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Executive Functioning Adventure

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Lesson Plan

Executive Functioning Adventure

Improving Executive Functioning Skills

This lesson focuses on enhancing executive functioning skills in 4th-grade students through engaging activities and discussions. By incorporating project-based and experiential learning strategies, students will actively participate in exercises that promote skills such as planning, organization, and emotional regulation. This lesson is crucial as it helps students develop essential skills for academic success and personal growth.

Audience

4th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Project-Based Learning, Experiential Learning, Active Learning, Game-Based Learning

Materials

Printed Reading Handout, Discussion Questions, Activity Materials, Video: Managing Feelings & Emotions For Elementary-Middle School, and Presentation Slides

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Briefly introduce the concept of executive functioning skills using the presentation slides.
  • Explain the importance of these skills in daily life and learning.
  • Introduce the video that will be watched.

Step 2

Video Viewing

5 mins

Step 3

Reading and Discussion

10 mins

  • Distribute the printed reading handout.
  • Allow students a few minutes to read.
  • Facilitate a discussion using the provided questions to explore the content and relate it to their own experiences.

Step 4

Activity: Executive Functioning Challenge

8 mins

  • Organize students into small groups.
  • Provide each group with a set of materials for a simple task (e.g., building a small structure with blocks).
  • Challenge them to plan and execute the task within a time limit, focusing on organization and teamwork.

Step 5

Closure

2 mins

  • Recap the key points learned about executive functioning skills.
  • Encourage students to reflect on how they can apply these skills in their daily lives.
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Discussion

Executive Functioning Discussion

A discussion to help students connect the lesson content with their personal experiences and understand the importance of executive functioning skills.

What are some strategies you learned from the video to manage your emotions?

Encourage students to share specific strategies and discuss how they might use them in real-life situations.







How do you think planning and organization can help you in school?

Guide students to think about how these skills can improve their academic performance and reduce stress.







Can you think of a time when you used executive functioning skills to solve a problem?

Help students identify past experiences where they successfully used planning, organization, or emotional regulation.







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Reading

Executive Functioning Skills Reading

A short reading to introduce students to the concept of executive functioning skills and their importance.

Executive Functioning Skills

Executive functioning skills are the mental processes that help us plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and manage multiple tasks. These skills are crucial for success in school and life. They include:

  • Planning and Organization: Creating a plan to complete tasks and organizing materials and time.
  • Emotional Regulation: Managing emotions to handle stress and challenges effectively.
  • Working Memory: Holding information in mind while using it to complete a task.

By developing these skills, students can improve their ability to learn and succeed in various activities.

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Worksheet

Executive Functioning Presentation

Presentation slides to guide the lesson on executive functioning skills, including an introduction, video discussion, and activity instructions.




Slide 1: Title - Executive Functioning Adventure







Slide 2: Introduction to Executive Functioning Skills







Slide 3: Importance of Executive Functioning Skills







Slide 4: Video Introduction - Managing Feelings & Emotions







Slide 5: Key Strategies from the Video







Slide 6: Reading and Discussion Questions







Slide 7: Activity Instructions - Executive Functioning Challenge







Slide 8: Recap and Reflection




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