Executive Functioning Boost Lesson Plan Executive Functioning Boost!
Lesson Plan • Tier 3 Individual Support
30 Minutes
Objective
Students will be able to identify key executive functions (focus, organization, task initiation) and apply at least one strategy to improve each area within their daily school routine.
Audience
6th Grade Individual Student (Tier 3 Intervention). Best delivered in a quiet, one-on-one environment with minimal distractions.
Why This Matters
Understanding and managing executive functions is vital for 6th graders transitioning to middle school. This lesson provides direct, actionable strategies to empower students with tools for better self-management and academic independence.
Approach
Direct instruction, guided practice, and personalized strategy development centered around the "Brain CEO" metaphor.
Teacher Preparation
• Review all generated materials including slides, worksheet, project guide, and rubric.
• Ensure a quiet, focused environment for the individual student.
• Print student documents: Warm Up, Toolkit Worksheet, Project Guide, Rubric, and Cool Down.
Instructional Sequence
1
Warm Up: Executive Functioning Check-in
5 Minutes
Begin with the Executive Functioning Warm Up to gauge the student's current understanding. Facilitate a brief discussion about their responses, connecting them to the idea of "brain executive functions" or "The CEO of the Brain."
2
Introduction to Executive Functions
10 Minutes
Use the first few slides of the Slide Deck to introduce the core functions: focus, organization, and task initiation. Provide clear, relatable examples and encourage the student to share their own experiences (e.g., "When do you feel like your brain's CEO is on vacation?").
3
Building My Toolkit
10 Minutes
Transition to the Toolkit Worksheet . Guide the student through identifying personal challenges and brainstorming strategies. Use the Slide Deck to present options like Pomodoro Power or "Launchpads." Collaborate to choose 1-2 practical strategies to try immediately.
4
Project Intro & Cool Down
5 Minutes
Introduce the Project Guide and Rubric . Explain that this is their chance to test their "tools" over the next month. Finish with the Cool Down to assess their confidence and emotional state regarding these new skills.
Materials Required
Executive Functioning Boost! Slide Deck
Executive Functioning Warm Up
Toolkit Worksheet & Answer Key
Project Guide & Rubric
Executive Functioning Cool Down
Executive Functioning Boost Slide Deck Tier 3 Boost
SUPERCHARGE
YOUR BRAIN!
Discovering how your brain helps you focus, get organized, and start tasks.
Teacher: Welcome the student. Explain brain management.
Your Brain's CEO!
Executive Functions are like the boss of your brain. They help you:
Plan and set goals
Stay focused
Manage your time
Get started on tasks
Teacher: Ask what they think a CEO does.
Boost Your Focus!
What is it?
Paying attention to one thing, even when there are distractions around you.
Top Strategies:
Pomodoro Power (20m Work / 5m Break)
Quiet Zone: Zero distractions
Level Up Organization!
"Everything in its place."
Arranging your things and thoughts so you can find them when you need them.
Planner Power
Color-Code It!
"Launchpad" Station
Kickstart Your Tasks!
Starting is half the battle. Task Initiation is the spark that gets the engine running.
Break it Down
Take a giant monster project and cut it into tiny, bite-sized pieces.
The "5 Minute" Rule
Tell yourself: "I'll only do this for 5 minutes." Usually, you'll keep going!
Your Personal Toolkit
You don't need every tool—just the ones that work for YOU.
Ready to Choose?
• Try it out
• See if it helps
• Practice makes stronger
• Switch if needed
Putting It Into Practice
We aren't just talking about it. You're going to use these tools in real life for your Master Project .
Become a Master CEO!
The Mission:
1 Pick ONE focus area.
2 Use 1-2 tools daily.
3 Track your progress.
4 Show your growth!
You've Got This!
Think about:
One thing you learned today.
Think about:
One tool you'll try first.
Executive Functioning Warm Up My Brain's Superpowers
Executive Functioning Warm-Up
Name:
Date:
Think about how you get things done every day. Read each statement and circle the answer that fits you best or write down your thoughts.
1
Quick Check-in
1. Getting Started: How easy is it for you to start a task (like homework or chores) even when you don't really want to?
Very Easy
Sometimes Easy
A Little Hard
Very Hard
2. Staying Focused: How good are you at staying focused on one task without getting distracted?
Very Good
Pretty Good
A Little Challenging
Very Challenging
3. Keeping Organized: How well do you keep your backpack, locker, or papers organized?
Always Organized
Mostly Organized
A Bit Messy
Very Messy
2
Quick Reflection
What's one thing you're really good at when it comes to school or daily tasks?
What's one thing you wish you were better at?
My Executive Functioning Toolkit Worksheet MY EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING TOOLKIT
Building Your Superpowers!
Subject: CEO OF THE BRAIN
Name:
Instructions: For each executive function, describe how it shows up in your life and then choose or create strategies that you think will help you most. Refer to the slide deck for ideas!
1. Focus Funnel: Staying on Target
My Challenge:
When do you find it hard to focus? What makes your mind wander?
My Strategies:
What are 1-2 ways you can try to improve your focus? (e.g., Pomodoro Power, Quiet Zone)
2. Organization Overdrive: In Place
My Challenge:
Where do you struggle with organization? (e.g., backpack, desk, assignments)
My Strategies:
What are 1-2 ways you can try to be more organized? (e.g., Planner, Launchpad)
3. Task Initiation Ignition: Starting!
My Challenge:
What tasks do you often put off? What makes it hard to start?
My Strategies:
How can you start tasks more easily? (e.g., Break it Down, "Just 5 Minutes")
My Executive Functioning Toolkit Answer Key Toolkit Answer Key
Teacher Reference • Support Examples
Internal Use Only
Note to Educators
Executive functioning responses are deeply personal. This key provides examples of what students might share and how you can guide them toward actionable strategies. The goal is engagement and realistic planning, not "correct" answers.
1. Focus Funnel
Example Challenge
"I find it hard to focus when I'm doing math homework because I keep thinking about video games. Sometimes, my little brother also makes noise when I'm trying to concentrate."
Guided Strategy Selection
Encourage the student to try the Pomodoro Power strategy (20m work, 5m break) specifically for math. Suggest a Quiet Zone like the library or a different room to manage sibling noise.
2. Organization Overdrive
Example Challenge
"My backpack is usually a mess, and I can never find my homework. My papers for different classes are all mixed up."
Guided Strategy Selection
Recommend Color-Code It! by assigning a specific color folder to each subject. Suggest creating a "Launchpad" (a specific hook or shelf by the door) for their backpack to avoid the morning rush.
3. Task Initiation Ignition
Example Challenge
"I always put off starting my reading assignments. It feels like such a big task, and I don't know where to begin."
Guided Strategy Selection
Model how to Break it Down : Instead of "Read Chapter 4," the first step is "Open book to page 45." Use the "Just 5 Minutes" Rule to help lower the barrier to starting.
Executive Functioning Boost • Answer Key & Strategy Guide
My Executive Functioning Project Guide EF Master Project
Level Up Your Brain!
Project Duration 4 WEEKS
Project Goal
To practice and apply executive functioning strategies in real-life situations. By the end of this project, you will have a stronger "toolkit" to help you succeed in school and at home!
What You'll Do:
1
Choose Your Focus (Week 1)
Pick ONE focus area (Focus, Organization, or Task Initiation). Which tool are you most excited to master?
2
Strategy Application (Weeks 1-4)
Actively use 1-2 strategies from your toolkit every day. Whether it's the "5-Minute Rule" or "Color-Coding," put them to work!
3
Track Your Progress
Keep a simple log. Note the date, the task you were working on, which strategy you used, and how well it worked.
4
Reflect & Present (End of Week 4)
At the end, share your journey! This could be a short presentation, a poster, or a written reflection on what you learned.
Deliverables
Strategy Log / Journal
Weekly Teacher Check-ins
Final Master Presentation
Important Dates
Week 1 Plan Ready
Week 2 & 3 Daily Practice
Week 4 Final Reflect
Success begins with a single tool.
My Executive Functioning Project Rubric EF Master Project Rubric
Evaluation Guide • Self-Reflection Tool
CEO
This rubric will help you understand how your Executive Functioning Master Project will be evaluated. We aren't looking for perfection—we're looking for effort, self-reflection, and growth!
Criteria 4 - Exceeds 3 - Meets 2 - Developing 1 - Beginning Strategy Application Consistently and thoughtfully applied 2+ strategies. Clearly demonstrated use in varied school contexts. Applied 1-2 strategies for the chosen function. Demonstrated application in most contexts. Attempted to apply strategies, but application was inconsistent or unclear. Seldom applied strategies or showed little understanding of their use. Progress Tracking Maintained a detailed log with insightful reflections on strategy effectiveness. Maintained a consistent log, noting strategy use and general results. Log was inconsistent or lacked sufficient detail and reflection. Little to no evidence of daily or weekly progress tracking. Reflection & Adjustment Deep self-reflection, identifying patterns and proactively adjusting tools based on results. Reflected on effectiveness and made some adjustments during check-ins. Limited reflection or difficulty in identifying patterns/adjustments. Little to no reflection on strategies or participation in check-ins. Final Presentation Presented a clear, insightful, and engaging reflection highlighting significant learning. Presented a clear reflection on the project experience and key learnings. Presentation lacked clarity, detail, or a comprehensive reflection. No presentation or a very minimal attempt with little content. Effort & Engagement Consistently showed high effort, enthusiasm, and proactive engagement. Consistently showed good effort and engagement throughout. Effort and engagement were inconsistent or minimal at times. Showed little effort or engagement in the project tasks.
Teacher Feedback / Student Goals Executive Functioning Cool Down Reflection & Recharge
My Brain Power-Ups!
Take a moment to think about what we discussed today.
1
New Learning
What is one new thing you learned about how your brain helps you get things done (executive functions)?
2
My Favorite Strategy
Out of everything we talked about today, which strategy are you most excited to try first?
3
Confidence Check
How confident do you feel about trying out this new strategy this week?
Very Confident
Somewhat Confident
A Little Unsure
Not Confident Yet
One Word
In one word, how do you feel about building your toolkit?
