Be Your Own Boss Lesson Plan Be Your Own Boss!
Tier 1 Lesson Plan • 2nd Grade
30 Minutes
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.
Why it Matters
Developing self-monitoring skills empowers students to take ownership of their learning and behavior. This leads to increased independence and a more productive classroom environment.
Preparation & Materials
Teacher Prep
Review Boss Mode Slides.
Print Boss Moves Checklists for all students.
Familiarize yourself with Discussion Prompts.
Prepare Top Boss Exit Tickets.
Student Materials
Boss Moves Checklist
Think Fast Warm-Up
Top Boss Exit Ticket
Instructional Steps
1
Warm-Up: Think Fast!
5 Mins
Display slide 1 of the Boss Mode Slides or use the Think Fast Warm-Up worksheet.
Ask students to think about times they know what to do without being told.
Share examples (e.g., getting ready for bed, putting shoes away).
Introduce the idea of being their own "boss" for learning and behavior.
2
Introduction: What is Self-Monitoring?
5 Mins
Use slides 2-4 of the Boss Mode Slides.
Explain self-monitoring in simple terms: checking your own work and following rules.
Discuss independence: "Instead of me reminding you, YOU remind you!"
Discuss importance: To learn more and feel proud of your work.
3
Boss Strategies
10 Mins
Use slides 5-7 to teach specific self-monitoring strategies.
Strategy 1: Check Your Brain (Checking for understanding).
Strategy 2: Check Your Work (Mistakes, handwriting, name).
Strategy 3: Check Your Actions (Behavior, staying on task).
4
Practice & Exit
10 Mins
Use slides 8-10 and distribute the Boss Moves Checklist.
Review the checklist items together.
Provide a quick 5-minute task for students to apply the checklist immediately.
Hand out the Top Boss Exit Ticket for reflection.
Boss Mode Slides You're the Boss!
Taking Charge of Your Learning
Independent Proud Successful
What is Self-Monitoring?
1
Checking your own work.
2
Making sure you understand.
3
Following rules without being told.
"It's like being your own personal coach!"
Why Be Your Own Boss?
You learn more!
You do your best work!
You feel proud and independent!
Our classroom is a great place to learn!
Fewer Prompts, More Power!
Sometimes teachers give prompts (reminders).
When you self-monitor, you give yourself those reminders!
That is a real Super Power!
1
Check Your Brain!
Ask Yourself:
If not: Ask a question or read the instructions again!
2
Check Your Work!
Is it Correct & Complete?
Followed all directions?
Checked for mistakes?
Handwriting is neat?
Name is on the paper?
3
Check Your Actions!
Am I Making Good Choices?
Your Boss Checklist!
We have a special tool to help us become self-monitoring experts!
The Boss Moves Checklist
Let's look at how to use it for our work today.
Practice Time!
Now it's YOUR turn to be the boss!
Use your checklist for our next activity.
GO BOSS MODE!
Great Job, Bosses!
Keep practicing your self-monitoring skills every day. It will make you an amazing learner!
Independence
Confidence
Success
Think Fast Warm Up Think Fast!
Warm-Up Activity
Name:
Date:
Think about a time when you knew exactly what to do without anyone telling you. How did it feel to be the boss of your own actions?
1 What was the task or activity?
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 a partner!
Boss Moves Checklist Boss Moves Checklist
Self-Monitoring Power Tool
Name:
Phase 1: Before I Start
I have my materials ready (pencil, paper, book).
I know exactly what I need to do.
I have a quiet, clean space to work.
Phase 2: While I Am Working
I am focused on my task (no distractions!).
I am trying my very best.
I am checking my answers as I go.
If I get stuck, I try to solve it myself first.
Phase 3: After I Finish
I checked my work for small mistakes.
I made sure I answered every single question.
I put my materials away neatly.
I am proud of my hard work! 🌟
You're the Boss!
Leader Talk Discussion Guide Leader Talk
Discussion Prompts: Being Your Own Boss
Use these questions to guide a class or small group discussion about self-monitoring strategies and independence.
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 self-monitoring help our classroom stay a great place to learn?
Self-Monitoring Strategies
What are some ways you can check if you understand something?
When you are doing your work, what can you do to make sure it's high quality?
How can you remind yourself to make good choices without a teacher telling you?
Application & Reflection
What was one thing on the checklist that was easy for you today?
What was one thing that was a little tricky, but you tried your best?
How can you use your "Boss Power" during math or reading tomorrow?
Top Boss Exit Ticket Top Boss Exit Ticket
Self-Reflection Mission
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:
How do you feel about being your own boss?
😊
Super Excited!
🤔
A little confused, but I'll try!
😬
I need more help.