Clock Control Lesson Plan
Executive Functioning & Life Skills
Clock Control Lesson Plan
Grade 6
Duration: 50 Minutes
Topic Time Management
Grouping Whole, Pairs & Solo
Core Strategy Big Rocks First Scheduling
Target Unit Middle School Success
Essential Questions
- How can I tell a true "Big Rock" from everyday routines or leisure?
- Why does scheduling Big Rocks first protect free time and reduce stress?
- How do I build an evening schedule that balances school, chores, and fun?
Learning Objectives (SWBAT)
- Audit a 24-hour cycle to identify committed time vs. discretionary hours.
- Classify tasks into Big Rocks (priorities), Pebbles (routines), and Sand (leisure).
- Construct an afternoon schedule placing Big Rocks before leisure.
Required Materials & Equipment
Teacher Materials
Glass jar, 3-4 large rocks, cup of pebbles, cup of sand (or slide graphics).
Student Materials
Clock Control Student Worksheet (printed 2-sided), pencil, colored highlighter.
Display Setup
Projector displaying Clock Control Slides with interactive scheduling examples.
Teachable Pacing & Sequence (50 Minutes)
| Time | Phase | Key Teacher Actions | Student Actions |
|---|
| 00-08m | Hook & Demo | Perform "Jar of Life" demonstration: Rocks first vs. Sand first. | Observe demo; discover why big priorities must be anchored before fillers. |
| 08-20m | Identifying Rocks | Model the 3 Stone Types: Big Rocks, Pebbles, and Sand. Guide task sorting. | Complete Part 1 & 2 on worksheet: identify and categorize 6 daily tasks. |
| 20-33m | Guided Scheduling | Model 3-Step Scheduling Rule (1: Lock Rocks, 2: Fit Pebbles, 3: Add Sand). | Work in pairs to build Maya's afternoon schedule from an unorganized task list. |
| 33-44m | Independent Plan | Circulate, prompt time duration checks, verify Big Rocks are placed first. | Construct personal 4:00-8:30 PM schedule, scheduling personal Big Rocks first. |
| 44-50m | Peer Check & Exit | Facilitate 2-minute peer audit: "Did your partner place Big Rocks first?" | Swap schedules with neighbor for audit check; write exit reflection ticket. |
Clock Control: 6th Grade Time Management Page 1 of 2
Instructional Delivery & Scripts
Facilitation Guide & Practice Protocol
Classroom Implementation
1 The Jar Demonstration (Minutes 00-08) Hook & Inquiry
Teacher Script: "This jar is your 24 hours. Big Rocks are essential priorities (studying for tomorrow's quiz, soccer game, 8 hours sleep). Pebbles are daily routines and chores (packing your backpack, walking the dog, chores). Sand is leisure and entertainment (video games, scrolling, social chat). If you fill your schedule with sand and pebbles first, your Big Rocks will never fit! But when you lock in Big Rocks first, pebbles and sand fit easily around them."
2 How to Identify a True "Big Rock" (Minutes 08-20) Criteria & Modeling
1. High Consequence
If you skip it, there is a major negative impact on grades, health, or team.
2. Clear Deadline
Has an upcoming due date (tomorrow, this week) that cannot be pushed off.
3. Requires Focus
Needs active mental energy, not passive browsing or automatic habit.
3 The 3-Step Scheduling Method (Minutes 20-33) Guided Practice
Rule 1: Anchor the Big Rocks. Put the 1-2 most important assignments or practices into the prime focus slots (e.g., right after school or post-snack).
Rule 2: Slot in the Pebbles. Fit daily chores, dinner, and backpack prep around the Big Rocks.
Rule 3: Enjoy the Sand Guilt-Free. Schedule gaming, hobbies, and relaxation at the end—rewarding completion without midnight panic!
Differentiation Strategies
Support / Accommodations (ADHD / EF)
- Limit planning to just one primary Big Rock and two 30-minute blocks.
- Provide pre-printed visual task labels (e.g., "Math Homework", "Walk Dog", "Free Time").
- Offer sample completed schedule as a model reference.
Extension / Challenge
- Build a 2-day schedule incorporating long-term project milestones.
- Add a 15-minute "Buffer Block" to absorb unexpected delays or tech issues.
- Analyze a weekly schedule: calculate total weekly hours dedicated to Big Rocks.
Formative Assessment & Peer Audit Rubric
Peer Audit Criterion 1: Are all identified Big Rocks scheduled during early evening blocks (before 7:00 PM), never pushed to late night?
Peer Audit Criterion 2: Are realistic durations assigned (e.g., 20-40 mins for study, not 5 mins or 3 straight hours without a break)?
Success Check: Did the student leave designated, guilt-free free time for hobbies or leisure after their Big Rocks are completed?
Clock Control: 6th Grade Time Management Page 2 of 2
Clock Control Slides
Executive Functioning Toolkit
Grade 6
CLOCK CONTROL
How to spot your Big Rocks, build a priority-first schedule, and unlock stress-free free time every evening.
Mission 1: The 24-Hour Reality
Mission 2: Identify Big Rocks
Mission 3: Schedule Rocks First
The 24-Hour Reality Check
Where Does Your Day Actually Go?
9 hrs
Sleep & Rest
Non-negotiable brain and body recharge.
7 hrs
School Day
Classes, lockers, passing time, lunch.
2 hrs
Transit & Food
Bus rides, dinner, morning prep.
6 hrs
YOUR Choice
Your free agency: homework, sports, games!
The Big Question: How will you spend your 6 free-agency hours each afternoon?
Prioritization Law
The Jar Rule: Big Rocks First!
Big Rocks
Essential priorities with high stakes.
- Math exam study session
- History project due Friday
- 8+ full hours of sleep
Schedule these FIRST!
Pebbles
Daily routines that keep life moving.
- Packing backpack / Chromebook
- Walking dog / clearing table
- Quick message reply to parents
Fit these into the gaps!
Sand
Leisure, entertainment, and relax time.
- Video games & online gaming
- Social feeds & YouTube clips
- Hanging out with friends
Guilt-free AFTER Rocks!
⚠️ If you pour sand (gaming/screens) into your jar first, your Big Rocks will spill onto the floor!
Detection Toolkit
How to Spot a Real "Big Rock"
1. High Impact
Skipping it causes serious trouble (poor grades, stress, disappointed coach).
Consequences matter!
2. Firm Deadline
Due tomorrow or this week. Cannot be postponed without penalty.
Time-sensitive!
3. Needs Brains
Requires active thinking and effort, not autopilot browsing.
Real focus required!
Quick Test: Is organizing your pencil case a Big Rock? No! That's a Pebble.
The Formula
The 3-Step Scheduling Method
Clock Control Student Worksheet
Executive Skills Lab
Clock Control Student Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Class:
Period:
1 The 24-Hour Reality Check (Audit Your Day)
Committed Time
Sleep (~9 hrs) + School (~7 hrs)
= 16 Hours Fixed
Daily Routines
Meals + Commute + Chores
= ~2 to 3 Hours
Your Free Agency
Afternoon & Evening Hours
= 5 to 6 Hours Available!
The Golden Rule of Scheduling: If you schedule your Big Rocks first, your pebbles and free time naturally fit into the gaps. If you put sand first, Big Rocks will never fit.
2 Task Classification: Big Rock, Pebble, or Sand
In the right column, label each task: ROCK (high stakes/priority), PEBBLE (routine/chore), or SAND (leisure/filler).
| # | Task / Activity Description | Type (Rock / Pebble / Sand) |
|---|
| 1 | Studying 30 minutes for tomorrow's unit math quiz | |
| 2 | Browsing social feeds and watching video clips for 45 minutes | |
| 3 | Packing school bag, charging laptop, and putting shoes by the door | |
| 4 | Writing the conclusion paragraph for a history paper due Friday | |
| 5 | Setting the dinner table and feeding the household pet | |
| 6 | Playing online multiplayer games with friends | |
3 Guided Practice: Maya's Afternoon Schedule Makeover
Maya's Tasks: (A) Science poster project (45m) • (B) Video games (60m) • (C) Dinner with family (45m) • (D) Math review sheet (30m) • (E) Pack backpack & charge tablet (15m).
Reorder Maya's afternoon from 4:00 PM to 7:45 PM so that her Big Rocks are completed first:
| Time Slot | Assigned Task | Category |
|---|
| 4:00 - 4:45 PM | | [ Big Rock ] |
| 4:45 - 5:15 PM | | [ Big Rock ] |
| 5:15 - 5:30 PM | | [ Pebble ] |
| 5:30 - 6:15 PM | Family Dinner |