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EF Power-Up

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Lesson Plan

Executive Edge Lesson Plan

Students will learn foundational executive functioning skills—organization, time management, planning, and study strategies—to boost their academic success. By the end, they’ll identify personal habits and set actionable goals using provided tools.

Executive functioning skills are critical for 7th graders facing increased academic demands; building organization, time management, planning, and study strategies early fosters independence, reduces stress, and enhances confidence.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, hands-on activities, and individual goal setting.

Materials

Executive Edge Skill Slides, Executive Function Reflection Worksheet, Weekly Planner Template, Time Management Strategies Infographic, and Study Strategies Brainstorm Sheet

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Display the first slides of the Executive Edge Skill Slides to define executive functioning.
  • Ask students to share times they felt organized vs. overwhelmed.
  • Highlight the four focus areas: organization, time management, planning, and study skills.

Step 2

Organization Strategies

10 minutes

Step 3

Time Management Techniques

10 minutes

  • Show the Time Management Strategies Infographic covering timers, task prioritization, and time blocking.
  • Students identify two techniques to try and record them on their reflection worksheet.
  • Quick round-robin: each student names one time management tool they’ll implement.

Step 4

Planning and Prioritization Activity

10 minutes

  • Introduce the Weekly Planner Template and model breaking down assignments by due date.
  • Students complete next week’s plan for one class, listing tasks and deadlines.
  • Facilitate a brief discussion on planning challenges and student-suggested solutions.

Step 5

Study Skills Strategy Brainstorm

7 minutes

  • Hand out the Study Strategies Brainstorm Sheet.
  • In small groups, students list effective study methods (e.g., flashcards, summarizing, teaching others).
  • Each group selects one strategy to share with the class.

Step 6

Reflection and Goal Setting

3 minutes

  • Students write a SMART goal related to executive functioning on their reflection worksheet.
  • Invite volunteers to share their goal and strategy.
  • Remind students to use their planners and chosen techniques throughout the week.
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Lesson Plan

EF Power-Up Lesson Plan

Students will learn key executive functioning skills—organization, time management, planning, and study strategies—and set a SMART goal to apply at least one technique in their upcoming assignments.

Increasing academic demands in 7th grade require strong executive functioning. This lesson equips students with tools to organize materials, manage time, plan effectively, and study strategically—building habits that boost independence, reduce stress, and improve confidence across subjects.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, hands-on activities, and individual goal setting.

Materials

EF Power-Up Skill Slides, Executive Function Reflection Worksheet, Weekly Planner Template, Time Management Tips Infographic, and Study Strategies Brainstorm Sheet

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Display the first slide of the EF Power-Up Skill Slides to define executive functioning concepts
  • Ask students to share moments they felt organized versus overwhelmed
  • Introduce the four focus areas: organization, time management, planning, and study skills

Step 2

Organization Strategies

10 minutes

Step 3

Time Management Techniques

10 minutes

  • Show the Time Management Tips Infographic covering timers, task prioritization, and time blocking
  • Students identify two techniques to try and record them on their reflection worksheet
  • Conduct a quick round-robin: each student names one time management tool they’ll implement

Step 4

Planning Activity

10 minutes

  • Introduce the Weekly Planner Template and model breaking down assignments by due date
  • Students complete next week’s plan for one class, listing tasks and deadlines
  • Facilitate a brief discussion on planning challenges and student-suggested solutions

Step 5

Study Strategies Brainstorm

7 minutes

  • Hand out the Study Strategies Brainstorm Sheet
  • In small groups, students list effective study methods (e.g., flashcards, summarizing, teaching others)
  • Each group selects one strategy to share with the class

Step 6

Reflection and Goal Setting

3 minutes

  • Students write a SMART goal related to executive functioning on their reflection worksheet
  • Invite volunteers to share their goal and chosen strategy
  • Remind students to use their planners and selected techniques during the coming week
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Slide Deck

EF Power-Up Skill Intro

In this 45-minute session, we will:
• Define Executive Functioning (EF)
• Explore four key EF skills:

  1. Organization
  2. Time Management
  3. Planning
  4. Study Strategies
    • Share examples and get ready to set your own goals

Welcome students! Today we begin our EF Power-Up journey. We’ll define executive functioning and preview four core skills that help you succeed in school and life. Encourage students to listen for skills they already use.

What Is Executive Functioning?

Executive Functioning (EF) = mental processes that help you:
• Organize materials and information
• Manage time and meet deadlines
• Plan and prioritize tasks
• Employ effective study techniques

Why it matters:
EF skills boost independence, reduce stress, and improve grades.

Script: "EF skills are like the brain’s manager—helping you plan, focus, remember, and get things done." Ask: “Can someone share a time they felt organized or overwhelmed?”

Skill 1: Organization

Definition:
Keeping materials, information, and spaces in order so you can find what you need when you need it.

Examples:
• Color-coding binders by subject
• Using folders or digital folders for handouts
• Keeping a clean, labeled workspace

Try it now: Identify one area you want to organize better.

Introduce organization: binder systems, folders, color-coding. Prompt: “Look at your backpack—what one thing could you organize differently?”

Skill 2: Time Management

Definition:
Using your time wisely to complete tasks and meet deadlines.

Examples:
• Setting a timer for each task (e.g., 20-minute study sprints)
• Prioritizing homework by due date or difficulty
• Blocking out specific times for activities in your planner

Quick share: Name one time-saving tip you already use.

Discuss time management tools like timers and calendars. Ask: “How do you decide which homework to do first?”

Skill 3: Planning

Definition:
Breaking down assignments and projects into manageable steps with deadlines.

Examples:
• Using a weekly planner to list tasks by due date
• Creating to-do lists for multi-step projects
• Setting milestone goals (research, draft, proofread)

Pair-and-share: Plan one class assignment step by step.

Model breaking a big project into smaller steps on the slide. Prompt: “What’s the first small step you take on a big assignment?”

Skill 4: Study Strategies

Definition:
Techniques you use to learn and remember information more effectively.

Examples:
• Flashcards or digital quiz apps
• Summarizing notes in your own words
• Teaching a friend or family member what you’ve learned
• Creating visual mind maps or charts

Challenge: Pick one new study method to try this week.

Highlight that different strategies work for different students. Encourage students to test at least one method this week.

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Worksheet

Executive Function Reflection Worksheet

Name: _____________________________ Date: ____________

Organization

  1. What organizational strategies do you currently use? (e.g., binder system, color-coding)


  2. What area of your materials or study space feels most disorganized right now?


  3. Which new organization strategy do you want to try this week?


Time Management

  1. Which time management tools or techniques do you already use? (e.g., timers, time blocking)


  2. What part of your daily schedule is the hardest to manage?


  3. Which technique from the Time Management Tips Infographic will you implement?


Planning

  1. How do you currently plan for upcoming assignments or projects?


  2. What challenges do you face when breaking down larger tasks into steps?


  3. Using the Weekly Planner Template, what is one specific step you will add to your next plan?


Study Strategies

  1. What study methods have worked best for you so far? (e.g., flashcards, summarizing)


  2. What study challenges do you often experience?


  3. Which new strategy from the Study Strategies Brainstorm Sheet will you try this week?


SMART Goal Setting

Write one SMART goal related to improving your executive functioning skills. Be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.





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Activity

Weekly Planner Template

Use this planner to schedule your tasks and stay on track each day. Fill in your tasks for each time block below.

Time of DayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
Before School









































School Hours









































After School









































Evening









































Notes / Reminders

Use this space for any extra tasks, due dates, or reflections on your week.











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Reading

Time Management Tips Infographic

Good time management helps you work smarter, not harder! Use these tips to make the most of every minute.

1. Set Clear Goals

• Define what you want to accomplish in each study session.
• Use SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

2. Prioritize Your Tasks

• Make an A-B-C list: A = must do, B = should do, C = could do.
• Tackle “A” tasks first to avoid last-minute stress.

3. Try the Pomodoro Technique

• Work for 25 minutes with full focus.
• Take a 5-minute break when the timer rings.
• After four cycles, enjoy a longer 15–20 minute break.

4. Use Time Blocking

• Divide your day into blocks for study, homework, chores, and rest.
• Schedule specific tasks in each block to stay on track.

5. Plan Ahead with Your Weekly Planner

• At the start of each week, list deadlines and key tasks.
• Estimate how much time each activity will take.
• Use the Weekly Planner Template to map out your week.

6. Track and Reflect

• Check off completed tasks to see your progress.
• Reflect at the end of each day:

  • What went well?
  • What can I improve tomorrow?

Try It Out!

Which TWO tips will you try this week?

  1. _________________________________


  2. _________________________________


My Action Plan:

  • Today I will use Tip # ______ for: ____________________________


  • This week I will schedule time blocks for: _______________________


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Activity

Study Strategies Brainstorm Sheet

In your small group, brainstorm and list as many effective study strategies as you can in each category below. Be ready to share one favorite strategy with the class.

1. Note-Taking Techniques

  • ____________________________________


  • ____________________________________


  • ____________________________________


2. Memory and Recall Methods

  • ____________________________________


  • ____________________________________


  • ____________________________________


3. Comprehension and Organization

  • ____________________________________


  • ____________________________________


  • ____________________________________


4. Self-Testing Strategies

  • ____________________________________


  • ____________________________________


  • ____________________________________


Group Reflection and Share

Which one strategy does your group choose to share with the class?
____________________________________





Why is this strategy helpful?
____________________________________





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