Mind Engine SlidesThe Control Center Decoding the ADHD Brain through Metaphor Today's Objectives Differentiate between outward behavior and internal brain function. Define Executive Function and its role in daily life. Analyze metaphors for ADHD to build empathy and understanding. Warm-up: Quick Write "Have you ever known what you should do, but couldn't make yourself do it? Why do you think that happens?" Take 5 minutes to respond in your journal. Video: How to (Explain) ADHD Pause at 1:45 to discuss Embedded media The Anatomy of Regulation Neurotypical Having a brain that functions in the "average" or expected way. Executive Function The brain's "self-management" system for planning, prioritizing, and impulse control. Attention Regulation The ability to shift and sustain focus intentionally, rather than randomly. Working Memory The ability to hold and manipulate information in your mind for short periods. The Secretary A neurotypical secretary blocks distractions so the CEO can work. The ADHD secretary lets everyone in or no one in. Discussion: What distractions is your "mental secretary" dealing with right now? Simulation: Word Swap The Challenge: Listen to a list of 5 random words. Repeat them back in reverse order. No writing! Only use your brain's "whiteboard." "This simulates the effort of holding info while manipulating it." The Whiteboard The ADHD brain has a whiteboard that requires huge writing. It fills up instantly and must be erased constantly. "Why might someone with a 'small whiteboard' need instructions written down or broken into chunks?" MILK KEYS HW ERROR: FULL The Paradox "It's like being the smartest, stupidest, most motivated, and laziest person in the room... all at the same time." How does this conflict affect a student's confidence? Why is "lazy" often the wrong word? Final Reflection In your journal, respond to the quote on the previous slide. Consider: The difference between intention and execution. How the "Race Car" and "Bicycle Brakes" metaphor relates to this. One strategy that might help someone with "bicycle brakes." 10 MINUTES
Control Center JournalControl Center Journal Unit: Brain Mechanics | Lesson: The Control Center Name __________________________ Date __________________________ 01. WARM-UP: THE INTENTION GAP Have you ever known what you should do, but couldn't make yourself do it? Why do you think that happens? 02. VOCABULARY DECODER Neurotypical Executive Function Working Memory Emotional Dysregulation 03. VIDEO FIELD NOTES 1. THE DIAL (1:34) - How does the ADHD attention dial differ from a neurotypical one? 2. THE SECRETARY (2:30) - What does the "ADHD Secretary" do with distractions? 3. RACE CAR vs. BRAKES (4:35) - What represents the "engine" and what represents the "brakes"? 04. SIMULATION: WORKING MEMORY SWAP Record your experience after the game. How many words did you get? How did your brain feel while trying to reverse them? The Whiteboard Connection: This game requires you to "hold" words in your mind while "manipulating" their order. People with ADHD often have a "smaller whiteboard," making it harder to hold multi-step directions. 05. FINAL REFLECTION: THE PARADOX "It's like being the smartest, stupidest, most motivated, and laziest person in the room... all at the same time." Respond to this quote. Why does the speaker use these specific words? How does understanding executive function change how we view "laziness"? Extension: Meta-Metaphors Level Up Research another type of neurodivergence (e.g., Dyslexia, Autism, Dysgraphia). Based on what you find, create your own metaphor to explain how that brain works. Target Condition The Metaphor
Brain Boss GuideBrain Boss Guide Teacher Facilitation & Facilitation Key Version 1.0 | 2026 Instructional Goal Students often conflate ADHD symptoms with character flaws (laziness, lack of care). This lesson shifts that perspective by framing ADHD as a biological difference in Executive Function. By using metaphors, we move from moral judgment to functional understanding. Materials Needed Mind Engine Slides Control Center Journal Projector / Internet Writing Utensils Lesson Pacing Warm-up 5 min Video 10 min Simulation 20 min Reflection 10 min Simulation: Working Memory Word Lists Read these lists clearly. Students must repeat them back in reverse order. Do not let them write notes! Trial 1: Basic 1. Apple 2. Chair 3. Ocean 4. Cloud 5. Key Target: Key - Cloud - Ocean - Chair - Apple Trial 2: Abstract 1. Justice 2. Rhythm 3. Glitch 4. Focus 5. Marble Target: Marble - Focus - Glitch - Rhythm - Justice Video Response Key TimeMetaphorConcept Explained1:34The Dial (1-10 vs. Random/15)Attention Regulation (not deficit). Trouble shifting vs. hyperfocus.2:30The SecretaryThe brain's filtering system; inability to block low-priority stimuli.3:20The WhiteboardWorking Memory capacity. Limited "space" for holding instructions.4:35Race Car / Bicycle BrakesHigh potential/intelligence (engine) vs. low impulse control (brakes).5:15Emotional SunburnEmotional Dysregulation; small slights feeling intensely painful.
