Building Strong Foundations: The Pyramid of Learning and Executive Function

When supporting children and adults in their daily learning, behaviour, and independence, it’s essential to understand the Pyramid of Learning. This framework highlights how foundational sensory and motor skills support higher-level thinking, social skills, and executive function.

At the very top of the pyramid are the complex cognitive skills we want to see thrive - planning, organizing, problem-solving, and flexible thinking. But these skills can only develop when the foundation layers are strong.

The Pyramid of Learning Explained

🔼 Base Layer – Sensory Systems

Vision, hearing, proprioception, vestibular input, touch, taste, and smell form the core building blocks. These systems help us process the world accurately and consistently.

🔼 Next Layer – Sensory-Motor Development

Postural control, body awareness, and reflex integration allow for coordinated movement, balance, and regulation.

🔼 Middle Layer – Perceptual-Motor and Attention Skills

Eye-hand coordination, fine and gross motor skills, and sustained attention emerge as sensory systems become integrated.

🔼 Higher Layer – Academic and Social Learning

Once sensory-motor foundations are strong, children can engage meaningfully in communication, literacy, numeracy, and social interactions.

🔼 Top Layer – Executive Function and Cognitive Skills

Skills like planning, shifting attention, problem-solving, working memory, and self-regulation sit at the peak. They rely on all the foundation layers below.

Why Executive Function Relies on the Pyramid

Executive function is like the brain’s “CEO.” It manages decision-making, focus, emotional regulation, and flexible thinking. But a CEO can’t run a business without the right support staff. Without stable sensory input and integrated motor skills, the brain struggles to manage higher-order thinking.

This is why a child who struggles with focus or self-regulation may actually have unmet sensory needs at the base of the pyramid. Addressing these foundational skills allows executive function to flourish.

Supporting Development Across the Pyramid

🛞 Strengthen the foundation: Provide movement, sensory play, and opportunities for motor development

🛞 Support attention and regulation: Use strategies that help children sustain focus and manage distractions

🛞 Boost executive function: Practice goal-setting, problem-solving games, and flexible thinking activities

Why This Matters

Understanding the Pyramid of Learning shows that executive function isn’t developed in isolation. Strengthening foundational skills empowers children and adults to reach their full potential cognitively, socially, and emotionally.