disk version for young children)
  • Observation during project-based activities (does child plan before acting?)
  • Can describe 2-3 steps of a plan before beginning a task
  • HighScope Plan-Do-Review observation
Sources (2)
  • Diamond (2013)
  • HighScope (Approaches to Learning)

Childhood Map › Executive Functions

Planning & Organization

Sequencing steps to achieve a goal and organizing materials and actions.

Examples & Achievements

How to Measure

Sources