Target Tracker Leader Guide Week 1 • Goal Setting 2nd Grade Lunch Bunch
Target Tracker Leader Guide
Pacing
25 Minutes
Executive Function Focus
Goal Directed Persistence & Planning: Helping 7-8 year olds shift from wishing ("I want to be good at math") to concrete, observable steps ("I will do 3 flashcards before recess").
Lunch Bunch Setup
Napkins & wipes out first. Students eat while leader introduces; hands-on writing begins at Minute 15.
25-Minute Structured Group Flow
0-5 MIN
Unpack, Munch & Brain Boss Welcome
Welcome the group to the Brain Boss Club ! Share norm: "We chew with care, we listen with ears and eyes." Ask warm-up: "What is one thing your brain did today that made you proud?"
5-13 MIN
Concept Chat: Big Hopes vs. Bite-Sized Steps
Introduce the "Goal Stepping Stones": A big goal is across a wide river. You cannot jump in one leap; you need stones! Model an example: "Goal: Clean backpack. Stone 1: Throw out wrappers. Stone 2: Stack notebooks. Stone 3: Zip it up."
13-20 MIN
Target Tracker Activity Sheet
Hand out the Target Tracker sheets. Guide each student to choose ONE school or home goal for the week (e.g., shoe tying, reading 10 minutes, packing folder). Help them write or draw 3 stepping stones.
20-25 MIN
High-Five Share & Take-Home Practice Launch
Each student shares Stone #1 with their elbow partner. Introduce the Take-Home Mission tracker at the bottom of the worksheet: "Check off your stone at home and show family!"
Facilitator Prompts
"If a goal feels too giant, how does your brain feel? Tired? Frustrated?"
"What happens if you take step 1 today, step 2 tomorrow?"
"Who can help you stay on track when you feel like giving up?"
2nd Grade Scaffolding Tips
Writing Fatigue: Allow students to draw a quick icon (e.g. book, pencil) instead of writing sentences.Too Big Goal: If a student says "Get straight As", nudge to "Read 1 chapter tonight".
Materials Needed: Target Tracker sheets, pencils, stickers/stamps, lunch trays. Brain Boss Club • Week 1 Guide
Target Tracker Activity Sheet 🎯
Target Tracker Activity Sheet
Brain Boss Club • Week 1 Goal Setting
Name:
Date:
Brain Boss Rule: A goal is a target you aim for. Small steps make big targets easy to hit!
Part 1: My Bullseye Goal Choose ONE thing to practice this week!
What is ONE thing you want your brain to get stronger at this week?
Part 2: My 3 Stepping Stones Break your goal into 3 mini steps
1
First Step (Today):
2
Middle Step (Practice):
3
Finish Step (Celebration!):
🏠
Brain Boss Home Mission: 5-Day Tracker
Take-Home Practice
Show your goal to an adult at home! Try your Stepping Stone every day. Color in a star each time you try!
Mon ★
Tue ★
Wed ★
Thu ★
Fri ★
Family/Guardian Signature: Return to next lunch bunch!
Parent Overview Guide Family Roadmap 2nd Grade Lunch Bunch
Brain Boss Parent Guide
Duration
6 Weeks
What is Executive Functioning?
Think of executive functioning as the brain's air traffic control system . In 2nd grade, children are developing the mental skills needed to filter distractions, prioritize tasks, hold directions in memory, manage emotional reactions, and follow through on daily goals.
1
Target Tracker (Goal Setting)
Why it matters: Second graders often set overwhelming wishes. Breaking goals into 3 stepping stones builds independence and genuine perseverance.
2
Clock Crunch (Time Sense)
Why it matters: Reduces "time blindness." Learning to estimate task length prevents morning rush meltdowns and bedtime power struggles.
3
Choice Crossroad (Decisions)
Why it matters: Strengthens impulse control. The Red-Yellow-Green stoplight tool teaches kids to pause before reacting and anticipate consequences.
4
Glitch Busters (Problem Solving)
Why it matters: Teaches emotional regulation by scaling problems: tiny glitch, medium hiccup, or big volcano, matching reaction sizes to reality.
5
Focus Shield (Attention & Memory)
Why it matters: Expands attention stamina and strengthens working memory so multi-step school and home directions stick without reminders.
6
Brain Boss Finale (Self-Monitoring)
Why it matters: Builds metacognition (thinking about thinking) and self-assessment, helping children feel proud of their growing brain superpowers.
🏡 3 Ways to Coach Your "Brain Boss" at Home
Parent Tips
1. Use the Common Language
Ask: "Is this a tiny glitch or a big volcano?" or "Let's put on our Focus Shield for 5 minutes!"
2. Celebrate the Pause
Notice when they stop and think before reacting. Praise the effort: "I loved how you took a deep breath first!"
3. Check the Weekly Star Tracker
Your child will bring home a 5-day challenge sheet after each lunch bunch. Review it together and sign the bottom!
Questions or need extra strategies? Reach out to your school counseling team! Brain Boss Club • Family Resource
Clock Crunch Leader Guide Week 2 • Time Management 2nd Grade Lunch Bunch
Clock Crunch Leader Guide
Pacing
25 Minutes
Executive Function Focus
Time Estimation & Self-Monitoring: Combating "time blindness." 2nd graders often guess a task takes 10 seconds or 2 hours. Training internal clocks helps reduce transition meltdowns.
Materials Needed
Clock Crunch worksheets, 1 sand timer (or phone stopwatch), pencils, clipboards.
25-Minute Structured Group Flow
0-5 MIN
Munch Check-In & Goal Celebrations
Eat lunch while sharing 1 victory from Week 1 Target Trackers. Warm-up question: "Why does recess feel like 2 minutes, but waiting in line feels like 100 years?"
5-12 MIN
Mini-Lesson: The Time Detective Secret
Explain the difference between Clock Time (real ticks) and Brain Time (how it feels). Introduce the 3 Time Detective Clues: Guess it , Time it , Beat the Time Thief (who tricks us into daydreaming).
12-20 MIN
The 60-Second Challenge Activity
Distribute Clock Crunch Activity Sheets. Leader runs stopwatch trials for 3 rapid challenges (writing name 3x, putting on jacket, sorting 5 colored crayons). Students record their Guess then actual Real Time .
20-25 MIN
Debrief & Home Practice: Morning Blast Off
Reflect: "Were your guesses close or far off?" Explain the Take-Home Mission: Pick one morning or bedtime routine (e.g. brushing teeth or shoes on) and use a timer to stay focused.
Discussion Starters
"What steals your time when you get ready for school in the morning?"
"How can a visual timer help you start before you run out of time?"
"What does your brain feel like when you have to rush at the last second?"
ADHD & Time-Blindness Scaffolds
Anxiety with Clocks: Emphasize this is an experiment , not a race. Being accurate is the goal, not being fast.Visual Support: Use a red-disk visual timer or a physical sand hourglass so students literally see time passing.
Leader Tip: Keep the stopwatch celebratory and fun to build confidence! Brain Boss Club • Week 2 Guide
Clock Crunch Activity Sheet ⏱️
Clock Crunch Activity Sheet
Brain Boss Club • Week 2 Time Management
Name:
Date:
Time Detective Clue: Brains often think tasks take way longer or way shorter than they really do!
Part 1: The Stopwatch Trials
Challenge Task My Guess Real Time Close? 1. Write your full name neatly 3 times ____ sec ____ sec 👍 / 😮 2. Put on your jacket and zip or button it ____ sec ____ sec 👍 / 😮 3. Pack 3 items into your lunch bag neatly ____ sec ____ sec 👍 / 😮
Part 2: Spot Your "Time Thief"
Circle which sneaky thief steals your minutes the most:
☁️ Daydreaming
💬 Chatting
🔍 Lost Supplies
🐢 Slow Starts
⏰
Brain Boss Home Mission: Beat The Timer
Take-Home Practice
Pick one routine at home (e.g. morning shoes & backpack OR bedtime teeth & pajamas). Set a timer with an adult for 5 minutes . Can you beat the timer?
Day 1 ★
Day 2 ★
Day 3 ★
Day 4 ★
Day 5 ★
Family/Guardian Signature: Return to next lunch bunch!
Choice Crossroad Leader Guide Week 3 • Decision Making 2nd Grade Lunch Bunch
Choice Crossroad Leader Guide
Pacing
25 Minutes
Executive Function Focus
Inhibitory Control & Consequence Anticipation: Training second graders to press pause between an emotional trigger and a physical reaction, weighing "If I do this... then that happens."
The Stoplight Rule
Red: Stop body. Yellow: Think choices. Green: Go with best pick.
25-Minute Structured Group Flow
0-5 MIN
Munch Check-In & "The Rewind Button"
Eat lunch. Prompt: "Have you ever made a super fast choice and wished you had a magical TV rewind button? What happened?" Validate that all brains sometimes act before thinking.
5-12 MIN
Mini-Lesson: The Stoplight Decision Tool
Teach the physical anchor: Touch nose for Red (Stop!), tap temple for Yellow (Think: Option A vs Option B), give thumbs up for Green (Go!). Practice as a group twice with a quick prompt.
12-20 MIN
Choice Crossroad Activity Sheet
Students work through two real 2nd grade dilemma cards (e.g. Someone accidentally bumps you in the cafeteria line; you want to keep playing but teacher says clean up). Students map Choice A vs Choice B.
20-25 MIN
Commitment & Home Mission: Pause Power
Introduce the Take-Home Mission: "Catch a Pause!" Whenever students pause before reacting at home (sharing with a sibling or turning off video game), family signs their star.
Discussion Starters
"Why does our brain want to react instantly when we feel mad or excited?"
"What does the Yellow Light feel like inside your head?"
"Can you make a good choice even if you feel frustrated?"
Impulsivity Scaffolding Tips
High Impulsivity: Give a physical sensory cue like holding both hands flat on table during "Red Light" pause.Black-and-White Thinking: If student sees only one way, suggest: "What is a silly third choice? What is a helpful third choice?"
Norm: Celebrate students who admit mistakes; normalize learning from choices! Brain Boss Club • Week 3 Guide
Choice Crossroad Activity Sheet 🚦
Choice Crossroad Activity Sheet
Brain Boss Club • Week 3 Decision Making
Name:
Date:
1. RED = STOP
Pause your body & hands
2. YELLOW = THINK
What are my 2 choices?
3. GREEN = GO
Pick the Brain Boss way!
Dilemma 1: The Lunch Line Cut Cafeteria
Someone steps right in front of you in the pizza line!
Fast Reaction (Red):
Push them back or yell loudly.
Consequence: Get sent to the end of the line.
Brain Boss Choice (Green):
Take a breath, use a polite voice: "Excuse me, the line starts back there."
Consequence: Solved peacefully!
Dilemma 2: Recess Ball Disagreement Playground
You and a friend both reach for the only kickball at the same time.
My Brain Boss Choice will be:
🛑
Brain Boss Home Mission: Pause Power
Take-Home Practice
Practice using your Red Light Pause at home (e.g. before getting mad at a sibling, or when told to turn off screens). Color a star each time you stop and think!
Day 1 ★
Day 2 ★
Day 3 ★
Day 4 ★
Day 5 ★
Family/Guardian Signature: Return to next lunch bunch!
Glitch Busters Leader Guide Week 4 • Problem Solving 2nd Grade Lunch Bunch
Glitch Busters Leader Guide
Pacing
25 Minutes
Executive Function Focus
Cognitive Flexibility & Reaction Calibration: Teaching 2nd graders to evaluate the true size of a problem so emotional responses match reality instead of treating small glitches like five-alarm fires.
The Golden Rule
"The size of my reaction should match the size of my problem!"
25-Minute Structured Group Flow
0-5 MIN
Lunch Check-In & The Dramatic Overreaction
Eat lunch. Leader acts out dropping a pencil lead: "NOOO! Everything is ruined!" Kids laugh. Ask: "Did my reaction match my problem, or was that silly?"
5-12 MIN
Mini-Lesson: The 3 Problem Levels
Teach the 3 tiers: Tiny Glitch (broken crayon; fix myself in 10 sec), Medium Hiccup (left folder at home, game argument; ask for help), and Big Volcano (safety hazard, real hurt; get adult now).
12-20 MIN
Glitch Busters Activity Sheet
Distribute sheets. Students sort 4 real school scenarios into Glitch, Hiccup, or Volcano. Next, each student picks 1 go-to calming tool (box breathing, positive self-talk, squeeze hands).
20-25 MIN
Debrief & Home Mission Launch
Partner share: "What is one glitch that happened to you this week?" Introduce the Home Mission: Spot a glitch at home and use a calm fix instead of a volcano reaction!
Discussion Starters
"Why does a tiny glitch sometimes feel like a volcano inside our body?"
"If you have a volcano reaction to a broken crayon, does the crayon get fixed?"
"What can you say in your brain to shrink a problem back to a glitch?"
Emotional Regulation Scaffolds
Sensory Overwhelm: Teach the "5-4-3-2-1 Grounding" or quick shoulder rolls when a glitch triggers physical panic.Tattling vs. Reporting: Clarify that adult help is always welcome for Hiccups & Volcanos, but Glitches can be solved by kids.
Mantra: "I am bigger than any glitch that comes my way!" Brain Boss Club • Week 4 Guide
Glitch Busters Activity Sheet 🛠️
Glitch Busters Activity Sheet
Brain Boss Club • Week 4 Problem Solving
Name:
Date:
🟢
Tiny Glitch
I can fix it myself fast
🟡
Medium Hiccup
Need a friend or teacher tip
🔴
Big Volcano
Emergency! Get adult right now
Part 1: Rate the Problem Size
1. Your pencil lead breaks during writing time.
Glitch Hiccup Volcano
2. A friend falls on the blacktop and hurts their knee.
Glitch Hiccup Volcano
3. Someone accidentally takes the marker you wanted.
Glitch Hiccup Volcano
Part 2: My Calm-Down Power Move
When a glitch happens, what will you do to keep your reaction the right size?
🌬️ 3 Belly Breaths In through nose, out slow
🧠 Positive Self-Talk "I can handle this glitch!"
🤝 Ask for Help Polite voice to friend/teacher
🌋
Brain Boss Home Mission: Glitch Buster
Take-Home Practice
Watch for little glitches at home (e.g. dropped toy, spilled drink, lost shoe). Keep your reaction tiny like the glitch! Color a star each day you stay calm.
Day 1 ★
Day 2 ★
Day 3 ★
Day 4 ★
Day 5 ★
Family/Guardian Signature: Return to next lunch bunch!
Focus Shield Leader Guide Week 5 • Focus & Attention 2nd Grade Lunch Bunch
Focus Shield Leader Guide
Pacing
25 Minutes
Executive Function Focus
Sustained Attention & Working Memory: Empowering 2nd graders to recognize "Brain Hijackers" (distractions) and activate practical strategies like whisper self-talk and visual desk shields to hold directions in mind.
The Focus Shield
Eyes on target, ears listening, hands still, brain repeating directions.
25-Minute Structured Group Flow
0-5 MIN
Lunch Check-In & The Laser Eye Game
Students eat lunch. Quick 60-second warm-up: Students lock eyes onto leader's raised eraser while leader makes funny sounds (squeaks, taps table). Celebrate those who held their focus shield strong!
5-12 MIN
Mini-Lesson: Outside vs. Inside Brain Hijackers
Introduce the two types of hijackers: Outside (whispers, dropped pencil, hallway noise) and Inside (hungry belly, daydreaming about Minecraft/recess). Teach the Whisper Replay: repeating 3 teacher steps out loud softly.
12-20 MIN
Focus Shield Activity Sheet
Students decorate their personal Focus Shield, classify 4 common distractors, and test their working memory with the 3-Step Simon Command challenge right at the lunch table.
20-25 MIN
Commitment & Home Mission: 5-Minute Focus Sprint
Explain the Take-Home Mission: Pick one homework page or reading book. Turn off TV, put toys away, set a 5-minute timer, and do a distraction-free sprint. Family verifies!
Discussion Starters
"What is the sneakiest distractor in our 2nd grade classroom?"
"When your mind wanders off, what magic words can bring it back?"
"How does clearing your desk help your brain see only what matters?"
Attention Scaffolds
Working Memory Overload: Only give 2 directions at once instead of 3. Have the student echo them back immediately.Fidget Needs: Provide an approved silent fidget (textured velcro dot under desk) so physical energy has an outlet.
Shield Motto: "My attention is a superpower. I choose where it points!" Brain Boss Club • Week 5 Guide
Focus Shield Activity Sheet 🛡️
Focus Shield Activity Sheet
Brain Boss Club • Week 5 Focus & Attention
Name:
Date:
👀
Target Eyes
Look at the speaker
🧹
Clear Desk
Only needed supplies
🗣️
Whisper Loop
Repeat steps softly
🧘
Calm Body
Feet flat on floor
Part 1: Classify the Brain Hijackers
Is the distractor OUTSIDE you (room/noise) or INSIDE you (thoughts/feelings)?
1. Someone whispering funny jokes nearby
Outside Inside
2. Thinking about what toy you want to play with at home
Outside Inside
3. A loud lawnmower buzzing outside the classroom window
Outside Inside
Part 2: 3-Step Simon Memory Challenge
Listen to your leader's 3 instructions, whisper them back, and complete below:
Box 1: Step 1
Box 2: Step 2
Box 3: Step 3
🚀
Brain Boss Home Mission: 5-Minute Focus Sprint
Take-Home Practice
Choose a reading book or homework page. Turn off TV and screens. Focus for 5 straight minutes with zero distractors! Color a star each day you complete your sprint!
Day 1 ★
Day 2 ★
Day 3 ★
Day 4 ★
Day 5 ★
Family/Guardian Signature: Return to next lunch bunch!
Brain Boss Leader Guide Week 6 • Graduation & Reflection 2nd Grade Lunch Bunch
Brain Boss Leader Guide
Pacing
25 Minutes
Executive Function Focus
Metacognition & Self-Evaluation: Fostering self-awareness so students can look back, recognize how much their attention, pacing, and problem-solving have grown, and take pride in their brain tools.
Celebration Spirit
Special treats, high-fives, and personal certificates honoring each child's top brain superpower.
25-Minute Celebration Flow
0-5 MIN
Celebration Feast & 6-Week Roll Call
Unpack lunch with celebratory music. Call out each student by their official title: "Brain Boss [Student Name]!" Quick cheer for completing all 6 weeks of training!
5-12 MIN
The 5 Superpower Review Circle
Rapidly flash the visual icons: 🎯 Targets (Week 1), ⏱️ Clock (Week 2), 🚦 Stoplight (Week 3), 🛠️ Glitch Buster (Week 4), and 🛡️ Focus Shield (Week 5). Ask students which tool helped them the most in class.
12-20 MIN
Keepsake Activity Sheet & Self-Evaluation Wheel
Students fill out their Brain Boss Keepsake: rating their skills, writing their favorite tool, and signing the official Brain Boss Creed. Leader circulates with celebratory stamps.
20-25 MIN
Official Graduation & Home Celebration Pledge
Award each student their official badge on the sheet. Instruct students to take their certificate home to display on their refrigerator and teach their family their top brain tool!
Reflection Prompts
"What was hard for you in Week 1 that is easier for you today?"
"When you make a mistake now, how do you handle it?"
"How will you keep being a Brain Boss for the rest of 2nd grade?"
Classroom Generalization Tips
Teacher Cue: Give classroom teachers a mini card with the 5 visual icons so they can use common language during transitions.Booster Check: Schedule a 10-minute "Alumni Lunch Bunch" in 4 weeks to check on sustained habits.
Congratulations to your Brain Bosses on finishing their 6-week journey! Brain Boss Club • Week 6 Guide
Brain Boss Celebration Keepsake 🎓 Official Award of Completion ⭐
Brain Boss Graduate
6-Week Executive Functioning Superhero Club
Awarded to:
Date:
Part 1: My 5 Brain Boss Superpowers
🎯 Goal Targets MASTERED!
⏱️ Time Sense MASTERED!
🚦 Stoplight MASTERED!
🛠️ Glitch Buster MASTERED!
🛡️ Focus Shield MASTERED!
The tool that helps my brain the most is:
The Brain Boss Creed
"I am the boss of my own brain! I pause before I react. I take small steps toward big goals. When tiny glitches happen, I stay calm. I keep my focus shield strong!"
Brain Boss Signature:
🎉
Family Celebration Mission
Take-Home Practice
Hang this certificate somewhere special at home (like the refrigerator)! Teach one brain tool to your family tonight at dinner.
🗣️ Explained My Tools ☐ Done!
🙌 Family High-Five ☐ Done!
📌 Hung On Display ☐ Done!
Proud Family/Guardian Signature: Brain Boss Certified!
