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TOP PICKS | 17 TOOLS
Best Apps and Sites for Improving Executive Function
Top Picks
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Thinking Time Pro - Cognitive Skills for Early Learning
Challenging games stress memory, logic, impulse control, flexibility
Bottom line: Effective and engaging way to address foundational cognitive skills; most kids will need adult support.
Grades: Pre-K–K
Price: $4.99
Choiceworks
Practical, flexible life-skills diagrams build executive functions
Bottom line: A variety of customizability options make it easy to personalize boards.
Grades: Pre-K–2
Price: $6.99
Todo Telling Time
Top-notch tool for teaching time, from minutes to months
Bottom line: Well-rounded, fun learning game that's ALL about time.
Grades: Pre-K–2
Price: $4.99
Children with Autism: A Visual Schedule
Simple, wearable calendar and task tool could be great for some
Bottom line: This is a usefully customizable spin on visual timers, but the cool wearable version is accessible to very few students.
Grades: Pre-K–12
Price: $12.99
First Then Visual Schedule HD
Useful multisensory tool teaches self-direction and follow-through
Bottom line: This simple but powerful tool engages kids in independently following a schedule.
Grades: Pre-K–12
Price: Paid $14.99
Goalbook Toolkit
Set tailored targets with pricey but worth-it kit of tools, strategies
Bottom line: You pay for quality with Goalbook Toolkit, including access to clear, well-crafted learning goals and strategies that allow for far easier differentiation.
Grades: Pre-K–12
Price: Free to try, Paid 30-day free trial. There are three paid plans: $995 per year including district/administrator support, $395 per teacher per year with district/administrator support, or $795 per teacher per year with online PD and 1:1 coaching for teachers. The latter two plans require a minimum purchase of 10+ licenses.
Mindful Powers
Care for a cute creature to practice mindfulness and self-control
Bottom line: Meditation lessons and visual timers act as decent supplemental activities for introducing SEL skills.
Grades: K–5
Price: Free to try, Paid Free to try; $4.99 for the full app.
Remind
Teachers' text reminders keep students -- and parents -- up to speed
Bottom line: Well-designed, highly effective messaging tool has the potential to keep students and families connected with their schools.
Grades: Pre-K–12
Price: Free, Paid Remind is free, but if you use it to fundraise for events, they charge a fee of $0.50 per transaction. School and district plans are also available.
Time Timer
Manage and conceptualize time with great visuals, a few bugs
Bottom line: A decent option for visual timer needs, being sufficiently customizable, but there are still a few bugs and room for improvement.
Grades: 1–12
Price: Paid $2.99
MindMeister
Powerful mind mapper aimed at adults, simple enough for older kids
Bottom line: Sophisticated productivity tool enhances learning and organization with simple dashboard and slick workspace.
Grades: 5–12
Price: Free, Paid Free account limited to three mind maps. The Edu Personal plan ($2.50 per user per month) has unlimited mind maps, file/image uploading, and other extra features. Edu Pro plans ($4.17 per user per month) add options for multiple users, exporting, and reports. Schools can pay $0.99 per user per month (minimum 20 licenses) for the Edu Campus plan to get additional group sharing, backups, and custom login and themes.
WorkFlowy
Simple tool helps teachers and students make lists, get organized
Bottom line: A simple, free way to get organized combining lists, outlines, and notes with some extra nice-to-have features that make this tool a solid option for teachers and students.
Grades: 5–12
Price: Free
Bear
Write, edit, and sync content on the go with flexible note-taking tool
Bottom line: For an app that doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, it's surprisingly versatile and useful for many types of writing and note-taking.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free, Paid The app is free to use. The Pro version is $1.49 per month or $14.99 per year and includes syncing capability across devices, more themes, and more export options, such as exporting a note as a PDF.
Evernote
Organize digital content with full-featured web clipper and notebook
Bottom line: Students and teachers can learn to better manage their digital lives via this comprehensive organizational tool.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free, Free to try, Paid Basic, Plus, and Premium plans available. Basic plans are free; additional plans and in-app purchases range from $2.99 to $7.99 per month. Yearly pricing is also available. Plus plans give users up to 1GB of uploads per month and Premium plans add even more features.
iHomework 2
Keep track of assignments, due dates, and tasks with digital planner
Bottom line: This flexible, easy-to-learn organizational tool will help students get set up for success, though teachers will need to follow up regularly to make sure the information is accurate.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free, Paid The app is free for basic features; $1.99 removes ads. A Premium subscription ($4.99 for six months, $8.99 for one year) adds options for syncing between devices, universal access, grade tracking, and more.
Notability
Flexible note-taking tool empowers learners of all abilities
Bottom line: An excellent tool that lets students make their notes thorough and useful in the way that best suits their learning styles and abilities.
Grades: 6–12
Price: $9.99
Microsoft OneNote
Note-taking giant built for flexible, collaborative work
Bottom line: A powerful (and free) tool for thinking and organization that's making smart strides in the education space.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
myHomework Student Planner
Digital planner makes scheduling easy, if paired with teacher app
Bottom line: If used on a regular basis with teacher guidance and motivation, students can be ready to tackle their complex schedules with ease.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free
