Executive
    executive functions
    attention
    inhibition

    Rule Switching Sort

    Parameters adjust to the level and the task.

    Example

    Rule Switching Sort

    1

    Switch rules from row to row.

    Rule
    A
    B
    C
    D
    Color: yellow
    yellow triangle
    orange triangle
    green diamond
    yellow circle
    Shape: triangle
    green diamond
    yellow circle
    yellow triangle
    orange triangle
    2

    Switch rules from row to row.

    Rule
    A
    B
    C
    D
    Color: purple
    yellow star
    red square
    purple diamond
    purple square
    Shape: square
    purple diamond
    purple square
    red square
    yellow star
    3

    Switch rules from row to row.

    Rule
    A
    B
    C
    D
    Color: blue
    blue star
    orange square
    red circle
    blue circle
    Shape: circle
    orange square
    red circle
    blue star
    blue circle
    4

    Switch rules from row to row.

    Rule
    A
    B
    C
    D
    Color: red
    yellow circle
    red triangle
    purple diamond
    red circle
    Shape: circle
    purple diamond
    yellow circle
    red triangle
    red circle
    5

    Switch rules from row to row.

    Rule
    A
    B
    C
    D
    Color: blue
    red square
    blue diamond
    blue square
    purple star
    Shape: square
    purple star
    red square
    blue square
    blue diamond
    6

    Switch rules from row to row.

    Rule
    A
    B
    C
    D
    Color: red
    yellow hexagon
    red diamond
    green circle
    red circle
    Shape: circle
    red circle
    yellow hexagon
    green circle
    red diamond

    A generated instance. Parameters such as difficulty, size, and symbol set are adjustable.

    Task focus

    Each task format is associated with these cognitive categories:

    executive functions

    Set of processes for planning, organizing, initiating, and controlling behavior. Includes planning, working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility.

    attention

    Ability to focus on relevant information and filter out distracting stimuli. Includes sustained, selective, and switching attention.

    inhibition

    Ability to suppress automatic or dominant responses, impulses, and irrelevant information.

    How to use it

    1. 1Open the exercise and adjust the difficulty to the student's current level — usually it is better to start slightly easier than feels right.
    2. 2Read the rules. They are short, usually 10–20 seconds.
    3. 3Use the generated task as structured educational material, with accuracy and clarity prioritized over speed.
    4. 4Compare the answer with the reference and leave a human-written comment if the task is assigned through the student cabinet.

    Who it's for

    • Educators and tutors — as material for lessons, review, and home practice.
    • Speech, special-education, and development specialists — for children and adults; parameters adjust to the student's level.
    • Parents — to receive clear assignments and leave comments about completion.

    Frequently asked

    Can I practice without an account?

    Yes. The Rule Switching Sort exercise itself runs in your browser without an account. Sign-up is only needed if you work with clients or want to save progress between sessions.

    What is the task focus of Rule Switching Sort?

    Primarily — executive functions, attention and inhibition. The full list is in the section above, with short definitions for each function.

    How long does one task take?

    Most generated tasks are designed for short use in lessons, homework, or individual practice sets. The exact time depends on difficulty and student level.

    Can I use Rule Switching Sort with clients?

    Yes. In BrainTrainings Academy, Rule Switching Sort can be added to a worksheet set with difficulty controls, student assignment, completion time, and comments.

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