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Organize Your Mind: Introduction to Executive Function

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Lesson Plan

Organize Your Mind: Introduction to Executive Function

Understand executive function skills

This lesson introduces 6th graders to the concept of executive function skills, focusing on organization and time management. Through engaging activities, students will learn the importance of these skills in managing both short and long-term assignments. This foundational lesson is crucial as it sets the stage for developing strategies that will aid students in their academic and personal lives.

Audience

6th graders

Time

45 minutes

Approach

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

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens, Whiteboard, Markers, Printable Cards: Executive Function Scenarios, and Handout: Project Organization Guide

Step 1

Introduction

6 mins

  • Briefly explain what executive function skills are and why they are important.
  • Use examples like organizing a backpack or planning a project to further illustrate the concept.

Step 2

Group Activity: Organize the Chaos

10 mins

  • Divide students into small groups.
  • Provide each group with a set of printable cards containing different scenarios related to organization and time management.
  • Ask groups to discuss and come up with strategies to handle each scenario.
  • Encourage creativity and collaboration.

Step 3

Role-Playing Exercise 1

5 mins

  • Assign roles to students such as 'student', 'teacher', and 'parent'.
  • Have them role-play a situation where they need to organize a school project.
  • Discuss how different perspectives can influence organization and time management.

Step 4

Role-Playing Exercise 2

5 mins

  • Create a scenario where students must plan a weekend schedule balancing homework, chores, and leisure activities.
  • Assign roles and have students act out the scenario, focusing on prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively.
  • Discuss the outcomes and strategies used.

Step 5

Hands-On Activity: Project Organization

10 mins

  • Distribute the 'Project Organization Guide' handout to each student.
  • Guide students through organizing a fictional project using the handout.
  • Encourage them to outline tasks, set deadlines, and prioritize steps.
  • Discuss how this structured approach can be applied to real-life projects.

Step 6

Reflection Activity

5 mins

  • Ask students to write a short reflection on what they learned about executive function skills.
  • Encourage them to think about how they can apply these skills in their daily lives.

Step 7

Class Discussion

5 mins

  • Have each group share one scenario and their strategy with the class.
  • Discuss the different approaches and highlight effective strategies.
  • Emphasize the importance of being organized and managing time effectively.

Step 8

Closure

2 mins

  • Recap the key points of the lesson.
  • Encourage students to think about how they can apply these strategies in their daily lives.
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Worksheet

Executive Function Scenarios

These printable cards contain scenarios that require students to apply executive function skills such as organization and time management. They are used in the group activity to facilitate discussion and strategy development.




You have a science project due in two weeks. How do you plan your time?







Your backpack is messy, and you can't find your homework. What do you do?







You have a test tomorrow and a soccer game tonight. How do you manage your time?







You need to organize your desk at home. What steps do you take?







You have multiple assignments due this week. How do you prioritize them?




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Reading

Project Organization Guide

This handout provides a structured approach for students to organize a fictional project. It includes steps for outlining tasks, setting deadlines, and prioritizing actions, helping students apply executive function skills in a hands-on manner.

Project Organization Guide

  1. Define the Project Goal

    • What is the main objective of your project?

  2. List the Tasks

    • Break down the project into smaller, manageable tasks.

  3. Set Deadlines

    • Assign a deadline to each task.

  4. Prioritize Tasks

    • Determine which tasks are most important and should be completed first.

  5. Create a Timeline

    • Organize tasks in a timeline to visualize the project flow.

  6. Review and Adjust

    • Regularly review your progress and adjust tasks as needed.
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