Brain Command Lesson Plan BRAIN COMMAND MISSION
Lesson Plan • Executive Functioning
Time Estimate 30 MIN
Mission Objective
Enhance executive functioning skills through project-based learning. Students will practice planning, organization, and emotional regulation to succeed in a collaborative "Adventure" challenge.
Strategy Deck
Experiential & Active Learning
Game-Based Team Challenges
Reflection & Peer Discussion
Gear Checklist
Navigator Essentials Handout
Mission Control Slides
Block Sets / Building Materials
Mission Planner Worksheet
Mission Timeline
1
Pre-Flight Briefing (5 min)
Introduce executive functioning as the "Control Center" of the brain. Use the Mission Control Slides to explain how planning, memory, and emotional control help us navigate daily life.
2
Intelligence Gathering (5 min)
Watch the video "Managing Feelings & Emotions." Ask students to "spot the skill"—how does managing feelings help someone finish a hard task?
3
Navigator Reading (10 min)
Hand out the Navigator Essentials . Students read silently, then facilitate the Post-Mission Debrief discussion questions.
4
The Challenge (8 min)
Mission: Block Fortress. Small groups must build a structure that meets 3 secret criteria (e.g., must have an arch, must use exactly 12 blocks, must be 2 levels high). They must use 2 minutes for Planning Only before touching any blocks.
5
Debrief (2 min)
Quick-fire reflection: What was harder—the building or the planning? How did you stay calm when the timer was low?
Mission Control Slides MISSION CONTROL
The Executive Functioning Adventure
What is "Brain Command"?
Executive Functioning skills are like the Control Center of your brain.
They help you:
Plan your path
Focus your attention
Manage your time
System Online
Why Navigators Need Skills
In School
It helps you start big projects, remember directions, and finish work on time.
In Life
It helps you stay calm when things get tough and play well with your team.
Briefing: Managing Feelings
Watch for strategies you can use when you feel frustrated!
Embedded media
Strategy Log
Deep Breaths
Calm your body so your brain can think clearly.
The Pause
Stop before you react. Give your brain time to choose.
Self-Talk
Be your own coach. "I can handle this challenge."
Mission Intelligence
Read your "Navigator Essentials" handout. Look for the definition of Working Memory—it's your secret weapon for the next task!
CHALLENGE: Block Fortress
Phase 1: Planning (2 min)
NO TOUCHING the blocks! Talk with your team. Draw a sketch. Who does what?
Phase 2: Execution (6 min)
Build your fortress! Must meet all 3 criteria on your Mission Card.
Focus Skills
Planning (Talking before building)
Organization (Keeping your blocks ready)
Emotion Control (When it falls over!)
Mission Debrief
🏆
Success is a Skill
Executive functioning grows stronger the more you practice.
🚀
Next Mission
How will you use "The Pause" today at recess or in math?
MISSION COMPLETE // BRAIN ONLINE
Navigator Essentials Handout Explorer Series 01
NAVIGATOR ESSENTIALS
Field Notes: Executive Functioning
Explorer Name: __________________________
Mission Date: __________________________
Your Internal GPS
Imagine you are a world-class explorer. To reach your destination, you need a map, a compass, and a plan. In your brain, you have a set of "mental tools" that do exactly that! These are called Executive Functioning Skills .
These skills help you manage your time, remember instructions, and stay calm when you run into a roadblock. Just like a muscle, these skills get stronger every time you use them.
Planning & Organization
This is how you create a "route" for your mission. It means thinking about the steps you need to take before you start. It also means keeping your gear (like your desk or your backpack) ready so you don't lose time looking for things.
Emotional Regulation
Sometimes missions get tough! You might feel frustrated, bored, or nervous. Emotional regulation is your "Internal Thermostat." It helps you stay cool-headed so you can keep going even when things are difficult.
Working Memory
Think of this as a "Sticky Note" in your brain. It helps you hold onto information—like a list of 3 chores or a set of game rules—while you are busy using that information to finish a task.
The Navigator's Challenge
"A goal without a plan is just a wish."
Next time you start a homework assignment or a video game level, take 60 seconds to visualize your plan. What is your first step? What do you need? This small habit "boots up" your Brain Command center for success!
Post-Mission Debrief Guide TOP SECRET // DEBRIEF
POST-MISSION DEBRIEF
Teacher Discussion Guide • Executive Functioning
FILE: EF-ADVENTURE-01
Mission Purpose
"Use these questions to help students bridge the gap between 'Adventure' activities and their everyday classroom lives. Encourage students to share concrete examples of times they successfully navigated a challenge."
1 What are some strategies you learned from the video to manage your emotions?
Teacher Prompt
Encourage students to share specific strategies like deep breathing, counting to ten, or using positive self-talk. Ask: "In what situations at school might you need to use these?"
Teacher Notes / Student Responses:
2 How do you think planning and organization can help you in school?
Teacher Prompt
Guide students to think about academic performance and stress reduction. Ask: "How does having a plan make a big project feel less scary?" or "How does an organized desk help you work faster?"
Teacher Notes / Student Responses:
3 Can you think of a time when you used executive functioning skills to solve a problem?
Teacher Prompt
Help students identify past successes. Examples could be learning a new hobby, following a recipe, packing for a trip, or working through a tough disagreement with a friend.
Teacher Notes / Student Responses:
Remind students that these are "lifelong skills"—everyone is still practicing them, even adults!
Mission Planner Worksheet MISSION: BLOCK FORTRESS
Execution & Planning Worksheet
Status
ACTIVE
Squad Name
Mission Crew
Mission Criteria
Write down the 3 rules your teacher announced:
Job Assignments
(Who is the Builder? The Supplier? The Quality Control?)
The Planning Phase
2 MINUTES ONLY
Draw your fortress design here before touching any blocks!
The "Pause" Protocol
If our tower falls or we get frustrated, we will use this team strategy:
3 Team Breaths
Quick Pivot (New Plan)
Planning
Execution
