Bootcamp Kickoff Lesson Plan Session 1 Plan
Goal-Setting Foundations
Target Audience
9th Grade
Duration
60 Minutes
Why This Matters
Understanding executive function and setting clear goals empowers students to manage tasks, track progress, and take ownership of their learning, laying a foundation for high-school success.
Objective
Students will be introduced to executive function concepts and practice SMART goal-setting through discussion and application, building self-awareness and planning skills.
Prep & Setup
• Review Executive Function Intro Slides
• Print Goal-Setting Worksheets (1 per student)
• Prepare whiteboard and markers
• Gather index cards or sticky notes
Materials
Intro Slide Deck Goal-Setting Worksheet Index Cards / Sticky Notes Whiteboard Markers Timer
Instructional Sequence
5 min
Warm-Up
Initial Goal Reflection
Distribute index cards or sticky notes to each student.
Prompt: "Write one recent goal you set and whether you achieved it."
Collect responses and post on the board anonymously.
Scan entries and note common themes or challenges for the class.
10 min
Instruction
Introduction to Executive Function
Display EF Intro Slides .
Define EF: Planning, Organization, and Self-Regulation.
Use relatable examples (managing homework, planning a hangout).
Discussion: "Why might these skills matter in high school?"
10 min
Instruction
The SMART Framework
Transition to SMART goals framework on the slides.
Explain each element (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
Model creating a SMART goal for a common school task.
Answer clarifying questions.
20 min
Practice
Applied Goal-Setting
Distribute Goal-Setting Worksheets .
In pairs, students choose one academic or personal goal.
Guide them through criteria, writing statements on their worksheets.
Circulate to provide feedback.
Invite volunteers to share their finalized SMART goals.
15 min
Closing
Reflection & Exit Ticket
Discussion: "What was challenging about making your goal SMART?"
Highlight strategies for avoiding vagueness.
Exit Ticket: One action step for this week on a new index card. EF Foundations Slides Boost Your Brain:
Executive Function 101
Welcome to Day 1: Introduction to Executive Function and SMART Goal-Setting.
EF Bootcamp
Session 1
9th Grade Foundations
Today's Roadmap
1
Define Executive Function
What are these "mental skills" everyone talks about?
2
Explore the "Why"
Why does this matter for 9th grade and beyond?
3
Master SMART Goals
Learn a framework to actually get things done.
What Is Executive Function?
Executive function refers to the mental skills that act as the "CEO" of your brain, helping you:
Plan
Setting up steps and timelines for tasks before starting.
Organize
Keeping materials and information in order for easy access.
Self-Regulate
Managing your focus, emotions, and impulses to stay on task.
Why These Skills Matter
Manage multiple assignments and deadlines
Develop consistent, effective study habits
Work toward long-term academic and personal goals
Discussion
"Why might these skills matter to you personally right now?"
EF in Action: The Big Project
The Scenario
You have a major research project due in exactly two weeks . It counts for 20% of your grade.
How would you use EF to...
1
Break the task into smaller steps?
2
Track your daily progress?
3
Stay on schedule when you're tired?
Introducing SMART Goals
A powerful framework to turn vague wishes into actionable plans.
S Specific
M Measurable
A Achievable
R Relevant
T Time-Bound
S
Specific
Clearly define what you want to achieve. No vague language!
Bad Example
"I want to get better at math."
M
Measurable
How will you track your progress? How do you know when you've won?
Better
"I will complete 30 minutes of algebra practice 3 times a week."
Goal Setting Worksheet Goal-Setting Guide
Boost Your Brain: Session 1
Name:
Date:
1
Identify Your Goal
Think of one academic or personal goal you would like to achieve this month. Write it in your own words first.
2
Make It SMART
Specific The What
What exactly do you want to accomplish?
Measurable The Numbers
How will you track progress or know when it's done?
Achievable The Reality
Is this realistic given your time and resources?
Relevant The Why
Why is this important to you right now?
Time-Bound The Deadline
What is your deadline? When will you start and finish?
3
Your SMART Goal Statement
Combine your answers above into one clear, powerful sentence.
Potential Obstacles
Support Systems
Reference Example
"By the end of this month, I will improve my math grade from a B to an A by completing all homework on time, studying algebra for 30 minutes each day after school, and attending a weekly tutoring session."
EF Skills Bingo Card EF Skills Bingo
Boost Your Brain Bootcamp • Session 1
B
I
N
G
O
Planning
Organization
Free Space
Goal-Setting
Time Management
Attention
Working Memory
Self-Regulation
Emotional Control
Flexible Thinking
Task Initiation
Prioritizing
Free Space
Metacognition
Impulse Control
Breaking Tasks Down
Tracking Progress
Setting Deadlines
Seeking Help
Adjusting Strategies
Managing Distractions
Reflecting on Performance
Building Routines
Using Checklists
Visualizing Steps
How to Play
Listen as your teacher calls out an EF term or reads a real-life scenario.
Mark the square if it matches the term or scenario described.
The first person to get five in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) shouts "BINGO!"
Be ready to explain how one of your marked skills helps you in high school!
Teacher Tips
Use scenarios like: "You put your phone in another room while studying" (Managing Distractions).
Discuss the "Free Space" skills—why are they central to EF?
Have winners read back their terms to reinforce vocabulary.
EF Skills Matching Worksheet EF Skills Match
Vocabulary Challenge • Session 1
Score
/ 10
Mission Instructions
Match the Executive Function terms on the left with their correct definitions on the right. Write the letter of the definition in the box next to each term.
Terms
1. Planning
2. Organization
3. Self-Regulation
4. Time Management
5. Metacognition
6. Impulse Control
7. Task Initiation
8. Flexible Thinking
9. Working Memory
10. Goal-Setting
Definitions
A. Managing emotions and behavior to stay focused without getting off track.
B. Breaking a project into steps and outlining what you’ll do when.
C. Starting tasks promptly and overcoming procrastination.
D. Holding and manipulating information in your mind for short periods.
E. Identifying objectives and creating clear, actionable targets (like SMART goals).
F. Reflecting on and regulating your own thinking processes.
G. Arranging materials and information for easy access and use.
H. Adapting your approach when you encounter obstacles or new info.
I. Allocating and scheduling time effectively to meet deadlines.
J. Resisting immediate temptations in favor of long-term goals.
Name:
Date:
Digital EF Game Slides Digital EF Challenge
Time to test your knowledge! As a class, we'll match the core Executive Function skills to their real-world definitions.
Level 1 Match the EF Core
Discussion Mode
Mental Skills
1. Planning
2. Organization
3. Self-Regulation
4. Task Initiation
5. Working Memory
Definitions
Arranging materials and information systematically for easy access and use.
Starting tasks promptly and overcoming procrastination.
Managing emotions and behavior to stay focused without getting off track.
Breaking a project into smaller steps and outlining what to do when.
Holding and using information in your mind (like following 3-step directions).
Mission Complete
1
Planning → Mapping the steps
2
Organization → Keeping order
3
Self-Regulation → Emotional control
4
Task Initiation → Getting started
5
Working Memory → Holding info
"Great job! Now that we know the terms, let's use them to reach our goals."
Time Management Lesson Plan Session 2 Plan
Mastering Time
Target Audience
9th Grade
Duration
60 Minutes
Why This Matters
High school introduces a significant increase in workload and independence. Developing time management and prioritization skills helps students reduce stress and avoid the pitfalls of procrastination.
Objective
Students will categorize tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix and identify personal "Time Thieves" to improve prioritization and efficiency.
Prep & Setup
• Review Mastering Time Slides
• Print Priority Planner Worksheets
• Set up a 5-minute timer for the warm-up
Instructional Sequence
10 min
Warm-Up
The Time Thief Investigation
Prompt: "List 3 things that 'stole' your time yesterday (e.g., social media scrolling, looking for a lost pencil, staring at a blank page)."
Discuss: Are these internal (your choice) or external (others' choice) thieves?
15 min
Instruction
The Eisenhower Matrix
Introduce the Matrix: Urgent vs. Important.
Define the 4 Quadrants: Do, Plan, Delegate/Minimize, Eliminate.
Model categorizing a list of school tasks (Quiz tomorrow, Laundry, Playing Video Games, Choosing a project topic).
20 min
Practice
Priority Planner Workshop
Distribute Priority Planner Worksheet .
Students list all their current tasks/assignments for the week.
They sort them into the Matrix quadrants.
Guide them to choose their "Big 3" for the next 24 hours.
15 min
Closing
Procrastination Power-Ups
Share 2 quick strategies: The "5-Minute Rule" and "Eat the Frog."
Exit Ticket: Which strategy will you try today?
Mastering Time Slides Mastering Time
Stop fighting the clock. Start making it work for you.
Session 2
Beware: The Time Thieves
A "Time Thief" is anything that steals your focus or productivity without you realizing it.
Common Culprits:
"Just one more TikTok"
Looking for lost notes
Constant snacks/breaks
Investigation
"What stole 15 minutes of your time yesterday?"
The Priority Matrix
1. DO
Urgent & Important
Assignments due tomorrow, crises, or quick tasks that take < 5 min.
2. PLAN
Not Urgent & Important
Long-term projects, studying ahead, hobbies, relationships, rest.
3. LIMIT
Urgent & Not Important
Interruptions, some emails/texts, other people's minor requests.
4. BYE!
Not Urgent & Not Important
Mindless scrolling, busy work, time-wasting habits.
Eat the Frog
"If you have to eat a live frog, it does not pay to sit and look at it for very long."
Do your hardest, most important task first thing in the day. The rest will feel easy.
The 5-Minute Procrastination Buster
Can't get started? Tell yourself you will work on the task for only 5 minutes .
Set the timer. Go.
Once you break the inertia, you'll likely keep going.
Priority Planner Worksheet Priority Planner
Session 2: Time Management
Name:
1
The Weekly Brain Dump
List everything on your plate: assignments, chores, practice, projects, and personal goals.
2
The Priority Matrix
1. DO IT NOW
2. PLAN IT
3. LIMIT IT
4. ELIMINATE IT
!
My "Big Three" for Today
If nothing else gets done, these three must happen.
Organization Mastery Lesson Plan Session 3 Plan
Organization Mastery
Target Audience
9th Grade
Duration
60 Minutes
Why This Matters
Disorganization is a major barrier to high school success. When students spend time searching for files or losing assignments, they lose the mental energy needed for actual learning. Mastery of physical and digital spaces creates clarity.
Objective
Students will design a personal organization system for their physical and digital workspaces and audit their current materials for efficiency.
Prep & Setup
• Review Organization Slides
• Print Digital Cleanup Checklists
• Ensure students have access to their laptops/devices
Instructional Sequence
10 min
The Hook
The Backpack "Autopsy"
Have students briefly (and safely!) look through their backpacks or binders.
Prompt: "Find one piece of paper you don't need, and one that you've been looking for."
Discuss: "How much 'dead weight' are we carrying?"
15 min
Instruction
Systems of Success
Display Organization Slides .
Discuss the "One Place" rule (one place for papers, one place for digital files).
Introduce "Sunday Setup": The 10-minute weekly reset.
Show folder naming conventions: Class_Assignment_Date.
20 min
Practice
Digital Clean-Sweep
Distribute Digital Cleanup Checklist .
Students open their devices and create a folder for each class.
They move loose files into the correct folders.
They clear their "Downloads" and "Desktop" folders.
15 min
Closing
The Launchpad Setup
Identify a "Launchpad" at home (where your bag goes every night).
Exit Ticket: Name your Launchpad and one thing you'll organize tonight.
Organization Mastery Slides Mastering Systems
Clutter is an attention thief. Let's reclaim your focus.
Session 3
The Clutter Cost
When your workspace is messy, your brain is constantly processing the clutter, leaving less energy for learning.
The "Search" Drain:
Spending 5 minutes looking for a file or a worksheet breaks your "flow" and makes getting back to work 10x harder.
STOP THE SEARCH
Digital Hygiene
Folder First
Create one folder per class. Never save a file to the "Desktop" or "Downloads" and leave it there.
Name Game
Be specific. Instead of "Essay_Final", use "History_WWII_Essay_01-17".
The Weekly Purge
Every Sunday, clear out your Downloads folder and organize your inbox.
The Launchpad
A "Launchpad" is the exact same spot where your backpack, shoes, and keys go every single night.
Bag Ready
Tech Charged
Peace of Mind
NO MORE MORNING CHAOS.
Digital Cleanup Checklist Digital Cleanup
Session 3: Organization Mastery
Name:
Level 1: Structure
Open your Google Drive or File Explorer. Check the box once you've created/verified a folder for each class.
English / Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies / History
Elective 1: ____________
Personal / Misc
Level 2: The Purge
Identify 10 files in your "Downloads" or "Desktop" that are no longer needed and delete them.
Rename 3 files that have vague names (like "Document1" or "Untitled") using the:Class_Topic_Date format.
Move all remaining "loose" school files into their respective class folders.
My Morning Launchpad
Where exactly will you keep your school essentials tonight? (Be specific: "The hook by the door," "The chair in my room.")
Check 1
Bag Packed
Check 2
Laptop Charged
Check 3
Shoes Found
Regulation & Reflection Lesson Plan Session 4 Plan
Regulation & Reflection
Target Audience
9th Grade
Duration
60 Minutes
Why This Matters
The final stage of executive function is the ability to monitor one's own progress and regulate focus. Reflecting on bootcamp progress reinforces new habits and helps students identify which strategies they will carry forward long-term.
Objective
Students will practice the Pomodoro technique for focus and reflect on their growth across the four bootcamp sessions to create a sustainable success plan.
Prep & Setup
• Review Session 4 Slides
• Print Reflection & Growth Worksheets
• Prepare a classroom timer for the Pomodoro trial
Instructional Sequence
10 min
Warm-Up
The Focus Scan
Prompt: "What is your #1 distraction when you're trying to work at home?"
Discuss: "What does it feel like when you're 'in the zone' vs. when you're distracted?"
15 min
Instruction
Focus Strategies
Introduce the Pomodoro Technique (25/5 rule).
Explain "Monotasking" vs. Multitasking (and the cognitive switch cost).
Brainstorm "Brain Breaks" that actually refresh (walking, stretching) vs. those that drain (scrolling).
20 min
Reflection
Bootcamp Growth Review
Distribute Reflection & Growth Worksheet .
Students look back at Day 1 (Goals), Day 2 (Time), and Day 3 (Organization).
They identify one "Big Win" and one strategy they will commit to for the rest of the semester.
15 min
Closing
The Pledge
Have students share their "Commitment Statement" with a partner.
Class Wrap-Up: Celebrate the effort! You have the tools; now use them.
Collect final worksheets for feedback/grading.
Regulation & Reflection Slides Focus & Growth
You've built the system. Now, let's drive the car.
Session 4
The Multitasking Myth
Your brain cannot actually focus on two complex tasks at once. It just switches back and forth.
The Switch Cost:
Every time you check a text while studying, you lose "mental friction" and take minutes to get back to deep focus.
Solution:
Monotasking
One task. One screen. No alerts. Just focus.
The Pomodoro Technique
01
Pick
Choose one single task to work on.
02
Work
Focus intently for 25 minutes.
03
Break
Take a 5-minute movement break.
04
Repeat
After 4 sessions, take a longer break.
You've Got This
High school is a marathon, not a sprint. The tools you've learned here—Goal Setting, Time Management, Organization, and Focus—are your survival kit.
PLAN
ORGANIZE
EXECUTE
Reflection & Growth Worksheet Bootcamp Reflection
Session 4: Wrap-Up & Growth
Name:
Day-by-Day Review
Day 1: Goals
One thing I learned about my SMART goal:
Day 2: Time
The "Time Thief" I need to watch out for most:
Day 3: Org
My most organized space right now (Physical or Digital):
Regulation Plan
When I have a big assignment to finish, I will use this strategy:
Method
Pomodoro (25/5)
Environment
Where? ____________
Device Policy
Phone in ✈️ Mode
My Semester Pledge
"I, ________________________, commit to using my ________________________ strategy to take control of my high school success. I will handle my assignments, my time, and my space with intention."
Signature
Date
