Lesson Plan
Executive Functioning: Your Brain's CEO Lesson Plan
Students will define key executive functioning skills, identify personal strengths and areas for growth in these skills, and develop practical strategies to improve their executive functions for academic and personal success.
Executive functioning skills are crucial for managing tasks, achieving goals, and navigating the complexities of high school and beyond. Developing these skills empowers students to take control of their learning and daily lives.
Audience
12th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, self-assessment, and strategy brainstorming.
Materials
- Executive Functioning Slide Deck, - Executive Functioning Worksheet, - Whiteboard or projector, and - Markers or pens
Prep
Review Materials and Prepare
15 minutes
Before class, review the Executive Functioning Slide Deck and the Executive Functioning Worksheet to familiarize yourself with the content and flow of the lesson. Ensure all necessary technology (projector/whiteboard) is ready. Make copies of the Executive Functioning Worksheet for each student.
Step 1
Warm-Up & Introduction (5 minutes)
5 minutes
Begin by asking students what comes to mind when they hear 'executive functioning'. Use the Executive Functioning Slide Deck to introduce the concept as the 'brain's CEO' and briefly explain its importance. Facilitate a brief group discussion based on the prompt on the first slide.
Step 2
Understanding Executive Functions (10 minutes)
10 minutes
Go through the core executive functions (e.g., planning, organization, time management, impulse control, working memory, flexibility) using the Executive Functioning Slide Deck. For each function, provide a brief explanation and a real-world example relevant to 12th graders (e.g., project planning, essay organization, studying for exams). Encourage students to share their own examples.
Step 3
Self-Assessment & Strategy Brainstorm (10 minutes)
10 minutes
Distribute the Executive Functioning Worksheet. Instruct students to complete the self-assessment privately. After they've had a few minutes to reflect, ask them to identify one executive function they'd like to improve. As a group, brainstorm practical strategies for enhancing that particular skill. Use the ideas on the Executive Functioning Slide Deck as prompts. Encourage sharing and discussion of effective strategies.
Step 4
Wrap-Up & Next Steps (5 minutes)
5 minutes
Conclude the lesson by summarizing the importance of executive functioning. Challenge students to choose one strategy from the brainstormed list to implement in their daily lives over the next week. Encourage them to reflect on its effectiveness. Consider collecting the Executive Functioning Worksheet as an exit ticket or for further reflection.
Slide Deck
Executive Functioning: Your Brain's CEO
Ever wonder how you manage your schoolwork, plan for the future, or even decide what to eat for lunch?
It's all thanks to your brain's amazing 'Executive Functions'!
Welcome students and introduce the concept of executive functioning. Ask them what comes to mind when they hear the term. Use the 'brain's CEO' analogy to make it relatable. The goal is to pique their interest and connect it to their own experiences.
What is Executive Functioning?
Your brain's 'management system' that helps you:
* Plan & Prioritize
* Organize & Stay on Track
* Manage Time & Meet Deadlines
* Control Impulses
* Remember Information
* Shift Focus & Adapt
Think of it as the CEO of your brain, making sure everything runs smoothly!
Explain that executive functions are a set of mental skills that help us get things done. Emphasize that these are not fixed; they can be developed and strengthened over time, just like a muscle.
Key Executive Functions
1. Planning & Prioritization: Setting goals and deciding the steps to reach them.
Example: Breaking down a large research paper into smaller steps: research, outline, draft, revise.
2. Organization: Keeping track of materials, information, and tasks efficiently.
Example: Using a binder or digital folders to keep notes and assignments for each class.
Introduce specific executive functions. Start with Planning/Prioritization and Organization, providing simple, relatable examples for 12th graders. Encourage students to think of their own examples.
Key Executive Functions (Continued)
3. Time Management: Estimating and allocating time for tasks, and staying on schedule.
Example: Creating a study schedule for upcoming exams and sticking to it.
4. Impulse Control: Thinking before acting, resisting distractions.
Example: Choosing to finish homework before playing video games.
5. Working Memory: Holding information in mind to complete a task.
Example: Remembering instructions for a multi-step lab experiment.
Continue with Time Management, Impulse Control, and Working Memory. Again, provide clear examples. Ask students if they've ever struggled with impulse control (e.g., procrastinating on social media) or felt overwhelmed by too much information (working memory).
Key Executive Functions (Concluded)
6. Flexibility: Adapting to new situations, changing plans when needed.
Example: Adjusting your project timeline when a new school event comes up.
Now, let's see how these apply to you!
Introduce the last core function, Flexibility. Explain why adapting to changes is a valuable skill. Transition to the worksheet, explaining its purpose for self-reflection.
Self-Assessment Time!
Take a few minutes to complete the Executive Functioning Worksheet.
Think honestly about your strengths and areas where you'd like to improve.
This is for your reflection, not a test!
Explain the self-assessment part of the worksheet. Give them time to complete it individually. Emphasize honesty in their self-reflection.
Brainstorming Strategies
Based on your self-assessment, what's one executive function you want to strengthen?
Let's brainstorm some strategies!
* Planning: Use a planner, set alarms
* Organizing: Create a clean workspace, use folders
* Time Management: Break tasks into chunks, Pomodoro Technique
* Impulse Control: 'If-Then' plans, remove distractions
* Working Memory: Take notes, visualize
* Flexibility: Practice 'what if' scenarios
After they've completed the self-assessment, guide a group brainstorming session. Encourage them to share strategies within the group, but respect privacy. Offer some general tips if needed. The goal is actionable strategies.
Your Brain, Your CEO!
Remember, your executive functions are powerful tools.
By understanding and practicing these skills, you can become the most effective CEO of your own brain!
Challenge: Pick one strategy and try it this week!
Conclude by reiterating the importance of practicing these skills. Encourage them to pick one strategy and try it for a week. This promotes personal ownership and application.
Worksheet
Executive Functioning Self-Assessment Worksheet
Name: _________________________ Date: _____________
Instructions: Read each statement below and honestly assess how well it describes you. Circle the number that best reflects your experience, where:
1 = Rarely/Never (This is a big challenge for me)
2 = Sometimes (I struggle with this often)
3 = Often (I do this reasonably well)
4 = Almost Always/Always (This is a strength for me)
Section 1: Planning & Prioritization
-
I can break down large projects (like a research paper or big presentation) into smaller, manageable steps.
1 2 3 4 -
I effectively prioritize tasks, knowing which ones are most important and should be done first.
1 2 3 4 -
I set realistic goals for my academic work and personal projects.
1 2 3 4
Section 2: Organization
-
My backpack, locker, and workspace are generally neat and organized, making it easy to find what I need.
1 2 3 4 -
I keep track of my assignments, notes, and important documents.
1 2 3 4 -
I have a system for organizing digital files and emails.
1 2 3 4
Section 3: Time Management
-
I usually complete assignments and projects on time, without last-minute rushing.
1 2 3 4 -
I can estimate how long tasks will take and allocate my time accordingly.
1 2 3 4 -
I use a planner, calendar, or other tools to manage my schedule and deadlines.
1 2 3 4
Section 4: Impulse Control & Self-Regulation
-
I can resist distractions (like my phone or social media) when I need to focus on a task.
1 2 3 4 -
I think before I speak or act, especially in challenging situations.
1 2 3 4 -
I can manage my emotions and reactions in stressful academic or social situations.
1 2 3 4
Section 5: Working Memory
-
I can remember and follow multi-step instructions without needing frequent reminders.
1 2 3 4 -
I can hold information in my mind (like a math problem or a list of facts) while working on a task.
1 2 3 4
Section 6: Flexibility
-
I can adjust my plans when unexpected changes or challenges arise.
1 2 3 4 -
I am open to different approaches or solutions when a task isn't going as planned.
1 2 3 4
Reflection Questions:
-
Looking at your scores, what is one executive functioning skill you feel is a strength for you?
-
What is one executive functioning skill you would like to improve? Why is this skill important to you?
-
Brainstorm one specific strategy you could use this week to help improve the skill you identified in question 2.
Script
Executive Functioning: Your Brain's CEO - Teacher Script
Warm-Up & Introduction (5 minutes)
(Display Executive Functioning Slide Deck - Slide 1: "Executive Functioning: Your Brain's CEO")
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something incredibly powerful that helps you manage your entire life – from school assignments to personal goals. It's called executive functioning."
"When you hear the phrase 'executive functioning,' what comes to mind? What do you think it might be about? Don't overthink it, just share your initial thoughts."
(Allow 1-2 students to share their initial thoughts.)
(Transition to Executive Functioning Slide Deck - Slide 2: "What is Executive Functioning?")
"Exactly! You can think of your executive functions as your brain's very own CEO. Just like a CEO runs a company, these skills manage your brain's operations. They are a set of mental skills that help you get things done, plan for the future, and even control your impulses."
"These skills are super important, especially as you navigate the complexities of senior year and prepare for college or your career. The good news is, just like a muscle, you can strengthen these skills with practice!"
Understanding Executive Functions (10 minutes)
(Transition to Executive Functioning Slide Deck - Slide 3: "Key Executive Functions")
"Let's dive into some of the key executive functions. First up, Planning & Prioritization. This is about setting goals and figuring out the best steps to reach them. For example, when you have a big research paper, do you just start writing, or do you break it down into smaller steps like researching, outlining, drafting, and then revising?"
(Pause for student responses or examples.)
"Then we have Organization. This means keeping track of your materials, your information, and your tasks efficiently. Think about your backpack, your digital files, or even your notes for different classes. Is it easy to find what you need, or do you spend a lot of time searching?"
(Transition to Executive Functioning Slide Deck - Slide 4: "Key Executive Functions (Continued)")
"Next, Time Management. This is about estimating how long tasks will take, allocating your time, and sticking to your schedule. How many of you have ever had a huge project due and found yourselves rushing at the last minute? This is where good time management comes in."
"Impulse Control is another big one. It's about thinking before acting and resisting distractions. It's choosing to finish that homework before getting lost in social media, or pausing before saying something you might regret in a heated discussion."
"And then there's Working Memory. This is your brain's temporary notepad, holding information in mind while you're working on a task. Like remembering a sequence of steps for a lab experiment, or the different parts of an argument in a debate."
(Transition to Executive Functioning Slide Deck - Slide 5: "Key Executive Functions (Concluded)")
"Finally, Flexibility. This is the ability to adapt to new situations or change your plans when things don't go exactly as you expected. Life throws curveballs, right? Being flexible means you can adjust without getting completely derailed."
"These skills aren't just for school; they're for life! They help you manage your chores, plan a social event, or even budget your money."
Self-Assessment & Strategy Brainstorm (10 minutes)
(Transition to Executive Functioning Slide Deck - Slide 6: "Self-Assessment Time!")
"Now that we've explored these functions, I want you to take a moment to reflect on your own skills. I'm going to hand out a Executive Functioning Worksheet. This is a self-assessment, not a test, so please be honest with yourselves. It's for your own benefit."
(Distribute the Executive Functioning Worksheet. Give students about 5 minutes to complete the self-assessment quietly.)
"Okay, everyone, let's look at the reflection questions at the bottom of the worksheet. I'd like you to identify one executive function you feel is a strength for you, and more importantly, one executive function you'd like to improve."
"Now, let's brainstorm! What are some specific, practical strategies we could use to strengthen some of these skills? For example, if someone wants to improve their planning, what could they do?"
(Transition to Executive Functioning Slide Deck - Slide 7: "Brainstorming Strategies")
(Guide a group discussion, inviting students to share ideas. Use the suggestions on the slide deck as prompts if the group needs a little nudge. Emphasize that there's no single 'right' way, and different strategies work for different people.)
"Great ideas, everyone! It's clear that there are many ways we can approach improving these skills."
Wrap-Up & Next Steps (5 minutes)
(Transition to Executive Functioning Slide Deck - Slide 8: "Your Brain, Your CEO!")
"To wrap up today, remember that your executive functions are like the ultimate toolkit for navigating your responsibilities and achieving your goals. By understanding them, you're already taking a huge step towards becoming the most effective CEO of your own brain."
"Your challenge for this week is to pick one strategy that you brainstormed or heard today – specifically for the skill you want to improve – and try to implement it in your daily life. Observe how it works, and if it helps."
"You can hold onto your worksheets for personal reflection, or I can collect them if you'd like to use them as an exit ticket. Thank you for your engagement today!"
*(Collect worksheets if desired, or allow students to keep them.)
Answer Key
Executive Functioning Self-Assessment Worksheet Answer Key / Teacher Guide
This worksheet is primarily a self-assessment and reflection tool, so there are no single