Metacognition
When you stop to ask yourself, “Do I understand this?” while reading, what skill are you using?
What is checking your own thinking (or self-monitoring)?
You really want to shout out an answer in class, but the teacher hasn’t called on you yet. What should you do to show self-control?
What is raising your hand and waiting your turn?
You’re doing homework, but your phone keeps buzzing. What’s one way to stay focused?
What is putting the phone away (or turning it on silent)?
Your friend wants to play a different game than the one you chose. What’s a flexible response?
What is taking turns or agreeing to try their game first?
When you keep working on a puzzle even though it’s tricky, what is one helpful attitude that keeps you going?
What is patience?
Sam writes down his thoughts on sticky notes as he reads the science chapter. How might this help him?
What is it helps him remember, stay focused, and understand the text better?
Name two times someone might use self-control in school.
What is (examples) waiting in line quietly, not talking during a test, keeping hands to yourself, or walking in the hallway instead of running?
Nicole finds she has a hard time paying attention in history class because she gets bored. What is one strategy she could try?
What is taking notes, asking questions, or making connections to stay engaged?
You planned to sit with your best friend at lunch, but they are absent. How can you show flexibility?
What is sitting with a different group or trying something new?
You feel frustrated while building a Lego set. Instead of quitting, what can you do?
What is self-regulate (take a break, deep breaths etc.)
When working on a report or project, how do you know it’s done?
What is checking to see if you followed directions, completed all parts, and edited your work?
At lunch, a classmate takes the last cookie you wanted. Instead of yelling, what’s a self-control strategy you could use?
What is taking a deep breath and using kind words (or walking away)?
When you catch your mind wandering during reading, what strategy can bring your attention back?
What is re-reading the last part, underlining, or summarizing as you go?
Your class was supposed to watch a movie, but your teacher is out sick and plans change. How do you react with flexibility?
What is adjusting to the new activity without getting upset?
When you face a difficult and big homework assignment, what is one way to persevere?
What is task chunking (or breaking it down into steps)?
How are you doing in school right now? What are three ways you can make improvements?
What is reflecting on strengths and challenges, then setting goals such as asking questions, staying organized, or studying more often?
You feel frustrated with a hard math problem. How can you use self-control to keep from giving up?
What is calming down, asking for help, or trying a new strategy?
During a long project, your brain starts to lose focus. What’s a healthy way to reset your attention without quitting?
What is taking a short movement or mindfulness break?
You studied for a math test, but the teacher gives you a writing assignment instead. How can flexible thinking help?
What is shifting your focus and using writing strategies instead of math strategies?
You’ve been running laps for gym class and feel tired. You tell yourself, “I can do hard things, and I’m almost there!” What perseverance strategy are you using?
What is positive self-talk?
While solving a math problem, you realize your first strategy isn’t working, so you switch to a new one. How is this an example of metacognition?
What is noticing when something isn’t working and adjusting your thinking?
Why is self-control an important executive functioning skill for success in school and life?
What is it helps us manage emotions, make good choices, and reach our goals?
Why is attention an important executive functioning skill for learning and daily life?
What is it helps you remember information, follow directions, and complete tasks successfully?
Sometimes we make a plan, but things don’t go the way we expect. Why is being flexible an important executive functioning skill for school and life?
What is it helps us adapt, solve problems, and stay calm when things change?
Sometimes it’s tempting to quit when progress feels slow. What is one long-term benefit of perseverance that makes it worth pushing through challenges?
What is achieving your goals (or building resilience, or gaining new skills)?