ACTIVITIES THAT IMPROVE FRONTAL FUNCTIONS

 It is possible to improve frontal lobe functions by engaging in activities that involve the frontal lobes.  Such activities involve:

• problem solving (at the individual's current level of ability)

• learning  new motor sequences (not practicing already learned routines)

• physical activity (particularly those that require solving spatial problems, like dancing)

• participating in new activities and going to new places, learning how things are related, similar or different

• discussing pragmatics (how and why events or actions occur, how things are related, and how meaning is related to context, culture, and expectations) 

  To help improve frontal lobe functions in individuals with delayed or impaired frontal lobe abilities:

• constantly add novelty and vary the environment AND daily activities

•  explain how things are related, similar or different

•  explain how and why things happen, how context changes the rules or meaning of behavior

• play games and engage in activities that gradually increase memory demands

• learn (rather than practice) a new song, dance, sport, game or series of movements

• tap rhythms with alternating fingers

• walk, jump, or run backwards, use obstacle courses

•  play games that involve rules and strategies (begin with simple ones and progress slowly) 

• solve spatial problems (puzzles, obstacle courses, construction toys, video games, climbing)

• teach deductive reasoning and problem solving skills

• AVOID schedules and routines (these eliminate the need to use memory and reasoning)

• give instructions that are clear and specific and immediate and concrete feedback

• provide verbal, visual or tactile cues to cue the beginning and ending of an action

• provide continual emotional support and encouragement

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