Brain Bosses Lesson Plan Brain Bosses
Lesson Facilitation Guide
Duration
20 MIN
OBJECTIVE
Students will be able to define executive functioning and identify how these skills impact their daily lives and relationships.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Understanding executive functioning helps students develop crucial skills like planning, organization, and self-control, leading to better academic performance, smoother social interactions, and reduced stress.
Preparation
Review Slide Deck
Print Relationship Activity (1 per student)
Set up projector
PREP TIME: 10 MIN
INSTRUCTIONAL STEPS
STEP 01
Introduction: What's a Brain Boss?
3 MIN
Begin by asking students what they think a "brain boss" might be.
Introduce the concept of executive functioning as our brain's "boss" that helps us manage tasks, control impulses, and plan ahead.
Use Slides 1-2 to ground the concept.
STEP 02
Exploring Skills
7 MIN
Present key skills using Slides 3-5 .
Discussion: Ask how these skills show up in daily life (e.g., planning homework, controlling reactions).
Relationship Focus: Discuss how these skills specifically impact friendships and family interactions.
STEP 03
Activity: Relationship Builders
8 MIN
Distribute the Relationship Activity worksheet.
Students read scenarios and identify which "Brain Boss" skill is needed.
Allow 6 minutes for individual or pair work.
Briefly share 1-2 examples as a group.
STEP 04
Conclusion: Super Powers
2 MIN
Reiterate that these skills are like "superpowers" that get stronger with practice.
Challenge: Choose one skill to practice this week.
Use Slides 6-7 for the recap and call to action.
Brain Bosses Presentation System Initialized
Brain Bosses
Your brain has a boss... and it's you! Let's explore how to make it the best boss ever.
Core Function: Executive Control
SLIDE_01
Teacher Notes: Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of their 'Brain Bosses'!
Meet Your Inner Brain Boss!
It's the part of your brain that helps you:
Plan things out
Stay organized
Control actions & words
Focus on tasks
"The CEO of your head!"
Input Required: What does a boss do?
SLIDE_02
The Big 5 Boss Skills
Planning
Thinking ahead and deciding which steps to take first.
Organization
Keeping track of your stuff and your schedule.
Impulse Control
Thinking before you act or say something you'll regret.
Emotional Reg
Managing big feelings so they don't manage you.
Focus
Staying on task and ignoring the "noise" around you.
SLIDE_03
Bonus Power Ups
Working Memory
Holding onto instructions and details while you use them.
Task Initiation
Starting a project even when it feels like a mountain.
Flexibility
Adapting when plans change and trying a new way.
SLIDE_04
The Friendship Connection
How your Brain Boss helps you with friends and family:
Impulse: Stops you from saying hurtful words.
Emotion: Helps you stay calm in a disagreement.
Planning: Lets you organize fun stuff together.
Memory: Remembering what matters to a friend.
SLIDE_05
Executive Power Recap
Efficiency
Self-Control
Connection
"Your internal toolkit for getting things done and getting along."
SLIDE_06
Level Up Your Brain
What one Brain Boss skill will you practice this week to improve a relationship?
Practice makes permanent
Mission Ongoing • Keep Training
SLIDE_07
Brain Bosses Activity Worksheet Mission Control: Relationship Pilot
Executive Functioning Training Module
Pilot Identification
Name:
Mission Objective: Your "Brain Boss" helps you navigate friendships and family. Read each scenario and identify which Executive Functioning Skill is needed to save the mission.
LOG 01
The Messy Room Mismatch
"Your mom asks you to clean your room before dinner. You agree, but then you get distracted playing a video game and completely forget. When your mom checks, your room is still a mess, and she gets upset."
Which Brain Boss Skill is needed?
Explain your choice:
LOG 02
The Group Project Problem
"You and two friends are working on a school project. One friend keeps talking about unrelated things, and another keeps changing their mind. You feel frustrated because you can't seem to get everyone focused."
Which Brain Boss Skill is needed?
Explain your choice:
LOG 03
The Argument at Recess
"A friend accidentally bumps into you and you drop your snack. You feel a surge of anger and want to yell. You know it was an accident, but you're really mad about your ruined snack."
Which Brain Boss Skill is needed?
Explain your choice:
LOG 04
The Forgotten Promise
"You told your little brother you'd help build a LEGO castle. But then your friends invited you to play basketball and you went, forgetting your promise. He's now sad and feels like you don't care."
Which Brain Boss Skill is needed?
Explain your choice:
LOG 05
Adapting to New Plans
"You planned to go to the park, but your friend realizes they have a dentist appointment. You're disappointed, but you need to figure out what to do instead."
Which Brain Boss Skill is needed?
Explain your choice:
Pilot your relationships with purpose. Mission ongoing.
Brain Bosses Answer Key Mission Control: Answer Key
Executive Functioning Training Module
Teacher Resource
LOG 01
The Messy Room Mismatch
Recommended Skill(s)
Working Memory, Task Initiation, or Focus & Attention
Explanation Guide
The student needs to remember the task (Working Memory), actually start the task (Task Initiation), and not get sidetracked by the game (Focus).
LOG 02
The Group Project Problem
Recommended Skill(s)
Focus & Attention, Flexibility, or Planning/Organization
Explanation Guide
The friend talking needs Focus. The friend changing their mind needs Flexibility. The whole group needs Planning to stay on track.
LOG 03
The Argument at Recess
Recommended Skill(s)
Impulse Control and Emotional Regulation
Explanation Guide
Impulse Control stops the yelling. Emotional Regulation manages the anger so the reaction doesn't ruin the friendship.
LOG 04
The Forgotten Promise
Recommended Skill(s)
Working Memory and Prioritization
Explanation Guide
Working Memory keeps the promise in mind. Prioritization helps decide that the commitment to the brother comes before basketball.
LOG 05
Adapting to New Plans
Recommended Skill(s)
Flexibility and Problem-Solving
Explanation Guide
Flexibility allows the student to move on from the park idea. Problem-solving helps them find a fun alternative activity.