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Balance Bosses • Sequence • Lenny.com

Counseling & Life Skills Self-Awareness Basic Emotion Recognition Complex Emotion Identification Emotional Nuance & Mixed Feelings Building Positive Self-Image Recognizing Strengths & Growth Areas Accurate Self-Assessment Personal Values Identification Cultural & Individual Identity Exploration Values-Based Decision Making Self-Management Stop-and-Think Strategies Delaying Gratification Independent Impulse Management Identifying Stress Triggers Short-Term Goal Setting SMART Goals Development Goal Monitoring & Adjustment Building Perseverance & Resilience Internal Motivation Development Comprehensive Stress Reduction Planning Social Awareness Recognizing Others' Feelings Demonstrating Empathy Respecting Individual Differences Understanding Cultural Diversity Complex Empathetic Responses Multiple Viewpoint Consideration Multi-Perspective Analysis Challenging Stereotypes & Bias Relationship Skills Active Listening Clear Verbal & Nonverbal Communication Building Positive Friendships Working Cooperatively in Groups Communicating Personal Boundaries Respecting Others' Boundaries Assertive Expression Peaceful Problem-Solving Contributing to Team Goals Complex Conflict Navigation Mediation & Negotiation Healthy Romantic Relationships Responsible Decision-Making Daily Problem Identification Brainstorming Multiple Solutions Evaluating Pros & Cons Recognizing Risks & Consequences Applying Ethical Frameworks Informed Risk-Benefit Decisions Root Cause Analysis Mindfulness Mindful Breathing Body Scan Meditation Daily Mindfulness Application Daily Self-Care Routines Balancing Life Demands Advocating for Wellness Needs Mental Health Support Understanding Anxiety Symptoms Worry Management Strategies Progressive Muscle Relaxation Recognizing Depression Signs Building Mood-Supporting Routines Behavioral Activation for Mood Understanding Grief Stages Healthy Grief Coping Creative Expression of Loss Behavioral Support Daily Check-In Procedures Daily Goal Setting & Review Recognizing Escalation Warning Signs Requesting Breaks & Support Self-Calming During Distress Understanding Positive Reinforcement Token Economy Implementation Behavior Chart Tracking Analyzing Behavior Patterns Identifying Antecedents & Consequences Determining Behavior Function Function-Based Interventions Individualized Behavior Contracts Data-Driven Behavior Adjustment Therapeutic Approaches Thoughts-Feelings-Behaviors Connection Recognizing Thinking Patterns Challenging Negative Thoughts Positive Self-Talk Practice Thought Record Tracking Advanced Cognitive Restructuring Comprehensive CBT Plans Behavioral Activation Techniques Building Positive Experiences Exposure Hierarchies for Anxiety Present-Moment Awareness Non-Judgmental Observation Self-Soothing & Distraction Complex Emotion Labeling Reducing Emotional Vulnerability (PLEASE)DEAR MAN Communication GIVE Skills for Relationships FAST Skills for Self-Respect Radical Acceptance Practice Crisis Survival Skills (TIPP)Understanding Trauma Effects Trauma Responses & Triggers Identifying Trauma Feelings Grounding Techniques Regulation During Trauma Distress Safe Place Visualization Processing Through Narrative Developing Trauma Story Personalized Safety Planning Group Support Turn-Taking & Sharing Group Conversation Skills Sharing in Supportive Environment Learning from Similar Challenges Building Community & Belonging Navigating Peer Relationships Group Skill Practice Group Mental Health Education Stress & Anxiety Understanding Crisis Support & Safety Knowing When to Seek Help Identifying Mental Health Crises Grounding During Crisis Using Crisis Hotlines Building Support Networks Accessing Mental Health Resources Warning Signs & Coping Strategies Developing Personal Safety Plans Understanding Suicide Warning Signs Gatekeeper Skills for Peers Digital Literacy Social Media Technology Basics Productivity Tools Internet and Online Research Web Design and Publishing Digital Citizenship Online Safety and Privacy Emerging Technologies Financial Literacy Making Financial Decisions Banking and Accounts Consumer Skills Saving and Investing Credit and Debt Employment and Income Taxes Insurance Major Purchases Economic Concepts Financial Planning College & Post-Secondary Planning Career Exploration Understanding Post-Secondary Options College Research & Selection Admission Requirements College Application Process Personal Statement Writing FAFSA Completion Scholarship Search & Applications Understanding Student Loans Continuing Education Planning Interview Preparation Researching Employers Common Interview Questions STAR Method Responses Professional Interview Presence Virtual Interview Skills Interview Follow-Up Job Search Skills Understanding Job Postings Effective Job Search Strategies Networking for Opportunities Resume Writing Basics Action Verbs & Achievements Tailoring Resumes to Jobs Cover Letter Writing Professional References Professional Communication Business Email Etiquette Phone & Voicemail Professionalism Meeting Participation Presentation Skills Professional Work Ethic Time Management & Productivity Teamwork & Collaboration Adaptability & Flexibility Problem-Solving at Work Constructive Feedback Workplace Rights Understanding Employment Laws Pay & Benefits Understanding Workplace Safety Anti-Discrimination & Harassment

Balance Bosses

A 5-lesson unit for 7th-grade students focusing on the interpersonal skills required for time management: setting boundaries, communicating overload, and advocating for a balanced schedule. Students progress from identifying burnout to drafting a personal accountability contract.

The Over-Committed Student

Students analyze case studies of 'over-committed' individuals to identify warning signs of burnout and the consequences of poor boundary setting.

The Power of a Professional No

Students practice scripts for declining optional commitments politely but firmly, learning that every 'no' is a 'yes' to their own well-being.

Negotiating Deadlines

Students learn to differentiate between hard and soft deadlines and practice professional email communication to negotiate alternatives.

Asking for Help

Students identify their support network and practice making specific, actionable requests for assistance.

Drafting the Balance Contract

Students create a personal 'Balance Contract' to outline their limits and establish a protocol for managing future stress.

Balance Bosses

A 5-lesson unit for 7th-grade students focusing on the interpersonal skills required for time management: setting boundaries, communicating overload, and advocating for a balanced schedule. Students progress from identifying burnout to drafting a personal accountability contract.

Burnout Blueprint Worksheet

Burnout Blueprint

Lesson 1: The Over-Committed Student • Case Study Analysis

Name:

Date:

Case Study: Meet Alex

The Schedule

7:30 AM: Jazz Band
8:30-3:15: Classes
3:30 PM: Soccer Practice
5:30 PM: Tutoring
7:00 PM: Homework
10:00 PM: Bed?

"Alex is a 7th grader who hates to let people down. When the soccer coach asked him to be captain, he said yes. When the band director needed an extra trumpet player for the early morning rehearsal, he said yes. When his friend asked for help with math every night at 5:30, he said yes. Now, Alex's grades are slipping for the first time. He's snapping at his parents, he's constantly tired, and he forgot about a major Science project due tomorrow."

Burnout Risk: High Missing Deadlines Emotional Strain

1 The Warning Signs

Based on the story, list three physical or emotional signs that Alex is over-committed.

2 The Root Cause

Why did Alex say 'yes' to so many things? What was he afraid would happen if he said 'no'?

3 The Domino Effect

When we take on too much, other things start to fall. Identify which areas of Alex's life are "falling" right now.

Relationships

Academics

Health

Performance

Blueprint for Balance

If you were Alex's advisor, which ONE commitment would you suggest he step back from first? Why?

Planning & Organization | Multiple Commitments

Balance Basics Slides

Balance

Bosses

Lesson 1: The Over-Committed Student

The "Yes" Trap

Meet Alex: Straight As, team captain, band lead... and falling asleep in class.

"What went wrong?"

Study

Sports

Band

Sleep?

Burnout Warning Signs

Physical

• Chronic fatigue
• Frequent headaches
• Changes in appetite

Mental

• Forgetfulness
• Difficulty focusing
• Feeling hopeless

Emotional

• Irritability
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Loss of motivation

The "Why" Behind the "Yes"

FOMO

(Fear of Missing Out)

People Pleasing

Wanting to be liked

Optimism Bias

"It won't take that long!"

Case Study Teacher Guide

Case Study Facilitator Guide

Lesson 1: The Over-Committed Student

Teacher Resource

Duration

45-60 Minutes

Objective

Identify burnout and the costs of saying 'yes' too often.

Grouping

Pairs or Small Groups

1. The Hook (10 mins)

Present the Balance Basics Slides. Use the "Alex" slide to prompt a quick "Think-Pair-Share" around the question: "How many of you feel like your schedule looks like Alex's?"

Teaching Tip

Watch for students who minimize their stress. Validate that 7th grade is often the first time workload significantly increases alongside extracurriculars.

2. Deep Dive (20 mins)

Distribute the Burnout Blueprint Worksheet. Students should read the case study and work through questions 1-3. Encourage them to look for "hidden" symptoms in the text (e.g., "snapping at parents" as emotional irritability).

Discussion Prompt

"If Alex is captain of the team, does that make it harder or easier for him to say no to extra practices?"

3. Synthesis (15 mins)

Review the "Blueprint for Balance" section. Focus on the concept of Opportunity Cost: by saying yes to the friend's tutoring every night, Alex effectively said "no" to his sleep and his own Science project.

Key takeaway to emphasize

"Every YES to something minor is a hidden NO to something major."

Differentiation Support

For Students needing support

Provide a list of "warning signs" for them to match to the text rather than generating from scratch. Highlight key sentences in the case study.

For Advanced Learners

Ask them to rewrite the ending of the story where Alex sets a boundary early on. How does the "Domino Effect" change?

Professional No Slides

The Power of

Professional No

Lesson 2: Setting Boundaries without Burning Bridges

The Big Secret:

Every NO is actually a YES to something else.

"I can't go to the movie tonight..."

(THE NO)

"...so I can finish my project and sleep."

(THE HIDDEN YES)

The Script Formula

Step 1

Validate

"That sounds like a great opportunity..."

Step 2

The Limit

"...but I have a full schedule this week..."

Step 3

The Pivot

"...maybe another time when I'm less busy."

The "Professional No" in Action

Friend

"Thanks for asking! I'd love to, but I've already committed to [Activity] tonight."

Teacher

"I'm interested in helping with the club, but I'm worried I won't have enough time to do a good job right now."

Coach

"I value being on the team, but I need to focus on catching up in [Class] this week."

Boundary Builders Activity

Boundary Builders

Lesson 2 Activity • Scenario Cards & Practice

Instructions

Work with a partner. For each scenario card below, practice using the Validate-Limit-Pivot formula you learned in the slides. Take turns being the person making the request and the person setting the boundary.

Scenario 01

The Weekend Gamer

"Your best friend invites you to play a new video game all Saturday afternoon. However, you know you have a huge History project that you haven't started yet, and it's due Monday."

Scenario 02

The "One More Thing"

"The school talent show coordinator asks if you can help design posters this week. You are already in the show and helping with the lights. You're feeling very stressed."

Scenario 03

The Homework Helper

"A classmate asks if they can come over tonight so you can 'help' them with the math homework. You have your own homework to finish and soccer practice until late."

Scenario 04

The Chore Surprise

"Your parents ask if you can babysit your younger sibling on Friday night. You had planned that night for quiet study time before a big test."

Building Boundaries • One Conversation At A Time

Yes No Map Handout

Visual Tool

The Yes-No Map

"When I say No to one thing, I say Yes to my goals."

If I say NO to...

Staying up late to game with friends

I am saying YES to...

Feeling energetic for my soccer game

If I say NO to...

Joining the extra art club this term

I am saying YES to...

Getting my homework done before dinner

Now, create your own map:

If I say NO to...

I am saying YES to...

If I say NO to...

I am saying YES to...

Name: _________________________________ • Date: _________________

Negotiation Navigation Slides

Negotiation

Navigation

Lesson 3: Mastering the Deadline

Hard vs. Soft Deadlines

Hard Deadlines

"No room for wiggle room."

• End of the Quarter / Semester
• Competition entry dates
• State testing windows
• Concert performances

Soft Deadlines

"Room for negotiation."

• Regular homework assignments
• Drafts of larger projects
• Weekly club meetings
• Independent reading goals

The 3 P's of Email Etiquette

Proactive

Don't wait until the night before. Ask as soon as you see a conflict.

Polite

Start with a professional greeting. Use "please" and "thank you."

Proposed Solution

Don't just say you can't do it. Suggest a new date or plan.

The Email Blueprint

Subject: Scheduling Conflict - [Your Name]

Dear [Teacher Name],

I am writing because I noticed I have [Conflict/Commitment] this Friday, and I'm worried about completing [Assignment] on time.

Would it be possible to turn it in by [New Date] instead?

Thank you for your time and understanding,

[Your Name]

The Negotiator Draft Worksheet

The Negotiator's Draft

Lesson 3 • Self-Advocacy & Writing

Document No. NEG-003

Student Name:

Date:

1. Hard vs. Soft: The Sort

Read the situations below. Mark whether they are likely a HARD or SOFT deadline.

A practice worksheet for tomorrow's Math quiz.

Hard

Soft

The final version of your Science Fair board (Fair is tomorrow).

Hard

Soft

A rough draft of your personal narrative for English.

Hard

Soft

2. The Negotiation Draft

Scenario:

"You have a band concert on Tuesday night. You also have a history essay due Wednesday morning. You know you won't have time to finish the essay after the concert. Draft an email to your history teacher asking for an extension."

New Message

Subject:

Message:

Send Request

Blueprint Series: Negotiation

Deadline Decider Exit Ticket

Check for Understanding

Deadline Decider

1 Define It

In your own words, what makes a deadline "Soft"?

2 The 3 P's

What are the "3 P's" of professional negotiation?

P:

P:

P:

Name: ____________________

Support Squad Slides

The Support

Squad

Lesson 4: No One Balances Alone

The Myth of the "Solo Star"

Doing it all alone

Leading a Squad

"Smart people don't do it alone. They know who to ask for help."

Mapping Your Resources

In School

Resource Teachers
Study Hall Advisors
School Counselors
Peer Tutors

Out of School

Parents / Guardians
Coaches / Mentors
Older Siblings
Online Tutoring Tools

The Actionable Ask

Stop making vague complaints. Start making specific requests.

The "What"

"I'm stuck on Step 2..."

The "Why"

"...and I can't find the link."

The "Who"

"Can you show me where it is?"

Support Squad Map Worksheet

My Support Squad Map

Lesson 4 • Resource Identification

The Resource Radar

YOU

At School

At Home

School Support People

Home Support People

The Help Request Formula

"Don't just say 'I'm confused.' Be specific so your squad knows exactly how to help."

"I am working on [Task],
but I am stuck because [Problem].
Can you [Action]?"

Practice Your Ask:

1. I am working on...

2. But I am stuck because...

3. Can you... (Ask for one specific action)

Name: ____________________ Date: ____________________

Support Squad • Mapping Tool

Help Seeking Teacher Guide

Self-Advocacy Facilitator Guide

Lesson 4: Asking for Help

SPED Strategy Guide

The Core Concept

For many students with executive functioning challenges, "asking for help" feels like a admission of failure. This lesson rebrands it as a leadership skill: successful people manage resources, including human resources.

1

The "Resource Radar" (15 mins)

While using the Support Squad Slides, help students populate their radar. Students often overlook specific people (e.g., the coach of their sports team who can help balance practice times).

Key Question

"Who is the person you feel most comfortable talking to when you are confused?"

2

Vague vs. Actionable (20 mins)

Practice the Help Request Formula. Contrast a vague complaint with an actionable request.

Vague (Don't) "I don't get this math homework, it's too hard."

Actionable (Do) "I'm stuck on problem 4 because I don't know the first step. Can you show me?"

3

Roleplay Scripts (10 mins)

Have students practice the formula with a partner. One student is the "confused student," the other is the "resource person."

Accommodations & Support

Word Bank for "Problem"

• I forgot my materials
• The directions are confusing
• I ran out of time
• I'm overwhelmed by the steps

Word Bank for "Action"

• Show me the first step?
• Explain the directions again?
• Check my first answer?
• Give me 5 more minutes?

Contract Prep Slides

The Balance

Contract

Lesson 5: Commitment to Yourself

Unit Mastery Recap

Identify

I can spot the warning signs of burnout.

Boundaries

I can say "No" to optional things professionally.

Negotiate

I can ask for extensions on soft deadlines.

Ask

I can make actionable requests for help.

Signing the Treaty

A Balance Contract is a formal agreement between You and Future You.

It sets your personal limits.

It names your support squad.

It defines your "Emergency Protocol."

Ready to become a Balance Boss?

Let's draft your contract.

The Balance Contract Document

The Official Balance Contract

Personal Accountability Agreement

I. The Agreement

I, , commit to prioritizing my mental health, physical well-being, and academic goals. I recognize that a balanced schedule is necessary for my success.

II. My Limits

Define your boundaries for a typical week.

Max Number of Extracurriculars:

Minimum Hours of Sleep Per Night:

III. The Support Squad

If I feel my balance slipping, I will contact these three people:

Squad Member 1

Squad Member 2

Squad Member 3

IV. Emergency Protocol

When I have more than two major deadlines in one week, I will take the following action (e.g., email teacher for extension, skip one practice):

Signature of Balance Boss

Witness (Peer or Teacher)

Validated for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

Self-Advocacy Checklist Rubric

Self-Advocacy Rubric

Growth Tracking & Checklist

Rate your confidence in each skill from this unit. Be honest with yourself!

Spotting Burnout

I can tell when I'm over-committed before I break down.

1

2

3

4

Saying "No"

I can decline optional tasks without feeling guilty.

1

2

3

4

Negotiating

I can draft a professional email to request an extension.

1

2

3

4

Asking for Help

I can use the Help Formula to ask for specific assistance.

1

2

3

4

Reflection: What is my biggest takeaway?

Student Name: ____________________ Final Lesson Checklist

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