November: Metacognition — Thinking About How You Think

Nov 3

Understanding the Skill

Metacognition is the ultimate executive function skill. It’s the ability to notice what’s happening in your own mind — to pause, reflect, and ask: Is this strategy working? What do I need right now? What could I try differently next time?

When students (and adults!) build this skill, they start learning how to learn — not just what to learn. It helps with studying, emotional regulation, planning, and problem-solving. It’s what transforms a frustrating “I can’t do this” into “I can figure out another way.”

Why It’s Hard

Metacognition requires slowing down, and our world doesn’t reward that.
We’re often so busy doing that we rarely step back to notice. For kids and teens, that reflection muscle is still developing. And for adults, it often gets buried under the daily grind.

But the more we practice reflective thinking, the more effective every other executive function skill becomes. It’s like upgrading your brain’s internal operating system.

How to Build It

Name what’s happening. Try saying, “My brain wants to avoid this,” or “I’m feeling frustrated because this is new.”
Reflect after a task. Ask, “What went well? What didn’t?”
Create reflection rituals. End the day or week with a quick family check-in: What worked this week? What would we do differently next time?
Use journaling or voice notes. Record thoughts after homework, projects, or big events — you’ll start noticing patterns.

Executive Function Practice Ideas for November

Keep a small “learning log” where you jot one thing you learned about yourself each day.
Ask your child reflective questions like, “How did you know what to do first?” or “What would make this easier next time?”
Practice saying, “Next time, I’ll…” instead of “I should have…”

Final Thoughts: Self-Awareness as a Superpower

Metacognition is the quiet space between stimulus and response — where growth happens.

When we slow down enough to notice our thoughts, we stop being ruled by them. This month, practice catching yourself in the act of thinking, and use that awareness to gently course-correct.