The Brain
This part of the brain is responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, and self-control.
Frontal lobe OR Prefrontal Cortex
You are trying to focus on a task, but find yourself getting distracted. The TV is on and people are talking. What is something you could do to improve your ability to focus?
Turn off the TV or phone and work in a quiet space.
What is one tool you can use to remember appointments?
A calendar or phone reminder app.
What can you do when plans change unexpectedly?
Take a deep breath and try to adjust the plan.
What’s a strategy to stay on top of daily tasks?
Use a to-do list or daily planner.
The frontal lobe helps us control these types of actions so we don’t act on impulse.
Inhibitory behaviors or impulse control
You are working on a big project, and find it is challenging to complete it all in one stretch. What is something you could do to support your ability to focus on and complete the task?
Take short, timed breaks. For example, using the 'Pomodoro' or timer method
What’s a good habit to help remember where you placed important items like keys
Keep them in the same designated spot each time.
What attitude or outlook helps when you are facing an unexpected challenge?
Staying open-minded and adaptable.
What can you do at the start of each day to stay organized?
Review your schedule and set priorities from least to most important.
After an injury to the frontal lobe, people might struggle with this type of planning skill.
Executive functioning
What is an example of a visual reminder you could use to support attention for daily routines?
Set reminders or alarms for specific times or tasks.
How can repeating or saying something out loud help with memory?
It reinforces the information.
What’s one way to practice flexible thinking when something doesn't go your way?
Try finding multiple solutions to a problem.
How can breaking up big tasks into smaller steps help you succeed?
It makes tasks more manageable and easier to track progress.
The frontal cortex works closely with this part of the brain to process sensory input.
The sensory cortex OR parietal lobe
What strategy can help if your mind wanders during a conversation?
Practice active listening—repeat or summarize what the person said.
What strategy can help you remember multiple steps in a task?
Write down a checklist.
How can you reframe a frustrating situation?
For example, you can't find your car keys and you have an appointment in 30 minutes.
Focus on what you can control instead of what you can’t.
"Let's take a deep breath, try to think clear, and come up with a plan. I think I last left them by the desk I'll go check there."
What coping strategy helps if you often forget important deadlines?
Use reminders, alarms, or color-coded calendars.
Trauma to the frontal lobe can result in damage. ______ is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.
Neuroplasticity
How can mindfulness or grounding techniques improve attention?
They help you stay present and reduce mental distractions or stress.
How can connecting new information to something meaningful improve memory?
For example, if you’re trying to remember someone’s name is “Rose.”
It helps your brain store information through association and context.
For example, if you’re trying to remember someone’s name is “Rose,” you might picture a rose flower to make the name more meaningful. Connecting the name to a familiar image helps your brain recall it more easily later.
What coping skill can help manage emotions when routines change suddenly?
Using emotional regulation strategies.
For example: deep breathing, positive self-talk, or taking a short break.
What’s an effective problem-solving strategy for tough situations?
Identify the problem, brainstorm solutions, choose one that seems most appropriate, use in the situation, and evaluate/reflect on the result.