Help your child become the captain of their own brain. The Brain Captain Skills Kit is a bright, child-friendly set of executive functioning worksheets for kids that teaches the everyday skills behind getting started, staying focused, remembering steps, managing time, and handling big feelings. Each skill is explained in simple words, practiced with hands-on activities, and turned into a daily habit with routine charts, trackers, and cut-out cards.
Designed for children ages 5 to 12, it works beautifully at home, in the classroom, and in counseling or therapy sessions, and it is especially helpful for neurodivergent learners and children with ADHD or autism.
What this executive functioning workbook does
Executive functioning skills are the brain’s “management system.” They help children plan, focus, start tasks, stay organized, switch gears, and calm down. Many kids need these skills taught step by step. This kit introduces a friendly mascot, the Brain Captain, who shows children that their brain has a captain that gets stronger with practice. Every page uses the same calm, predictable layout, so children always know what to expect.
Who it’s for
- Parents and caregivers building calmer mornings, homework routines, and independence
- Teachers and homeschool families looking for ready-to-use SEL and study-skills lessons
- School counselors, therapists, and psychologists who need engaging worksheets for individual or small-group sessions
- Special education and ADHD or autism support settings that rely on visual, structured materials
Main benefits
- Breaks big skills into small, doable steps children can actually use
- Kid-friendly language and cheerful pastel visuals keep children engaged
- Shows progress with a Skills Check-In at the start and the finish
- Gives grown-ups simple coaching tips on every Learn page
- No prep: print a page and go, or type into it on a computer or tablet
Features and what’s included
Start here (6 pages)
- Cover, How to Use This Kit, and a clickable contents page
- Meet Your Brain Captain (with a draw-your-captain activity)
- What Are Executive Functioning Skills? (skill map + matching activity)
- Skills Check-In: Start (rate all 11 skills)
11 skill units (24 pages)
Each unit has a Learn page (what the skill is, when you use it, why it can feel hard, four strategies to try, a reflection, a 7-day practice challenge, an “I can” affirmation, and a grown-up tip) plus one or two Try It pages:
- Working Memory: My Memory Helpers
- Focus & Attention: My Focus Zone and Distraction Detective
- Task Initiation: Launch Pad and Break Down Big Tasks
- Planning Ahead: My Daily Plan
- Organization: Get Organized! backpack checklist
- Time Management: Time Detective with clock practice
- Flexible Thinking: Plan B Maker and thought swap
- Problem Solving: Problem Solver Steps
- Emotional Regulation: My Calm-Down Plan with a feelings scale
- Self-Control: Stop, Think, Go
- Self-Monitoring: Check My Work
Captain’s Toolkit (14 pages)
- My Skills Toolbox, When I’m Stuck poster, and My Goal Ladder
- Morning, After-School, and Bedtime Routine charts
- Weekly Homework Planner and Skill Practice Tracker with sticker spots
- Brain Break Menu with 18 quick breaks
- 8 Calm-Down Cards and 8 Skill Strategy Cards to cut out
- Daily Feelings Check-In, My Celebration Menu, and a Grown-Up Observation Log
Celebrate (4 pages)
- Skills Check-In: Finish, My Success Plan, the Official Brain Captain Certificate, and license terms
How it works
- Check in. Your child rates each skill to find strengths and growth areas.
- Learn. Read one Learn page together and choose a strategy to try.
- Practice. Complete the Try It pages and track the strategy for a week.
- Celebrate. Repeat the check-in, finish the Success Plan, and award the certificate.
A suggested 12-week plan is included in the user guide, but you can use any page on its own.
File formats and software requirements
- 4 PDF files: full color and Low-Ink, each in US Letter (8.5 x 11 in) and A4
- User guide in Word (DOCX) and PDF format
- Print with any home or school printer at 100% / Actual size
- To type into the fillable fields, use free Adobe Acrobat Reader on a computer, iPad, or Android tablet
- Clickable contents page, a “Contents” button on every page, and PDF bookmarks for quick navigation
Customization
All writing lines, table cells, and check boxes are fillable, so you can type names, routine steps, goals, and rewards before printing. Routine charts and tables include blank rows for your child’s own steps. Print only the pages you need, laminate charts for dry-erase use, or print the cards on cardstock.
Digital download information
This is an instant digital download. No physical product will be shipped. After purchase, download your files from your order confirmation or account page. Colors may look slightly different on screen and in print.
Use cases
- A morning routine chart on the fridge to end the daily rush
- A homework planner and Launch Pad page for kids who struggle to get started
- Calm-down cards in a backpack or calm corner
- Weekly SEL lessons in class or small-group counseling sessions
- Tracking IEP or therapy goals with the Grown-Up Observation Log
- A summer skills project with a certificate at the end
Executive functioning worksheets FAQ
What age is this for?
Ages 5 to 12. Younger children can complete pages with a grown-up reading aloud and writing for them.
Is this good for kids with ADHD or autism?
Yes. The visual, structured, step-by-step layout is especially helpful for neurodivergent learners, and the skills help every child.
Can I type into the pages?
Yes. Every writing line, table cell, and check box is fillable in Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can also print and write by hand.
What paper size is it?
US Letter and A4 are both included, each in color and Low-Ink versions.
Can I use it with more than one child?
Yes. Print unlimited copies for your own family, or for one classroom or caseload.
Can therapists and counselors use it?
Yes. It’s designed for counseling and therapy sessions. Each practitioner needs their own license.
Will I receive a physical book?
No. This is a digital download that you print or use on screen.
License: personal and single-classroom use only. Please do not share, resell, or upload the files. This resource is educational and does not replace professional advice. © Taskdale.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.