Why Speech is Important in a Child’s Development of Executive Functioning Skills

Do you ever wonder why certain children who display remarkable skills in one area exhibit difficulties with performing routine tasks like brushing teeth or putting away toys? This might possibly be due to delays with what we call executive functioning skills (EF), and understanding how speech supports executive functioning in children can offer helpful insight.

Executive functioning skills are a set of abilities that are necessary for a child to manage himself in an organized manner to reach a particular goal. We do not know the order in which each EF skill develops (Gibb et al., 2021). However, it is apparent that these processes impact and influence almost every area of a child’s life including communication. Executive functioning and language skills appear very early on in a child’s development (Kapa & Erikson, 2020). These two areas work together in ways that are mutually beneficial. Therefore, strengthening your child’s language skills will have a positive impact on his executive functioning skills and vice versa.

Why This Matters for Families

Executive functioning and speech are not just school skills. They affect daily life at home. A child who struggles with organizing thoughts may also struggle with brushing teeth, cleaning up, or telling you what they need. When speech and executive functioning work well together, children can express ideas, follow steps, and stay calm during changes.

Parents often notice small signs first. A child may repeat the same word instead of answering a question, or they may get upset when a routine changes. These challenges are linked to the way the brain manages language and self-control. Understanding this connection helps families support growth in both areas.

Key Executive Functioning Skills Explained

Refer below for a brief description of each skill:

• Attentional Control: ability to shift and regulate focus.
• Working Memory: allows for the temporary storage and retrieval of memory to perform a task.
• Inhibition: ability to control urges and impulses.
• Cognitive Shifting: ability to change course or adapt according to new demands.
• Planning: ability to choose specific actions to reach a goal.

How Speech Supports Each EF Skill

Speech and language give children the tools to use executive functioning in real life. Each skill connects closely with communication.

1. Attentional Control: Language helps children focus on directions and ignore distractions. A simple reminder like “look here” or “listen now” supports attention.
2. Working Memory: Remembering words and instructions builds memory strength. Repeating short phrases or steps aloud makes it easier to complete tasks.
3. Inhibition: Speech gives children self-talk phrases like “stop” or “wait.” These words help them manage impulses and stay calm.
4. Cognitive Shifting: Talking through new ideas helps kids switch from one task to another. Language helps them understand why a change is happening.
5. Planning: Using words to describe steps (“first…next…last”) teaches children how to set goals and follow through.

By practicing language, children also practice these self-management skills.

Role of Play and Social Interaction

Play is more than fun—it builds thinking and speaking skills together.

• Pretend play encourages kids to use new words and plan storylines.
• Group games teach turn-taking, cooperation, and problem-solving.
• Singing or chanting games strengthen memory and attention.
• Playdates and classroom play give children chances to practice talking with peers.

Through play, children develop social skills and learn how to manage feelings. At the same time, they strengthen vocabulary and self-control.

Everyday Activities to Support Speech and Executive Functioning

You can work with your child to target both executive functioning skills and communication using the following activities:

Toddlers (0-2 years)

• Work on getting your child to hum or sing along to nursery rhymes and songs.
• Play peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake.
• Engage your child in play using cause and effect toys (e.g., rattles, pop-up toys, music toys).
• Teach your child how to imitate your actions (e.g., clapping, blowing a kiss, smiling).
• Work on saying animal sounds (e.g., moo, baa, neigh).

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

• Help your child sort cards by color and shape
• Present an enticing treat to your child but have him wait to eat it
• Practice turn-taking and sharing toys
• Copy and build a structure using blocks
• Work on getting your child to name the opposite given a picture (e.g., what is the opposite of big? tell me the opposite of happy)
• Have your child work on a simple art project or other types of construction activities (e.g., building a cardboard house) with a peer

Parent Strategies at Home

Parents play an important role in daily growth. Small actions at home can make a big difference.

1. Use visual schedules: Pictures or charts help children follow steps without getting lost.
2. Practice storytelling: Ask your child to retell a short story or describe their day in order.
3. Narrate routines: Talk through daily tasks like cooking or dressing. Simple language gives your child a model to follow.
4. Use timers: Short timers teach waiting and help transitions between activities.
5. Encourage choices: Asking, “Do you want apple or banana?” builds language and decision-making together.

These strategies fit easily into family life and strengthen both speech and self-regulation.

Impact on School Readiness and Learning

Strong speech and executive functioning skills prepare children for success in the classroom. Children who can follow directions and express themselves clearly adjust more easily to school routines. They can listen during group lessons, share materials, and ask for help when needed.

Executive functioning supports early literacy and math too. Remembering letter sounds or counting steps relies on working memory. Planning helps children complete projects, while attentional control keeps them focused during lessons.

When speech and executive functioning develop together, children build a strong foundation for learning.

When to Seek Support for Speech or Executive Functioning Concerns

All children develop at their own pace, but sometimes delays in communication or self-management skills can signal the need for extra support. You may notice your child has difficulty following simple directions, switching between tasks, or expressing their needs clearly. These can be early signs of challenges in speech or executive functioning.

Here are some early signs that may show your child needs extra support:

• Trouble paying attention during short activities or stories
• Difficulty remembering simple steps (like getting dressed or cleaning up)
• Strong emotional reactions when asked to stop or change an activity
• Limited use of words or gestures to communicate by age 2
• Struggles with turn-taking or problem-solving during play

If any of these behaviors feel familiar, you’re not alone—and support is available. A speech-language pathologist or behavioral therapist can assess your child’s needs and offer strategies tailored to their development.

Professional Support Pathways

Sometimes extra help is needed. A team of professionals can guide your child’s growth in speech and executive functioning.

• Speech-language pathologists (SLPs): Focus on building vocabulary, grammar, and social language.
• Behavior analysts (BCBAs): Support self-regulation, routines, and skill-building through ABA therapy.
• Occupational therapists (OTs): Strengthen fine motor skills, attention, and daily living activities.

Collaboration between these specialists creates a plan that meets your child’s unique needs. Parents are part of the team, ensuring therapy goals carry over at home.

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Long-Term Benefits of Strengthening Speech & EF

The benefits of supporting speech and executive functioning reach far beyond childhood. Children who strengthen these skills often become more independent in their daily routines and learn to manage emotions with greater self-control. They experience academic success through stronger focus and planning, while also gaining social confidence as they communicate and solve problems with others. Together, these gains prepare children for future success in school, friendships, and life. By investing in these areas early, families give their children the tools to thrive long term.

Final Thoughts

The development of language and executive functioning skills are deeply connected. When children develop stronger language, they also learn how to plan, focus, and manage their emotions. In the same way, when executive skills improve, communication becomes easier and more effective. This connection shapes everything from simple routines at home to success in school and friendships.

Families can make a real difference by encouraging play, practicing routines, and using simple strategies at home. Still, many children benefit from extra support. Speech therapy, ABA therapy, and other professional services can provide personalized guidance to help children reach their full potential.

Every child’s journey is unique. Progress may look different from one child to the next, but with the right support, each step forward builds a stronger foundation for learning, independence, and confidence.

If you have concerns about your child’s speech or executive functioning, we’re here to help. Connect with Mindful Sprouts today to learn how our team can support your child in building lasting communication and self-regulation skills.

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References:

Gibb, R., Coelho, L., Van Rootselaar, N. A., Halliwell, C., MacKinnon, M., Plomp, I., & R. Gonzalez, C. L. (2021, December 29). Promoting Executive Function Skills in Preschoolers Using a Play-Based Program. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.720225

Kapa, L. L., & Erikson, J. A. (2020, July 17). The Relationship Between Word Learning and Executive Function in Preschoolers With and Without Developmental Language Disorder. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 63(7), 2293–2307. https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_jslhr-19-00342