Brain Power Check-In

Think about a time you had to do something important, like study for a test or finish a big project. How did you organize your thoughts and actions?

What helped you stay focused, even when it was difficult?

What made it hard to stay on track?

Share your thoughts with a partner or the class!

Brain Boss Script

Warm-Up: Brain Power Check-In (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Let's get our brains warmed up today with a quick 'Brain Power Check-In'. I want you to think about a time you had to do something important, like study for a test or finish a big project.

• How did you organize your thoughts and actions?
• What helped you stay focused, even when it was difficult?
• And what made it hard to stay on track?

Take a minute to jot down some quick notes on your Brain Power Check-In Warm Up or just think about it. Then, we'll share a few ideas as a class."

(Allow 2-3 minutes for students to think or write. Then, facilitate a brief class discussion, encouraging a few students to share their experiences. Connect their responses to the idea of managing tasks and thoughts.)

Teacher: "Great sharing, everyone! It sounds like we all have moments where our brains are super organized and focused, and other times when it's a bit harder to stay on track. Today, we're going to learn about how our brains do all that managing – it's called Executive Functioning!"

Introduction to Executive Functions (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Let's dive in! Our lesson today is called Brain Boss Basics. That's because we're going to learn how to be the boss of our own brains!"

(Advance to Slide 1: Welcome to Brain Boss Basics!)

Teacher: "Think of your brain like a giant supercomputer, and 'Executive Functions' are like the control panel and the manager of that computer. They are a set of mental skills that help you get things done, learn new things, and manage your behavior."

(Advance to Slide 2: What are Executive Functions?)

Teacher: "As you can see on the slide, executive functions are your brain's control center for getting things done. They help you plan, focus, remember, and manage your time. Ultimately, these skills make you the 'boss' of your own actions and learning. This is super important because when you understand these skills, you can use them to make school easier, manage your friendships, and even help out at home!"

Exploring Key Skills (10 minutes)

Teacher: "There are several important executive functioning skills, and we're going to focus on four today that are really helpful for 6th graders: Organization, Planning, Time Management, and Impulse Control. Let's look at the first one."

(Advance to Slide 3: Skill 1: Organization)

Teacher: "Organization! This is all about keeping things in their place. Think about your backpack, your locker, your desk at home, or even your computer files. When things are organized, it's easier to find what you need, right? When they're messy, it causes stress and wastes time.

• Folders & Binders: These aren't just for looking pretty; they're to keep your papers and notes from becoming a crumpled mess.
• Clean Workspace: A clear desk often leads to a clear mind. It helps you focus.
• Digital Tools: Even your computer files or apps on your phone need organizing!

Can anyone share a quick tip for staying organized, or tell us what happens when things aren't organized?"

(Allow 1-2 student responses.)

Teacher: "Excellent points! Let's move to our next skill: Planning."

(Advance to Slide 4: Skill 2: Planning)

Teacher: "Planning! This is about thinking ahead to reach your goals. Imagine you have a big science project. You don't just start building, do you? You probably think about what you need, what steps to take, and when you'll do them.

• Break it Down: A huge project seems less scary if you break it into small, manageable steps.
• To-Do Lists: These are your roadmap! What needs to get done?
• Calendar Check: Look at your week or month. When will you do each step?

Why is planning important for things like homework or preparing for a sports game?"

(Allow 1-2 student responses.)

Teacher: "Exactly! Planning helps us feel less overwhelmed and more prepared. Next up, Time Management."

(Advance to Slide 5: Skill 3: Time Management)

Teacher: "Time Management! This is making the most of your minutes. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but some people seem to get more done. It's often because they manage their time well.

• Estimate Time: How long will this REALLY take? Don't just guess; try to be realistic.
• Set a Timer: Use a timer for focused work bursts. Work for 20 minutes, take a 5-minute break. This really helps!
• Prioritize: What's most important RIGHT NOW? Do the urgent or important tasks first.
• Avoid Distractions: This is a big one. Put phones away, turn off notifications. Give your task your full attention.

What are some things that distract you from managing your time well? And what's one way you could try to avoid them?"

(Allow 1-2 student responses.)

Teacher: "Those are great insights! Finally, let's talk about Impulse Control."

(Advance to Slide 6: Skill 4: Impulse Control)

Teacher: "Impulse Control! This is all about thinking before you act. Sometimes, we have a strong urge to do or say something without really thinking about the consequences. Executive functions help us pause.

• Stop & Breathe: When you feel a strong emotion or urge, just pause. Take a deep breath.
• Think it Through: What will happen if I do this? Is it helpful or harmful?
• Choose Wisely: Make a good decision based on your thinking.
• Emotional Control: This skill also helps you manage your feelings, like anger or frustration, so they don't control you.

Can anyone give an example of when having good impulse control is really important?"

(Allow 1-2 student responses.)

Teacher: "Fantastic examples! These skills help us make better choices and avoid problems."

Practical Application: Brainstorm Worksheet (7 minutes)

Teacher: "Okay, you've learned about four super important brain boss skills. Now it's your turn to put them into action!

I'm going to hand out the Executive Functioning Brainstorm Worksheet. Your task is to look at the four skills again: Organization, Planning, Time Management, and Impulse Control.

1. Choose ONE skill that you want to focus on improving this week. Think about which one would make the biggest difference for you right now.
2. On the worksheet, brainstorm one specific, practical strategy you will use to improve that skill this week. It could be one of the tips we talked about, or something new you thought of.

I want you to really think about how you'll use it. For example, if you choose Organization, maybe your strategy is: 'I will put all my completed homework in a specific red folder in my backpack every day.' That's specific!

I'll give you about 5 minutes to work on this. I'll be walking around to answer any questions and help you brainstorm. After that, we'll share a couple of ideas."

(Distribute worksheets. Circulate and assist students. After about 5 minutes, call for attention.)

Teacher: "Alright, who would like to share the skill they chose and the strategy they plan to use?"

(Call on 2-3 students to share.)

Teacher: "Those are excellent, practical strategies! Remember, even small changes can make a big difference when you practice them consistently."

Wrap-Up and Reflection (3 minutes)

Teacher: "We're almost out of time, but before we go, let's do a quick Wrap-Up Reflection Cool Down."

(Advance to Slide 7: You're the Brain Boss!)

Teacher: "I want everyone to quickly answer two questions on your cool-down sheet or just think about them:

1. What is one new thing you learned today about being a 'Brain Boss'?
2. How will understanding executive functions help you in school or at home this week?

Think about it, and remember: Your brain has awesome powers! By practicing these executive functioning skills every day, you can become an even better learner, problem-solver, and a true boss of your own brain!"

(Collect cool-down sheets or simply end the class, reiterating the main message.)

Executive Functioning Brainstorm Worksheet

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Your brain is amazing! It helps you plan, organize, focus, and get things done. These are called executive functioning skills.

Part 1: Skill Self-Assessment

Read each skill and think about how you use it. Put a checkmark next to the skill you want to focus on improving this week.

• Organization: Keeping your backpack, locker, desk, and digital files neat and easy to find.

  • ____ I want to focus on this!

• Planning: Thinking ahead, breaking down big tasks into smaller steps, and setting goals.

  • ____ I want to focus on this!

• Time Management: Estimating how long tasks will take, using your time wisely, and meeting deadlines.

  • ____ I want to focus on this!

• Impulse Control: Thinking before you speak or act, managing your emotions, and resisting distractions.

  • ____ I want to focus on this!

Part 2: My Brain Boss Strategy

My chosen Executive Functioning Skill to improve this week is: ______________________________________

One specific strategy I will use this week to improve this skill is:

(Think about the tips we discussed, or come up with your own! Be specific!)

**How will this strategy help me be a better \

Wrap-Up Reflection

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

1. What is one new thing you learned today about being a \