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Mastering Time: Executive Functioning

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Lesson Plan

Mastering Time: Executive Functioning

Enhance executive functioning skills by teaching goal setting, working memory, organization/prioritization, self-monitoring, and flexible thinking to boost time management.

Improved executive functioning leads to better academic performance and personal growth, empowering students to plan and manage their time effectively.

Audience

Small Group Students with Executive Functioning Challenges

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive and discussion-based activities reinforcing key strategies.

Materials

Mastering Time Slide Deck

Prep

Preparation and Review

5 minutes

  • Review the key components of executive functioning skills: goal setting, working memory, organizing/prioritizing, self-monitoring, and flexible thinking.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Mastering Time Slide Deck for visual aids.
  • Ensure that interactive activities and discussion prompts are ready.

Step 1

Introduction and Definition

3 minutes

  • Briefly introduce the concept of executive functioning and its components.
  • Define each component: goal setting, working memory, organizing/prioritizing, self-monitoring, and flexible thinking.
  • Use the slide deck to display definitions visually.

Step 2

Interactive Activity

7 minutes

  • Engage students in a short group activity where they set a simple goal and outline steps to achieve it.
  • Encourage discussion on how each executive function skill plays a role in completing the task.
  • Ask guiding questions to help students self-monitor and adjust strategies in real-time.

Step 3

Conclusion and Reflection

5 minutes

  • Summarize key takeaways from the lesson.
  • Invite students to reflect on which executive function skills they found most useful during the activity.
  • Provide practical tips for applying these skills outside the classroom.
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Slide Deck

Mastering Time: Executive Functioning

Welcome! Today, we'll explore key executive functioning skills that support effective time management.

Introduce the session. Emphasize the importance of executive functioning skills for time management. Explain that today's focus will cover goal setting, working memory, organizing/prioritizing, self-monitoring, and flexible thinking.

What is Executive Functioning?

Executive functioning includes the mental skills used to plan, focus, remember instructions, and manage multiple tasks. These skills are crucial for both academic and personal success.

Briefly define what executive functioning is and why it matters. This slide sets the stage for the deeper dive into each component.

Key Components

• Goal Setting: Define clear, achievable objectives.
• Working Memory: Hold and manipulate information in mind.
• Organizing/Prioritizing: Systematically order tasks and set priorities.
• Self-Monitoring: Check and adjust one’s actions as needed.
• Flexible Thinking: Adapt to new information or changes in plans.

Define each specific executive functioning skill one-by-one. Use visual cues and examples to clarify each concept.

Goal Setting

Set clear, specific, and attainable goals. Think about what you want to achieve and map out a plan to get there.

Focus on the concept of goal setting. Provide practical examples or questions to engage students.

Working Memory

Working memory is your brain’s notepad, used to store and use information temporarily. It helps in following directions and solving problems.

Discuss working memory with a simple definition and practical example.

Organizing & Prioritizing

This skill involves scheduling, making lists, and distinguishing between urgent and important tasks. It’s about putting your tasks in order of priority.

Describe the importance of organizing and prioritizing. Pose reflective questions on personal strategies.

Self-Monitoring & Flexible Thinking

Self-monitoring: Regularly check your progress and adjust if needed.
Flexible thinking: Adapt your plan when circumstances change or when you receive new information.

Explain self-monitoring and flexible thinking with examples to illustrate self-assessment and adaptability.

Interactive Activity

Set a simple goal and list the steps needed to achieve it. Reflect on which executive functions you used and how you can improve your strategy.

Introduce the interactive activity. Outline instructions for the goal-setting exercise. Invite discussions on how each function helps in achieving the set goal.

Conclusion & Reflection

Review the key executive functioning skills and discuss how you can apply them in your daily life. Which skills will you focus on improving?

Conclude the lesson with reflection. Encourage the students to share insights and key takeaways from the session.

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