Lesson Plan
Brain Toolbox Lesson Plan
Students will identify and practice three coping skills and executive-function strategies, then create a personalized “Brain Toolbox” they can use to manage stress, stay organized, and maintain focus.
Building coping skills and executive-function techniques helps students regulate emotions, improve organization, and enhance academic success. This lesson equips 8th graders with practical tools for everyday challenges.
Audience
8th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion plus hands-on toolkit creation.
Materials
- Coping Strategies Handout, - Brain Toolbox Template, - Reflection Worksheet, - Colorful Index Cards, and - Markers or Pens
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review Coping Strategies Handout and Brain Toolbox Template.
- Print enough copies of the handout, template, and Reflection Worksheet for each student.
- Gather colorful index cards and markers for each student.
- Set up a projector or chart paper for discussion notes.
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Pose the question: “What makes you feel stressed or overwhelmed at school?”
- Invite 3–4 volunteers to share quick examples.
- Capture keywords (e.g., deadlines, noise) on chart paper or screen.
Step 2
Introduction to Executive Function
5 minutes
- Define executive functioning: planning, organization, focus, emotional control.
- Explain how stress can hinder EF skills and why coping tools matter.
- Show 1–2 examples from the Coping Strategies Handout.
Step 3
Group Discussion of Coping Skills
7 minutes
- Split class into small groups of 3–4.
- Assign each group 1–2 strategies from the handout (e.g., deep breathing, time blocking).
- Ask groups to discuss when and how they might use their assigned strategy.
- Have each group report one key insight to the class.
Step 4
Hands-On Brain Toolbox Activity
10 minutes
- Distribute the Brain Toolbox Template, index cards, and markers.
- Instruct students to choose three strategies they want in their personal toolbox.
- On each index card, write one strategy name, a brief description, and draw a small icon.
- Glue or tape the cards onto their template in designated “tool slots.”
- Encourage creativity with colors and doodles.
Step 5
Cool-Down & Reflection
3 minutes
- Ask students to pair-share one strategy they added and why.
- Hand out the Reflection Worksheet.
- Students jot down: 1) Which tool they’ll use first, 2) When they’ll try it, and 3) How they’ll track success.
- Collect worksheets or have students keep them in binders for later review.
Slide Deck
Brain Toolbox: Coping Skills & Executive Functioning
30-minute lesson | 8th Grade | Tier 1 Classroom Guidance
Welcome students and introduce today’s topic: managing stress and boosting executive functioning with practical tools. Explain that they will build their own Brain Toolbox.
Warm-Up: What’s Stressing You?
What makes you feel stressed or overwhelmed at school?
Pose the warm-up question aloud. Invite 3–4 volunteers to share. Record keywords (deadlines, noise, peer pressure) on the board or chart paper.
What Is Executive Function?
Executive function includes:
- Planning & prioritizing tasks
- Organizing materials & time
- Maintaining focus & attention
- Regulating emotions & impulses
Define each EF component. Use relatable examples: planning a project, keeping track of homework, resisting distractions, controlling frustration.
Why Coping Tools Matter
• Stress can weaken our ability to plan, focus, and stay organized.
• Having go-to coping strategies helps restore control and improve performance.
Explain how stress can hijack EF skills. For example, anxiety about a test may make you forget study steps or lose focus in class.
Coping Strategies Overview
Examples from Coping Strategies Handout:
• Deep Breathing: Calms your mind in 1–2 minutes
• Time Blocking: Break tasks into short, focused intervals
• Quick Movement: A 2-minute stretch to reset
Briefly introduce 3–4 strategies from the handout, such as deep breathing and time blocking. Illustrate when/how each might help.
Group Discussion
- Form groups of 3–4
- Each group gets 1–2 coping strategies
- Discuss: When & how would you use them?
- Share one key insight with the class
Guide students to form groups of 3–4. Assign each group 1–2 strategies. Circulate to prompt discussion and keep groups on task.
Build Your Brain Toolbox
• Take your Brain Toolbox Template
• Choose three strategies
• On each card: write the name, a short description, and draw an icon
• Attach cards to your template
Distribute the template, index cards, and markers. Encourage creativity. Remind them to include an icon and brief description on each card.
Reflection & Cool-Down
- Pair-share one strategy & why you picked it
- Complete the Reflection Worksheet:
• Which tool will you use first?
• When will you try it?
• How will you track success?
Have students partner up to share their chosen strategy and rationale. Then hand out the Reflection Worksheet and explain each prompt.
Next Steps
• Keep your Brain Toolbox handy
• Practice at least one strategy every day
• Reflect on what works & adjust your tools
Wrap up by encouraging daily use of the Brain Toolbox. Suggest keeping it visible in binders or lockers and reviewing progress weekly.
Worksheet
Coping Strategies Handout
Use these strategies to manage stress and strengthen your executive functioning skills. Read each one, think about when and how you might use it, then write your personal notes in the space provided.
-
Deep Breathing
Description: A simple breathing exercise to calm your mind and body.
Example: Inhale slowly for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, then exhale for 4 seconds.
My Notes: -
Time Blocking
Description: Schedule your tasks into fixed intervals with short breaks.
Example: Work for 25 minutes on homework, then take a 5-minute stretch break.
My Notes: -
Quick Movement
Description: Use brief physical activity to reset focus and release tension.
Example: Stand up and do 10 jumping jacks or stretch for 2 minutes between tasks.
My Notes: -
Five Senses Grounding
Description: Anchor yourself in the present by using all five senses.
Example: Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
My Notes: -
Positive Self-Talk
Description: Counter negative thoughts with encouraging, realistic statements.
Example: Replace “I can’t do this” with “I’ve done hard things before and I can try again.”
My Notes: -
Visualization
Description: Mentally rehearse a calm scene or a successful outcome to build confidence.
Example: Picture yourself presenting a project smoothly and answering questions with ease.
My Notes: -
Sensory Toolkit
Description: Use tactile or sensory items to help you regulate energy and focus.
Example: Keep a stress ball, smooth stone, or piece of fabric in your pocket to touch when anxious.
My Notes: -
SMART Goal Setting
Description: Create Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals.
Example: “I will complete 15 math problems by the end of today’s study period.”
My Notes:
Use this handout during class, keep it in your binder, and refer back whenever you need a quick strategy boost. When you try a tool, jot down how it worked and any adjustments for next time!
Worksheet
Brain Toolbox Template
Student Name: ____________________________ Date: _______________
Use the three tool slots below to attach your personalized strategy cards.
Glue or tape each index card into a slot, then add doodles or notes around your tools to make your toolbox unique!
Tool Slot 1
[Glue or Tape Your Strategy Card Here]
Tool Slot 2
[Glue or Tape Your Strategy Card Here]
Tool Slot 3
[Glue or Tape Your Strategy Card Here]
Feel free to decorate your toolbox with colors, stickers, or small drawings!
Keep this template in your binder or on your desk so you can easily access your coping strategies whenever you need them.
Worksheet
Reflection Worksheet
Student Name: ____________________________ Date: _______________
1. Which tool will you use first?
2. When will you try this tool?
3. How will you track your success or note improvements?
(Optional) 4. After using the tool, what worked well and what might you adjust next time?