Brain Blueprint Slides Brain Blueprint
TA Training: Supporting Executive Functioning
The Brain's CEO
Executive function is the set of mental skills that help the brain plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully.
Our Focus Today:
Organization
Time Management
Task Initiation
Focus 1: Organization
K-5 Elementary
Visual Cubbies: Labels with pictures and words.
Color Coding: Math = Blue, Reading = Red.
Desk Audits: Weekly "clean-out" routines with a visual checklist.
6-12 Secondary
Digital Hygiene: Organizing Google Drive folders by subject.
Binder Systems: Tabbed dividers and clear "In/Out" pockets.
The "Locker Check": Helping students prep for the transition to the next block.
Focus 2: Time Management
Visualize Time
Use sand timers or visual clock apps (like Time Timer) to show time passing.
Estimation Practice
Ask: "How long do you think this will take?" vs. "How long did it actually take?"
Predictive Cues
"In 5 minutes, we will switch to math." (Warning signals before transitions).
Focus 3: Task Initiation
1
Break It Down
A large project is overwhelming. Help them find the smallest possible first step.
2
The "5-Minute" Rule
Encourage them to work for just 5 minutes. Starting is the hardest part!
3
Body Doubling
Simply standing or sitting nearby while they work can reduce initiation anxiety.
Avoiding the Trap:
If a student isn't starting, it's often anxiety or confusion, not laziness.
Ask: "Do you know where the materials are?" or "What's the very first word you'll write?"
Guide, Don't Do
Your goal is faded support. We are building the student's brain, not doing the work for them.
Avoid:
"Give me your folder, I'll put it away."
Try:
"Where should this go so you can find it tomorrow?"
Strategy Cheat Sheet Handout Brain Blueprint
TA Strategy Quick Guide
Executive Functioning
Ref: EF-K12-TA
The Golden Rule: Guide, Don't Do
Our goal is to build the student's internal systems, not to become their external brain. Focus on scaffolding: providing the minimum support needed to ensure success, then slowly fading that support as the student gains independence.
1. Organization
Physical & Digital Space
K-5 Strategies
• Color Coding: Use consistent colors for subjects (e.g., Red = Reading).
• Visual Maps: Post a photo of a "perfectly organized" desk or cubby.
• The 5-Min Reset: Spend the last 5 mins of class "cleaning up for tomorrow."
6-12 Strategies
• Digital Folders: Check student's Drive weekly for unfiled documents.
• Binder Hierarchy: Teach them to put "active" work in the front.
• Landing Zones: Designate a specific spot for papers that need to go home.
2. Time Management
Awareness & Planning
Internal Clock Tools
• Time Timers: Use visual timers that show a "slice" of time disappearing.
• Time Estimation: "How long will this paragraph take? Let's check the clock."
Predictive Support
• Transition Cues: 5-min and 2-min verbal or non-verbal warnings.
• Planner Check: Ensure they wrote down the due date *before* leaving.
3. Task Initiation
Overcoming the "Start" Barrier
Technique A
Break the Seal Have them dictate the first sentence to you while they write it.
Technique B
Micro-Tasks "Just put your name on the paper." Success breeds momentum.
Technique C
Five Minutes "Work for 5 mins, then you can decide to keep going or pause."
"Executive functioning skills are developmental. Be patient, be consistent, and always aim for the student to do 1% more today than they did yesterday."
© 2026 Student Success Series
Brain Blueprint Module 1
Reflective Action Plan Worksheet Support Blueprint
Reflective Action Plan for TAs
TA Name: ________________________
Date: ___________________________
1. Case Study Selection
Select one student you support who struggles with executive functioning. Do not use their full name.
Student Initials & Grade Level
Primary Obstacles (Check all that apply)
Organization
Time Management
Task Initiation
2. Strategy Selection
Refer to your Strategy Cheat Sheet. Which specific technique will you trial this week?
Selected Strategy Name
Implementation Plan (How will you introduce this to the student?)
3. The Goal: Faded Support
How will you know when to pull back? Define what student independence looks like for this task.
Current Support
What are you doing FOR the student now?
Future Independence
What will the student do on their own?
"Independence is not the absence of support, but the mastery of tools."
Brain Blueprint Facilitator Guide Brain Blueprint
Facilitator's Training Guide
Estimated Duration
45-60 Minutes
Learning Objectives
Define EF
TAs will understand Executive Functioning as the "CEO of the Brain."
Grade-Specific Tactics
Identify distinct strategies for K-5 and 6-12 students.
Scaffolding Mindset
Master the "Guide, Don't Do" philosophy for independence.
Preparation Checklist
Print "Strategy Cheat Sheet" for all participants.
Print "Reflective Action Plan" for the activity.
Test Brain Blueprint Slides and projector.
Bring 1 set of colored folders/labels for demo.
Facilitation Notes
Slides 2-3
The CEO & Organization
"Ask: Why is it often easier for us to just 'clean' the student's desk ourselves? Discuss the long-term impact of doing vs. guiding."
Key Point: Organization isn't just about neatness; it's about reducing 'cognitive load' so the brain can focus on learning.
Slides 4-5
Time & Initiation
"Demo: Show a visual timer. Ask TAs to estimate how long it takes to sharpen a pencil. We often under-estimate transitions."
Key Point: Task initiation struggles are usually 'freezing' due to feeling overwhelmed, not defiance.
Activity
Action Plan (20 Mins)
Hand out the Reflective Action Plan .
Give TAs 10 minutes of silent reflection to fill in Sections 1 and 2.
Spend 10 minutes in pairs sharing their "Fading Goal."
Handling Resistance / Common Questions
"I don't have time to scaffold."
Remind them: 5 minutes of scaffolding today saves 30 minutes of redirected behavior/confusion tomorrow.
"The student just refuses to start."
Try 'The Smallest Step'—ask them to just write their name. Once the pencil moves, the brain starts to follow.
