Packet #20

Using strategic planning, reasoning, and cognitive flexibility, your client must try to decipher how to arrive at a given solution using the given numbers, given operators, as well as the results of their steps to arrive at a specific solution. This exercise highly targets executive functioning, but also targets working memory by way of requiring your client to remember which numbers and operators they have used and keep track of unsuccessful attempts so as to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Your client must develop and implement strategies for effective planning while also practicing how to effectively solve problems using some degree of trial and error.

Using knowledge of numerical order, clients must correctly sequence the numbers in either ascending or descending order. This exercise requires clients to scan for information, retain details, and use their knowledge of numbers to correctly order them. These skills are important for activities such as handling money and figuring out the best way to get to a destination.

Correctly pairing symbols with meaningful letters requires attention to detail, working memory, and the use of both grammar and context clues. Your client will have to use the help or given vowels or consonants, or attempt to solve the puzzle through trial and error. Using working memory, your client must identify which letters have been correctly paired and use the solved character-letter pairings to figure out the remaining unknown character-letter pairings.

Looking at the configuration of basketballs, your clients will have to mentally manipulate the basketballs into the correct hoops in as few moves as possible. Working memory and planning are challenged in this exercise, as clients must view the desired configuration and plan the most effective way to reach it. This exercise also helps with inhibition, as unplanned actions can cause more steps needed to solve the problem.