Brain Boss Strategies Plan
Brain Boss Strategies Plan
Tier 2 Executive Functioning Lesson
Duration 60-75 MIN
Objective
Students will learn and apply executive functioning strategies for organization, planning, and time management to improve academic performance and daily living skills.
Audience & Approach
Audience: Middle School Students (Small Group)
Approach: Interactive discussion, practical application, and personalized strategy development.
The "Why"
"Developing strong executive functioning skills helps students manage their schoolwork, daily tasks, and personal goals more effectively, reducing stress and increasing independence."
Teacher Preparation
- Review all generated materials: Slide Deck, Customization Activity, and Task Worksheet.
- Print copies of the Weekly Planner Template (one per student).
- Print copies of the Breaking Down Big Tasks Worksheet.
- Set up projector/whiteboard for the slide deck.
- Estimated prep time: 15 minutes.
Materials:
Whiteboard/Projector Markers/Pens Slide Deck Planner Activity Task Worksheet
1
Introduction: What's Your Inner Brain Boss?
10 MIN
Hook: Begin by asking students, "Have you ever felt overwhelmed by homework, or forgotten an important task? What happens when you have a really big project?" Allow for brief sharing.
Introduce Executive Functioning: Explain that these feelings are normal and often relate to something called "executive functioning." Use the Mastering Your Inner Organizer Slide Deck to introduce the concept of an "Inner Brain Boss" that helps with organizing, planning, and time management.
Objective Share: Clearly state the lesson's objective: to learn and practice strategies to strengthen their 'Inner Brain Boss' skills.
2
Activity 1: Planner Power-Up
20 MIN
Introduce Planners: Explain that one of the best tools for their Brain Boss is a planner. Use the relevant slides to discuss the benefits of using a planner.
Customization Activity: Distribute the Weekly Planner Templates. Guide them through the My Weekly Planner Customization Activity. Encourage them to think about what information they need to track, how they will organize it, and how they will make using it a habit.
Share Out: Allow a few students to briefly share one aspect of their customized planner layout.
3
Activity 2: Tame the Task Monster
20 MIN
Introduce Task Breaking: Explain that big projects can feel overwhelming, but breaking them down makes them manageable. Use the slides to illustrate this concept (e.g., the mountain vs. the stairs).
Worksheet Application: Distribute the Breaking Down Big Tasks Worksheet. Have students choose a big task they need to complete (school or personal) and work through the steps of breaking it down into smaller, actionable pieces.
Circulate and Support: Move around the room to provide individual support. Encourage students to be specific (e.g., instead of "study history," use "read pages 40-45 and write 3 summary points").
4
Wrap-Up and Reflection
10-15 MIN
Review Key Strategies: Briefly review the two main strategies covered: using a planner and breaking down big tasks.
Student Takeaways: Ask students to reflect: "What is one strategy you plan to use this week to help your Brain Boss?" or "How do you think using these strategies might make your schoolwork or daily life easier?"
Encourage Practice: Emphasize that these are skills that get stronger with practice. Remind them that their Brain Boss is powerful and capable of growth!
Executive Functioning Vocabulary
Planning Organization Time Management Task Initiation Self-Control
Mastering Your Inner Organizer Slides
Executive Functioning
Mastering Your
Inner Organizer
Unleash Your Brain Boss!
System Initialization...
What's an Organizer?
It's not just binders and folders!
Your brain has an internal organizer too.
It helps you track:
- Your Stuff
- Your Tasks
- Your Time
Meet Your Brain Boss!
The "Boss" handles your Executive Functions:
1
Planning
Thinking ahead & setting goals
2
Organization
Keeping thing orderly & neat
3
Time
Using your time wisely
4
Initiation
Getting started without delay
5
Control
Staying focused on the task
Why is Your Brain
Boss Important?
Finish homework on time
Avoid the "Backpack Black Hole"
Big projects feel much smaller
Less stress, more control
Strategy 01
Befriend Your Planner
A planner is like a Second Brain.
- See what is coming up next.
- Remember what needs to be done.
System Synced
Planner Power-Up
Activity!
Let's customize your layout to work for YOU.
"The secret to getting ahead is getting started."
Strategy 02
Tame the
Task Monster!
Don't let huge projects scare your Brain Boss!
Pro Tip
Break it down into small, bite-sized pieces.
INPUT: "Write a Report"
1. Choose a Topic
2. Do Research
3. Write Introduction
Breaking Down
Big Tasks!
Time to turn your mountains into small hills.
Pick a project or goal you have coming up.
Your Powerful
Brain Boss!
Use your planner
Break it down
Practice makes your Brain Boss stronger!
Planner Customization Activity
Planner Power-Up
ACTIVITY
Name
Date
Your weekly planner is a powerful tool for your Brain Boss! Let's design a layout that works perfectly for YOU.
Instructions
Think about everything you track (school, sports, hobbies, chores). Answer the prompts below to design your ideal planner, then sketch your vision in the workspace at the bottom.
1. What categories will you include?
Think about school, home, activities, goals, etc.
2. Organization Style
Will you use colors, icons, bullet points, or codes?
3. Making it a Habit
How will you remember to check and update your planner daily?
4. My Layout Blueprint Sketch or describe your design below
Brain Boss Tip: The best planner is the one you actually use. Keep it simple and visible!
