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Brain Bosses Unite

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Lesson Plan

Brain Bosses Unite Lesson Plan

Students will learn to identify and practice executive functioning skills—planning, organization, and self-control—through interactive sorting and team challenges. By session end, each student will apply at least one Brain Boss strategy in a group task.

Strengthening executive functioning in 3rd graders boosts focus, task management, and confidence. These core skills help students follow routines, regulate behavior, and work independently, improving overall classroom success.

Audience

3rd Grade Tier 2 Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive games and guided reflection

Materials

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up & Brain Boss Introduction

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and introduce the concept of a Brain Boss—their personal executive-function manager
  • Ask: “What tasks does a Brain Boss handle?” Record responses on chart paper under Planning, Organization, Self-Control
  • Explain today’s goal: practice using these Brain Boss skills

Step 2

Strategy Sorting Activity

7 minutes

  • Distribute Executive Function Strategy Cards among students
  • Students take turns placing a card in the correct chart column (Planning, Organization, Self-Control)
  • For each placement, ask: “Why does this strategy belong here?”

Step 3

Group Planning Game

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups (3–4)
  • Provide each group with simple building materials
  • Phase 1 (2 min): Groups create a quick written plan for building the tallest structure
  • Phase 2 (3 min): Build according to the plan, using the timer
  • Observe how groups organize materials and practice self-control during the challenge

Step 4

Reflection & Self-Control Check-In

6 minutes

  • Distribute Brain Bosses Reflection Worksheet
  • Students write:
    • One planning or organization strategy they used
    • One way they practiced self-control
  • Pair up to share and discuss their responses

Step 5

Closing & Takeaways

2 minutes

  • Reconvene whole group and invite 2–3 volunteers to share their favorite Brain Boss strategy
  • Reinforce how these skills support success in class
  • Collect completed Reflection Worksheets for review
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Slide Deck

Brain Bosses Unite

Welcome, 3rd Graders!
• Today we explore executive functioning skills:
– Planning
– Organization
– Self-Control
• Our goal: Become stronger Brain Bosses!

Welcome students! Introduce today’s session: we’ll learn three Brain Boss skills—planning, organization, self-control—to help us succeed in class.

What Is a Brain Boss?

• A Brain Boss is your personal helper for thinking and working.
• Tasks a Brain Boss handles:
– Planning: Setting goals and steps
– Organization: Keeping things in order
– Self-Control: Managing impulses
• Chart Columns: Planning | Organization | Self-Control

Explain what a Brain Boss is and record student ideas on chart paper under the three columns.

Strategy Sorting Activity

• Distribute Executive Function Strategy Cards
• Take turns placing a card under:
– Planning
– Organization
– Self-Control
• Ask: “Why does this strategy belong here?”

Hand out the Executive Function Strategy Cards. Call on volunteers to place cards in the correct column and explain their reasoning.

Group Planning Game

In groups of 3–4:
• Phase 1 (2 min): Write a plan for the tallest structure
• Phase 2 (3 min): Build using your plan and a timer
• Focus on:
– Following your plan (Planning)
– Sharing materials (Organization)
– Staying on task (Self-Control)

Divide students into small groups. Guide them through writing a quick plan (Phase 1) then building (Phase 2). Use the timer to keep on track.

Reflection & Self-Control Check-In

• Complete Brain Bosses Reflection Worksheet:
– Name one planning or organization strategy you used
– Describe one way you practiced self-control
• Pair up to share your responses

Distribute worksheets and explain reflection prompts. After writing, have students pair up to share.

Closing & Takeaways

• Volunteer share: What was your favorite Brain Boss strategy?
• Discussion: How will these skills help you in class?
• Collect Reflection Worksheets

Invite 2–3 volunteers to share. Reinforce how Brain Boss skills help in everyday classwork. Collect reflection worksheets.

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Activity

Executive Function Strategy Cards

Print and cut these cards so each student can sort them into Planning, Organization, or Self-Control categories during the Strategy Sorting Activity. Shuffle and place face down for students to draw one at a time.

Instructions for Teacher:

  • Print one copy of this page for each group (3–4 students).
  • Cut along the dotted lines so each card is individual.
  • Mix cards and distribute or have students pick cards randomly.

• Break big tasks into smaller steps.

• Use a checklist or to-do list.

• Keep your desk and materials tidy.

• Highlight important information.

• Set a timer for each activity.

• Put things back where they belong.

• Make a plan before starting a project.

• Ask yourself “What’s my next step?”

• Take deep breaths when feeling distracted.

• Use a calendar to track due dates.

• Group similar materials together.

• Count to five before acting on an impulse.

• Review and adjust your plan as you work.

• Color-code papers or folders by subject.

• Pause and refocus when you notice daydreaming.

• Keep materials in labeled bins.

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Worksheet

Brain Bosses Reflection Worksheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: _______________


  1. Describe one planning or organization strategy you and your team used during the Group Planning Game. How did this strategy help your group succeed?





  2. Write one way you practiced self-control during the game. What made it hard or easy to stay focused?





  3. Which Brain Boss skill (Planning, Organization, or Self-Control) was your favorite to use? Why?





  4. Which Brain Boss skill do you want to get even better at? What is one thing you will try next time to improve this skill?





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