Be Your Own Boss Lesson Plan Be Your Own Boss!
Tier 1 Self-Monitoring Skills
Duration 30 MIN
Objective
Students will learn to use self-monitoring strategies to independently check their work and behavior, thereby decreasing the need for constant teacher verbal prompts.
Audience
2nd Grade Students
Why This Matters
Developing self-monitoring skills empowers students to take ownership of their learning and behavior. This leads to increased independence, improved academic performance, and a more positive and productive classroom environment.
Teacher Prep
Review the Boss Slide Deck content and notes.
Print Self-Monitoring Checklists for all students.
Prepare the Exit Tickets for the lesson end.
Setup projector/computer for the presentation.
Included Materials
Boss Slide Deck
Self-Monitoring Checklist
Discussion Guide
Boss Exit Ticket
Instructional Sequence
1
Warm-Up: Think About It!
5 MIN
Display the first slide of the Be Your Own Boss! Slide Deck .
Ask students to think about times they know what to do without being told. Share a few examples.
Introduce the idea of being their own "boss" for learning and behavior.
2
Intro: What is Self-Monitoring?
5 MIN
Use slides 2-4 to introduce the concept of self-monitoring.
Explain in simple terms: checking your own work, making sure you understand, following rules.
Discuss why it's important (independence, better learning, helping the class).
3
Boss Strategies
10 MIN
Use slides 5-8 to teach specific self-monitoring strategies.
Strategy 1: Check Your Brain (Understanding).Strategy 2: Check Your Work (Accuracy/Completion).Strategy 3: Check Your Actions (Behavior).
4
Checklist & Practice
10 MIN
Walk through the Self-Monitoring Checklist together.
Provide a quick 2-minute task (sentences or math) for students to apply the checklist immediately.
Distribute Exit Tickets to wrap up.
Be Your Own Boss Slide Deck You're the Boss!
Taking Charge of Your Learning
Teacher Notes: Greet students enthusiastically. Think-Pair-Share: Tell a partner about a time you did something helpful without being told. How did that feel?
What is Self-Monitoring?
It means checking on YOURSELF by:
Checking your own work
Making sure you understand
Following rules without reminders
"It's like being your own personal coach!"
Manager You
Teacher Notes: Explain awareness: being aware of what you're doing, thinking, and feeling. Relate it to a manager checking an office.
Why Be Your Own Boss?
It helps you...
Learn more and learn faster!
Do your very best work!
Feel proud and independent!
Help our classroom be great!
🏆
Achievement Unlocked
"I did it on my own!"
Teacher Notes: Focus on the internal reward of independence. Gaining "power" over your own choices.
More Power to You!
Teachers give PROMPTS (reminders).
Old Way
"Don't forget your name!"
New "Boss" Way
"Did I put my name on my paper?"
When YOU give the reminders, you have the POWER!
Teacher Notes: Explain prompts as training wheels. Self-monitoring is taking them off. Give examples: cleaning up, getting materials.
Strategy 1: Check Your Brain!
Ask yourself: "Do I understand?"
Can I explain this in my own words?
Do I know what to do next?
If the answer is NO:
Look at instructions again or ask a clarifying question!
👍
I get it!
🤔
Wait, what?
Teacher Notes: Practice the thumbs up/down check. Model how to re-read instructions quietly to yourself.
Strategy 2: Check Your Work!
Am I doing my best quality work?
Did I follow all the directions?
Did I check for mistakes (spelling/math)?
Is my handwriting neat?
Did I put my name on my paper?
Mistake Spotter Mode: ON! 🕵️♂️
Teacher Notes: Model scanning a sentence for capital letters and periods. Explain that checking work is how we "save" our best effort.
Think About It Warm Up Name:
Date:
Warm-Up
Activity 1
Think About It!
Ready to be the boss?
Think about a time when you knew exactly what to do without anyone telling you.
1
What was it?
2
How did you know what to do?
3
How did it feel to do it all by yourself?
Be ready to share your ideas with the class!
Self Monitoring Checklist Name:
Date:
Student Tool
Boss Checklist
Instructions: Use this checklist to help you be your own boss! Put a checkmark in the box when you complete each step.
Before I Start My Work
I have my materials ready (pencil, paper, book, etc.).
I know what I need to do.
I have a quiet space to work.
While I Am Working
I am focused on my task.
I am trying my best.
I am checking my answers and understanding as I go.
If I get stuck, I try to solve the problem myself first.
After I Finish My Work
I checked my work for mistakes.
I made sure I answered all the questions.
I put my materials away neatly.
I am proud of my effort!
Discussion Prompts Guide Discussion Guide
Being Your Own Boss
Format Small Group / Whole Class
Use these questions to guide students through the concept of self-monitoring. Encourage them to share specific examples from their own lives and classroom experiences.
Introduction
Introduction & Importance
What does it mean to be your own boss when you are learning?
Why is it helpful to check your own work or behavior? How does it make you feel?
How does everyone self-monitoring help our classroom stay focused and happy?
Strategies
Self-Monitoring Strategies
What are some ways you can check if you understand something (Check Your Brain)?
When you are doing your work, what can you look for to make sure it's high quality?
How can you remind yourself to make good choices without a teacher telling you first?
Reflection
Application & Reflection
What was one thing on the Self-Monitoring Checklist that was easy for you today?
What was one thing that was a little tricky, but you tried your best to do anyway?
How can you use your checklist tomorrow during math or reading time?
Awesome Exit Ticket Cool Down Awesome Exit Ticket!
You're the Boss!
Name
Date
1 One thing I learned today about being my own boss is:
2 One way I can be my own boss tomorrow is:
I feel ____________________ about being my own boss!
😊
Super excited!
🤔
A little confused,
😬
I need more help.
End of Lesson Cool Down
