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Brain Boost Session

Lesson Plan

Brain Boost Lesson Plan

In a 60-minute individual session, Benjamin will practice initiating tasks, sustaining attention, transitioning flexibly, regulating emotions, following two-step directions, and self-monitoring, achieving target prompts and accuracy criteria as measured by the Brain Boost Data Collection Sheet.

Strengthening executive functions empowers Benjamin to start tasks independently, stay focused, adapt between activities, manage emotions, hold instructions in mind, and reflect—key skills for academic success and daily life.

Audience

2nd Grade Individual Student

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive, visual supports and structured practice

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up & Task Initiation

5 minutes

Step 2

Sustained Attention Activity

10 minutes

  • Choose a simple puzzle or academic worksheet.
  • Set a 7-minute timer and explain: “Try to work until the timer beeps.”
  • Use Executive Function Visual Support Cards to remind steps as needed.
  • Allow no more than 1 redirection if attention drifts.
  • Record engagement duration and redirections on the data sheet.

Step 3

Flexible Thinking & Transitions

5 minutes

  • Signal transition to a non-preferred task (e.g., clean-up or a quick worksheet).
  • Use a 3–2–1 countdown on a visual support card.
  • Provide up to 2 prompts (visual or verbal) to complete the transition.
  • Observe and note prompts required on the data sheet.

Step 4

Emotional Regulation Practice

10 minutes

  • Introduce a mildly challenging or non-preferred task.
  • When Benjamin shows frustration, prompt him to label his emotion.
  • Guide him to choose one coping strategy from the Coping Strategy Reminder Chart (deep breaths, ask for help, movement break).
  • Allow up to 2 prompts to implement the strategy.
  • Record accuracy and strategy use on the data sheet.

Step 5

Working Memory Game

10 minutes

  • Present a Working Memory Two-Step Direction Card (e.g., “Pick up the red block, then put it on the blue card”).
  • Read the two-step direction aloud and ask Benjamin to repeat it.
  • Observe no more than 1 prompt to recall and follow both steps.
  • Record accuracy on the data sheet.

Step 6

Self-Monitoring & Reflection

5 minutes

  • Use the Self-Reflection Visual Scale.
  • Ask Benjamin to name one task he completed well and one area to improve.
  • Have him select thumbs up/middle/down for each.
  • Record his self-ratings on the data sheet.

Step 7

Data Review & Closing

5 minutes

  • Review the Brain Boost Data Collection Sheet with Benjamin.
  • Provide positive feedback and note progress toward goals.
  • Set a simple objective for the next session based on today’s data.
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Slide Deck

Brain Boost Session

Strengthening Executive Function Skills

Duration: 60 Minutes
Audience: 2nd Grade Individual Student (Benjamin)

Welcome everyone! Introduce today’s Brain Boost Session. Explain we’ll practice executive function skills using visual supports and activities.

Session Objectives

  • Task Initiation: start a task within 1 min with ≤1 prompt
  • Sustained Attention: engage for 7 consecutive minutes with ≤1 redirection
  • Flexible Thinking & Transitions: switch tasks with ≤2 prompts
  • Emotional Regulation: label feelings and use a coping strategy
  • Working Memory: follow 2-step directions accurately
  • Self-Monitoring & Reflection: rate performance using a visual scale

Review the six focus areas and explain why each is important for academic and daily success.

Session Flow

5 min: Warm-Up & Task Initiation
10 min: Sustained Attention
5 min: Flexible Thinking & Transitions
10 min: Emotional Regulation Practice
10 min: Working Memory Game
5 min: Self-Monitoring & Reflection
5 min: Data Review & Closing

Walk through the 60-minute timeline so Benjamin knows what to expect.

Materials

Show all materials at once so nothing is missing during the session.

Preparation

  • Print & cut [Executive Function Visual Support Cards]
  • Assemble [Task Choice Board]
  • Print [Coping Strategy Reminder Chart]
  • Prepare [Working Memory Two-Step Direction Cards]
  • Print [Self-Reflection Visual Scale]
  • Print [Brain Boost Data Collection Sheet]
  • Set up timer & gather materials

Quickly prepare everything before Benjamin arrives. This ensures a smooth session.

Warm-Up & Task Initiation

  1. Present the [Task Choice Board] for Benjamin to pick an activity
  2. Give clear instruction & show first step with [Visual Support Cards]
  3. Start timer; allow ≤1 prompt within 1 minute to begin
  4. Record initiation time & prompts on the [Data Collection Sheet]

Guide Benjamin through selecting a task and starting it with support. Record data after initiation.

Sustained Attention

  1. Choose a simple puzzle or worksheet
  2. Set a 7-minute timer and explain: “Work until it beeps.”
  3. Use [Visual Support Cards] as needed
  4. Allow ≤1 redirection
  5. Record engagement duration & redirections on the data sheet

Encourage Benjamin to stay focused, gently redirecting only once if needed.

Flexible Thinking & Transitions

  1. Signal transition to a non-preferred task
  2. Use a 3-2-1 countdown on a visual support card
  3. Provide up to 2 prompts
  4. Note prompts required on the data sheet

Use a countdown visual to model flexible thinking. Track the number of prompts.

Emotional Regulation Practice

  1. Introduce a mildly challenging task
  2. When frustration appears, prompt to label the emotion
  3. Guide choice of coping strategy from [Coping Strategy Reminder Chart]
    • Deep breaths
    • Ask for help
    • Movement break
  4. Allow ≤2 prompts to implement
  5. Record strategy use

Prompt Benjamin to label frustration and choose a strategy. Support implementation with up to two prompts.

Working Memory Game

  1. Present a [Working Memory Two-Step Direction Card]
  2. Read directions aloud (e.g., “Pick up red block, then place on blue card.”)
  3. Have Benjamin repeat instructions
  4. Observe ≤1 prompt to follow both steps
  5. Record accuracy on the data sheet

Test working memory with fun directions and record accuracy.

Self-Monitoring & Reflection

  1. Use the [Self-Reflection Visual Scale]
  2. Ask him to name:
    • One task he did well
    • One area to improve
  3. Have him select thumbs up/middle/down for each
  4. Record his self-ratings on the data sheet

Encourage Benjamin to reflect honestly. This fosters self-awareness.

Data Review & Closing

  1. Review the [Brain Boost Data Collection Sheet] together
  2. Provide positive feedback and note progress
  3. Set a simple objective for the next session based on today’s data

Review the data, highlight successes, and set a goal for next time.

Resources & Links

  • Executive Function Visual Support Cards: Link
  • Task Choice Board: Link
  • Coping Strategy Reminder Chart: Link
  • Working Memory Cards: Link
  • Self-Reflection Scale: Link
  • Data Collection Sheet: Link

Provide quick links in case you need to reference materials mid-session.

Next Steps & Questions

  • Based on today’s data, confirm the goal for the next session
  • Any questions or observations before we wrap up?

Invite any questions and confirm the plan for the next session.

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Worksheet

Task Choice Board

Below are activities you can choose for today’s session. Circle one Preferred Task to start with, and be ready to transition to a Non-Preferred Task later.

Preferred Tasks

Activity
🧩Puzzle (e.g., jigsaw)
🎨Drawing/Coloring
📖Reading a Book
🤖Play with Blocks/Toys

Non-Preferred Tasks

Activity
✏️Pencil Practice/Writing
🔢Quick Math Worksheet
🧹Clean-Up Task
🃏Sorting Cards or Small Objects

My Chosen Activity: _________________________________





After completing the preferred task, be ready to switch to one of the non-preferred tasks using our visual supports!

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Activity

Executive Function Visual Support Cards

Use these cards to guide each step of your tasks. Show Benjamin the card before or during each phase.

1. Start 🟢

• Icon: ▶️ (play button)
• Text: “Let’s begin! First, look at what you need to do.”


2. Focus 🔍

• Icon: 🔍 (magnifying glass)
• Text: “Keep your eyes and hands on the task. You’ve got this!”


3. Transition 🔄

• Icon: 🔄 (arrows circle)
• Text: “Time to switch! Let’s move to the next activity.”


4. Regulate 🌬️

• Icon: 🌬️ (blowing wind)
• Text: “Take three deep breaths to help you calm down.”


5. Remember 🧠

• Icon: 🧠 (brain)
• Text: “Remember the steps. Say them in your head.”


6. Reflect 💭

• Icon: 💭 (thought bubble)
• Text: “Great work! What did you do well, and what’s next?”

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Worksheet

Coping Strategy Reminder Chart

When you feel frustrated, upset, or stuck, choose one of these strategies to help you calm down and keep going.

IconStrategyHow to Use It
💨Deep Breaths1. Sit or stand comfortably.
2. Breathe in slowly through your nose for 4 seconds.
3. Hold for 2 seconds.
4. Breathe out through your mouth for 6 seconds.
5. Repeat 3 times.
🗣️Ask for Help1. Look at your teacher or friend.
2. Use a calm voice: “Can you help me, please?”
3. Listen and follow the guidance.
🚶Movement Break1. Stand up and stretch your arms high.
2. Walk to the water fountain or around the room.
3. Take 5 slow steps, then return to your seat.

When I feel ____________, I will use: _____________________






After using this strategy, I notice I feel: ________________________






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Worksheet

Working Memory Two-Step Direction Cards

Follow the steps on each card. Read both instructions, say them aloud, then follow them!

  1. “Pick up the red block, then place it inside the blue box.”






  2. “Touch your nose, then clap your hands twice.”






  3. “Draw a circle on your paper, then color it green.”






  4. “Stand up and take two steps back, then sit down.”






  5. “Pick up the pencil, then write your name.”






  6. “Find a book, then open it to page 3.”






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Activity

Self-Reflection Visual Scale

At the end of our session, think about what went well and what you can improve. Use the chart below to rate yourself and then write down your thoughts.

1. Task I Did Well

👍 Great😐 Just Okay👎 Needs Improvement
☐☐☐

What task did I do well?






2. Area to Improve

👍 Great😐 Just Okay👎 Needs Improvement
☐☐☐

What can I do better next time?






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Worksheet

Brain Boost Data Collection Sheet

Date: _____________________ Session #: ___________

Goal AreaPrompts/RedirectionsDurationAccuracy (%)Notes
Task Initiation
Sustained Attention
Flexible Thinking & Transitions
Emotional Regulation/Coping
Working Memory
Self-Monitoring & Reflection








Teacher Observations & Next Steps:






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