Facilitator Flight Plan Guide Facilitator Flight Plan
Mission: Executive Functioning Introduction | Grade 6
Duration
30 Minutes
Mission Objectives
• Define "Executive Functioning" as the brain's air traffic control system.
• Identify 4 key skill pairs: Memory/Flexibility, Control/Initiation, Planning/Organization, and Priority/Time.
• Practice identifying strategies for real-world academic and social obstacles.
Cargo List
☐ Mission Control Slides
☐ Control Tower Handout
☐ Scenario Challenge Cards
☐ Pencils & Highlighters
Pacing & Protocol
00-05
Ignition: The Pilot Metaphor
Introduce the concept of Executive Functioning using the "Control Tower" analogy. Explain that being smart is like having a fast plane, but EF is the pilot and the tower that actually gets you where you're going.
Key Question: "What happens to a fast jet if the pilot falls asleep or the runway isn't clear?"
05-15
Guided Tour: The Skill Sets
Walk through the 4 skill slides. Use the "Mission Control Slides" to define each pair. Students should fill out the "Control Tower Handout" key terms as you go.
RAM: Holding info (Memory) and switching gears (Flexibility).Ignition: Stopping impulses (Control) and just starting (Initiation).Map: Making a plan (Planning) and keeping tools ready (Organization).Radar: Knowing what's important (Priority) and timing (Time Mgmt).
15-25
Live Exercise: Scenario Cards
Distribute the Scenario Challenge Cards. In pairs or as a group, have students read a card and identify (A) Which EF skill is struggling? and (B) One strategy to fix it. Use the back of the handout for brainstorming.
25-30
Debrief: My Mission Profile
Have students circle one "Strength" and one "Upgrade needed" on their handout. Close with the reminder: "EF is a muscle, not a personality trait. You can train it."
Expert Navigator Tips
Watch for Shame
6th graders often feel "lazy" if they struggle with task initiation. Remind them it's a "brain glitch" (low fuel in the ignition) that can be hacked with small steps like the 5-minute rule.
Keep it Concrete
Instead of saying "Be more organized," use phrases like "Clear the runway" or "Check your flight map." Physical metaphors help them visualize mental tasks and lower resistance.
Mission Control Slides Executive Functioning 101
BRAIN COMMAND
CENTER
Your brain has a "Pilot" and a "Tower."
The Air Traffic Control Tower
Imagine your brain is a busy airport. Every thought, assignment, and emotion is a plane waiting to land.
Executive Functioning is:
The system that manages all those planes so they don't crash, run out of fuel, or land on the wrong runway.
Skill Set #1
The Brain's RAM
Working Memory
Holding information in your head for a few minutes while you use it.
Example: "Don't forget to pack your cleats AND bring your permission slip."
Flexible Thinking
Switching gears when a plan changes or something unexpected happens.
Example: "The Wi-Fi is down, so I have to find a new way to finish this project."
Skill Set #2
The Ignition
Self-Control
Stopping an impulse (like checking your phone) before you do it.
"I really want to say this funny joke while the teacher is talking, but I'll wait."
Task Initiation
Getting started on a job even when it feels boring or difficult.
"I've been staring at this blank doc for 10 mins. I'll just write ONE sentence."
Skill Set #3
The Flight Map
Planning
Thinking about the steps you need to take to reach a goal.
"First I need research, then I'll draft the intro, then find images."
Organization
Keeping your physical and digital space ready so you can find things.
"I put my homework in the blue folder so I don't lose it on the bus."
Skill Set #4
The Radar
Prioritization
Deciding which task is the most important to do right now.
"Homework is due tomorrow. Video games can wait until I'm done."
Time Management
Estimating how long a task will take and sticking to a schedule.
"I have 30 minutes before dinner. I can finish my math problems."
SCENARIO ALERT
We have incoming obstacles! Use your Scenario Challenge Cards and Handouts to troubleshoot.
Control Tower Handout TOP SECRET
Mission: Control Tower
Operation: Executive Functioning Training
ID: EF-6TH-BRAIN-CMD
Pilot Name:
Mission Date:
Part 1: The Flight Log (Key Skills)
Listen to the presentation and record a 1-sentence definition for each skill.
THE RAM (Memory & Flexibility)
Working Memory:
Flexible Thinking:
THE IGNITION (Control & Start)
Self-Control:
Task Initiation:
THE FLIGHT MAP (Planning & Org)
Planning:
Organization:
THE RADAR (Priority & Time)
Prioritization:
Time Management:
Part 2: Scenario Strategy Workshop
Identify the glitch from your card and brainstorm a strategy to "reboot."
Skill Glitch:
e.g., Task Initiation
One Strategy to Fix It:
Part 3: My Mission Profile
PRO-PILOT STRENGTHS
Which EF skills am I already good at?
SYSTEM UPGRADES
Which skill is hardest for me? What's one goal?
SYSTEM STATUS: OPERATIONAL
Scenario Challenge Cards Scenario Challenge Cards
Cut along the dotted lines. Use with the Control Tower Handout.
Memory Glitch
"The Three-Step Trip"
Your teacher tells you: "Close your book, put it in your locker, and meet me in the gym." By the time you get to your locker, you've forgotten where you are supposed to go next.
CHALLENGE: HOW DO YOU REBOOT?
Flex Error
"The Substitute Switch"
You walked into Science ready to do the lab you've been excited about all week. A substitute teacher is there and says the lab is canceled and you have to do a worksheet instead.
CHALLENGE: HOW DO YOU REBOOT?
Control Failure
"The Group Chat Siren"
You’re supposed to be writing your English essay on your laptop. Every 30 seconds, your group chat pops up with a funny meme. You find yourself clicking on it every single time.
CHALLENGE: HOW DO YOU REBOOT?
Ignition Stall
"The Mountain of Math"
You open your math homework and see 30 problems. It looks so hard and so long that you just stare at it for 20 minutes without writing a single number. You feel stuck.
CHALLENGE: HOW DO YOU REBOOT?
Map Misplaced
"The Big Project Blur"
Your Social Studies project is due in two weeks. It involves a poster, an interview, and a 2-page report. You have no idea where to start or how to break it down.
CHALLENGE: HOW DO YOU REBOOT?
Radar Shadow
"The 10-Minute Myth"
You tell your parents, "I'll be ready in 10 minutes!" But you haven't found your shoes, you haven't packed your bag, and you're still in the middle of a level in your game.
CHALLENGE: HOW DO YOU REBOOT?
MISSION READINESS EXERCISE // PROPERTY OF BRAIN COMMAND CENTER
Mission Control Answer Key Mission Control Answer Key
Facilitator Resource | Grade 6 Executive Functioning
Status
Classified
Part 1: The Flight Log (Key Definitions)
Working Memory
Holding information in your mind for a short time while you use it or process it.
Flexible Thinking
The ability to change plans or see things in a new way when something unexpected happens.
Self-Control
Stopping an impulse or distraction before acting on it; staying focused on the goal.
Task Initiation
The process of starting a task right away, especially when it feels hard or boring.
Planning
Thinking ahead and deciding on the specific steps needed to reach a target or goal.
Organization
Arranging your space and materials so they are easy to find and ready for use.
Prioritization
Deciding which tasks are the most important or urgent and doing those first.
Time Management
Estimating how long things take and keeping track of time while you work.
Part 2: Scenario Card Troubleshooting
Card #1
"The Three-Step Trip" (Working Memory)
Strategy: Use a physical "checklist" or "sticky note" for multi-step directions. Repeat the steps out loud (verbal rehearsal) or visualize the steps like a movie in your head before starting.
Card #2
"The Substitute Switch" (Flexible Thinking)
Strategy: Take a "Tactical Breath" to reset emotions. Use "Self-Talk" to acknowledge the change: "This isn't what I planned, but I can handle the new plan for today."
Card #3
"The Group Chat Siren" (Self-Control)
Strategy: "Clear the Airspace" by putting the phone in another room or turning on Do Not Disturb. Use a timer for 20 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute "chat break."
Card #4
"The Mountain of Math" (Task Initiation)
Strategy: Use the "5-Minute Sprint." Commit to doing just the first 3 problems or working for 5 minutes. Often, getting over the starting line is the hardest part.
Card #5
"The Big Project Blur" (Planning)
Strategy: "Reverse Engineering." Look at the due date and work backward. Break the big project into "Mini-Missions" (Research, Draft, Visuals) with their own deadlines.
Card #6
"The 10-Minute Myth" (Time Management)
Strategy: "Double the Estimate." If you think it takes 5 minutes, give yourself 10. Use a "visual timer" or an alarm to hear when your 10 minutes are halfway over.
