Brain Scan Checklist Mission Control: Brain Scan
Individual Executive Functioning Assessment
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Mission Instructions
Every astronaut needs to know how their equipment is working. Your brain is your most important tool! Read each statement below and check the box that best describes how you feel right now. There are no "wrong" answers—just honest data!
Phase 1: Planning & Organization
Action
Always
Sometimes
Hard for me
I keep my desk and backpack organized so I can find things.
I use a planner or checklist to keep track of my work.
I break big projects into small, manageable steps.
Phase 2: Focus & Starting Tasks
I can start my work right away without needing many reminders.
I can ignore distractions (like noise or friends talking).
I stay focused on a task until it is completely finished.
Phase 3: Self-Control & Thinking
I can wait my turn and think before I act or speak.
I can remember multi-step instructions without forgetting parts.
I check my work for mistakes before I turn it in.
Scan Analysis
1. Look at your "Always" column. What is one area where your brain is really strong?
2. Look at your "Hard for me" column. What is one area where you'd like to improve?
Flight Plan Goal Tracker Flight Plan: Goal Setting
Targeting Your Performance
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Mapping the Mission
Based on your Brain Scan , choose ONE area you want to work on. Use the 3 Ws to make your goal crystal clear.
1. The WHAT (The Expectation)
Example: Starting my math worksheet immediately.
2. The WHERE (The Location)
Example: During Independent Work time at my desk.
3. THE WHEN (The Timing/Trigger)
Example: When the teacher says, "You may begin."
Mission Log: 5-Day Tracker
Mark an 'X' each day you follow your Flight Plan!
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Mission Debrief:
How did it feel to follow your plan this week?
End of Flight Plan Document — Return to Mission Control
Mission Control Slides Mission Control
Training Your Brain for Success
What is "Executive Function"?
Think of your brain like a busy Space Station.
"Executive Functioning is the Air Traffic Controller of your brain."
It helps you plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks at once.
Planning
Starting
Focusing
Organizing
Step 1: The Brain Scan
Self-Assessment Time
Open your Brain Scan Checklist.
Be 100% honest with yourself.
Look for your "Brain Superpowers" (Strengths).
Identify one area for a "Software Update" (Growth).
Targeted Performance
A goal without a plan is just a wish. To hit our target, we need the 3 Ws:
The What
What specific skill or expectation are you working on?
The Where
In which class or area of the school does this happen?
The When
What is happening when the issue usually occurs?
Example Flight Plan
WHAT?
I will have my pencil and notebook out before the bell rings.
WHERE?
In my Science classroom at my desk.
WHEN?
As soon as I walk through the door during the passing period.
This goal is clear and ready for the tracker!
Mission Launch
1. Complete your Brain Scan Checklist.
2. Design your Flight Plan Goal using the 3 Ws.
3. Use the 5-Day Tracker to record your success!
Over and Out, Astronauts!
Mission Control Teacher Guide Mission Control: Teacher Guide
Facilitation & Support for Executive Functioning
Mission Overview
This asynchronous lesson is designed to empower 5th-grade students to take ownership of their executive functioning (EF) skills. By using a "Mission Control" theme, students can view their developmental growth in planning, organization, and focus through a lens of "training" rather than "correction."
Learning Objectives:
Identify personal strengths and growth areas in executive functioning.
Formulate a goal targeting a specific "point of performance" using the 3 Ws (What, Where, When).
Monitor progress toward a behavioral goal over a 5-day period.
Materials Checklist
Mission Control Slides
Brain Scan Checklist
Flight Plan Goal Tracker
1
Launch: The Slide Deck (15-20 min)
Students should view the slides independently. The slides explain the concept of executive functioning using the "Air Traffic Controller" analogy.
Support Tip: For students who struggle with reading, consider providing an audio-narrated version of the slides or a read-aloud script.
2
The Brain Scan Assessment (10 min)
Students complete the checklist to identify their "Superpowers" and "Update Areas."
Common Misconception: Students often feel "bad" if they check "Hard for me." Remind them that EF skills are like muscles that grow with training, and even adults are still working on them!
3
Flight Plan & 3 Ws (15 min)
Students translate an "Update Area" into a targeted goal. The 3 Ws (What, Where, When) are critical for targeting the Point of Performance —the exact moment when the skill is needed.
What: The observable action (e.g., "Open my notebook").
Where: The specific room or desk.
When: The trigger event (e.g., "When I hear the bell").
Post-Mission Debrief
Differentiation
Scaffolding: Provide a word bank of common "What" expectations for students who struggle with word retrieval.Extension: Have advanced students identify a "Co-Pilot" (a peer or teacher) to help them track their goal.
Monitoring Progress
Check the trackers daily if possible.
Give "High Fives" or stickers for successful days to reinforce the dopamine loop of task completion.
