Mindset Matters Lesson Plan
Midterm Mindset Matters
Tier 1 Classroom Lesson • Grades 9-12
15 MIN
Why This Lesson?
Exam week can be incredibly stressful, especially for students with specific diagnoses. Understanding how their unique challenges might manifest and having proactive strategies can significantly reduce anxiety and improve performance, fostering a sense of control and empowerment.
Objective
Students will understand the potential impact of their diagnoses (ADHD, depression, anxiety, etc.) on midterm exam week and learn practical, personalized strategies to prepare for and manage academic stress.
Teacher Preparation
- • Review the Lesson Plan and Slide Deck.
- • Familiarize yourself with common accommodations for ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar/personality disorder, OCD, and autism.
- • Ensure accommodations are available and communicated.
Required Materials
Midterm Mindset Matters Slide Deck
IEP Accommodation Lists (Reference)
Teaching Approach
Direct instruction and interactive discussion.
Instructional Sequence
3 MIN
Introduction & Warm-Up
• Begin with a brief welcome and an acknowledging statement about exam week stress.
• Activity: Ask students to share one feeling they have about midterms (e.g., in a word or quick phrase, no pressure).
• Transition to discussing how everyone experiences stress differently and how individual learning profiles (diagnoses, IEPs) play a role.
7 MIN
Understanding Your Brain During Exams
Use the Slide Deck to introduce how specific diagnoses might influence exam week:
ADHD
Difficulty focusing, restlessness, time management.
Anxiety/OCD
Increased worry, intrusive thoughts, perfectionism.
Depression/Bipolar
Low energy, motivation, mood swings, regulation.
Autism
Sensory overload, routine changes, social anxiety.
Note: Emphasize that these are potential experiences, not certainties. Everyone's experience is unique. Reinforce self-advocacy regarding accommodations.
3 MIN
Strategies for Success
Present practical, actionable strategies from the Slide Deck:
- • Plan Ahead: Break down studying, use calendars.
- • Self-Care: Sleep, nutrition, breaks, mindfulness.
- • Utilize Accommodations: Extended time, quiet spaces.
- • Communicate: Talk to teachers, counselors, parents.
- • Progress, Not Perfection: Focus on small wins.
2 MIN
Wrap-Up & Q&A
• Briefly summarize: Understanding yourself helps you prepare better.
• Open floor for quick questions or reflections.
• Final Reminder: Remind students to reach out to you or support staff if they need to discuss specific concerns or accommodations.
Midterm Mindset Slides
Midterm Mindset Matters
Preparing for Exam Week: How understanding yourself helps you succeed.
Stress Reactions
Success Strategies
Support Systems
Teacher Note: Welcome students. Acknowledge exam week stress. Ask for one word or feeling they have about midterms.
Your Brain & Midterms
Midterms can be a big deal! It's totally normal to feel:
But for some of us, our brains might react a little differently, making things feel even bigger.
"How do your unique strengths and challenges play a role?"
Teacher Note: Transition from feelings to understanding. Everyone's brain works differently, especially under stress.
Diagnoses & Exam Week
Your diagnosis isn't a label, it's a description of how your brain tends to work.
Predict Challenges
Plan Strategies
Use Accommodations
Teacher Note: Diagnoses aren't weaknesses, but different ways brains process info/emotions. Understanding helps us prepare.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD
Difficulty Focusing
Brain jumps from thought to thought.
Restlessness
Fidgety or needing movement during long exams.
Time Management
Difficulty starting or finishing on time.
Forgetfulness
Misplacing notes or forgetting instructions.
You also have amazing energy and creativity!
Teacher Note: Discuss ADHD specific challenges and how they show up. Provide simple, relatable examples.
Anxiety & OCD
ANX / OCD
During exams, you might notice:
- Increased Worry: Constant "what-ifs" about grades or performance.
- Intrusive Thoughts: Difficulty blocking out repetitive distracting worries.
- Perfectionism: Feeling the need to be 100% perfect or redo work.
- Physical Symptoms: Racing heart, sweaty palms, or feeling shaky.
Teacher Note: Discuss anxiety and OCD challenges. Emphasize that these are common and manageable with strategies.
Mood & Regulation
DEP / BIPOLAR / PD
