Brain Boss Slides BRAIN BOSS
Training Manual: Metacognition
What is Metacognition?
It's simply "thinking about your thinking."
A Brain Boss doesn't just work hard. They step back and watch how they work.
Self-Observation
The Boss Dashboard
PLAN
Think BEFORE you start.
MONITOR
Think DURING the job.
CHECK
Think AFTER you finish.
Step 1: The Plan
Ask yourself:
What is my goal?
What tools do I need?
How long will this take?
"Don't dive in blind. Map it out."
Step 2: Monitoring
The Check-In:
"Am I getting distracted?"
"Is this part confusing?"
"Do I need to slow down?"
Course Correction
If the plan isn't working, change the plan! A boss knows when to pivot.
Step 3: The Check
Looking Back:
✅ Did I reach my goal?
✅ What was the hardest part?
✅ What would I do differently next time?
This is where the brain grows!
Boss Mode: In Action
THE MISSION
Reading a 3-page history chapter for a quiz.
PLAN:
"I'll skim the headers first and set a 15-min timer."
MONITOR:
"I just read a page but don't remember it. I should re-read it slower."
CHECK:
"Skimming headers helped me find the main idea. Next time, I'll take notes."
YOU'RE IN CHARGE.
Time to use your Thinking Dashboard and complete your first Mission Briefing.
Grab Your Worksheet
Mission Briefing Worksheet Mission Briefing
Metacognition Training: Level 1
Agent Name
Date
1. THE DEFINITION
In your own words, what does it mean to be a Brain Boss?
2. THE THREE POWERS
Fill in what a Brain Boss does during each phase of a mission.
PLAN
MONITOR
CHECK
3. LIVE MISSION: APPLY IT
The Assignment
Think about a hard task you have to do today or this week (like an essay, a math sheet, or reading a chapter).
1
PLAN: What tools or steps do you need to start this task?
2
MONITOR: How will you know if your brain is drifting off or getting stuck?
3
CHECK: When you're "done," how will you verify you actually reached the goal?
Boss Power-Up
What is one thing you will do differently next time you study or do homework?
Brain Boss Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Command Center
Lesson Plan: Brain Boss Metacognition Training
DURATION: 30 MIN
GRADE: 9-12 (SpEd Focus)
Essential Question
How can "thinking about thinking" help me stay in control of my learning?
Objective
Students will define metacognition and apply a 3-step framework (Plan-Monitor-Check) to a current academic task.
Mission Timeline
5 MIN
Launch: The "Brain Boss" Hook
Start with Slide 1-2. Ask: "Who is in charge of your brain when you're doing homework? You, or the distractions?" Introduce the dashboard metaphor.
10 MIN
Direct Instruction: The 3 Powers
Walk through Slides 3-6. Focus on the Internal Dialogue. Model the "Check-In" questions out loud for the students. Show them how to pivot when things get hard.
10 MIN
Guided Mission: Briefing Worksheet
Students complete Part 1 & 2 of the worksheet. Circulate to help students identify a specific "Live Mission" (task) for Part 3. Encourage them to pick something they usually struggle with.
5 MIN
Debrief: Power-Up
Complete the "Boss Power-Up" on the worksheet. Ask 2-3 students to share one thing they'll do differently next time they get stuck.
Special Education Support
ADHD Accommodations
Use a physical timer during the worksheet.
Allow students to stand or use a fidget during the slides.
Highlight the "Monitor" step specifically for distraction-tracking.
SLD/Neurological Support
Provide a word bank for the "Definition" section.
Allow speech-to-text or scribing for the worksheet.
Reduce the task in Part 3 to just ONE step (Plan) if overwhelmed.
Teacher Scripts
"Think out loud for them. Say: 'Right now, I'm monitoring my voice. Am I talking too fast? Let me check my plan. Yes, I have 10 minutes left. I'm on track.'"
"When a student gets stuck on a problem, don't give the answer. Ask: 'What does your Boss Dashboard say? Do you need a new tool (Plan) or did you miss a step (Monitor)?'"
Mission Briefing Worksheet Mission Briefing
Metacognition Training: Level 1
1. THE DEFINITION
In your own words, what does it mean to be a Brain Boss?
2. THE THREE POWERS
PLAN
Before I start, what is my goal and what tools do I need?
MONITOR
While I'm working, is my brain on task or do I need to reset?
CHECK
After I finish, did I reach my goal and what did I learn?
3. LIVE MISSION: THE TASK
What is a hard task you have to do today? (essay, math, reading, etc.)
PAGE 1 / 2
MISSION EXECUTION: APPLY THE POWERS
1
PLAN: What tools or steps do you need to start this task?
2
MONITOR: How will you know if your brain is drifting off or getting stuck?
3
CHECK: When you're "done," how will you verify you actually reached the goal?
Boss Power-Up
What is one thing you will do differently next time you study or do homework?
PAGE 2 / 2
Mission Briefing Worksheet Mission Briefing
Metacognition Training: Level 1
1. THE DEFINITION
In your own words, what does it mean to be a Brain Boss?
2. THE THREE POWERS
PLAN
Before I start, what is my goal and what tools do I need?
MONITOR
While I'm working, is my brain on task or do I need to reset?
CHECK
After I finish, did I reach my goal and what did I learn?
3. LIVE MISSION: THE TASK
What is a hard task you have to do today? (essay, math, reading, etc.)
PAGE 1 / 2
MISSION EXECUTION: APPLY THE POWERS
1
PLAN: What tools or steps do you need to start this task?
2
MONITOR: How will you know if your brain is drifting off or getting stuck?
3
CHECK: When you're "done," how will you verify you actually reached the goal?
Boss Power-Up
What is one thing you will do differently next time you study or do homework?
PAGE 2 / 2