Name That Brain Skill
This skill helps you keep information in your mind long enough to use it, such as remembering three directions your teacher just gave you.
What is working memory?
Jada's teacher gives three directions. By the time Jada finishes the first one, she can't remember the other two. Which EF skill is causing difficulty?
What is working memory?
Which skill is MOST responsible for keeping your binder, backpack, digital files, and assignments in order?
A. Organization
B. Sustained attention
C. Emotional control
What is organization?
This expectation includes joining activities, interacting when asked, and using work time to actually work.
What is Engagement?
The class is given 15 minutes to work. Eli spends the entire time talking about what he did over the weekend. Which expectation is Eli NOT meeting?
What is Engagement — work when given time?
This skill helps you begin an assignment even when you don't really feel like doing it.
What is task initiation?
Marcus has had his homework open on his desk for 20 minutes. He knows exactly what to do, but he keeps putting off starting. Which EF skill is causing difficulty?
What is task initiation?
Which skill is MOST responsible for continuing to listen during a 30-minute lesson even when you are bored?
A. Working memory
B. Sustained attention
C. Goal setting
What is sustained attention?
ou don't understand the directions, so you tell the teacher which part is confusing and ask for clarification. Which expectation are you demonstrating?
What is Communication?
Sofia says, "I don't get it," but when her teacher asks what part is confusing, she won't explain or try to work through the problem. What part of Communication is she missing?
What is engaging in problem solving?
This skill helps you decide what you want to accomplish and create a target to work toward.
What is goal setting?
Elena has soccer practice at 6:00 and three assignments to complete. She estimates how long each will take and decides what order to complete them in. Which EF skill is she using?
What is planning and prioritizing?
Sam knows his history paper will take about two hours. He checks his schedule and decides when he has enough time to complete it. Which skill is MOST involved?
A. Time management
B. Working memory
C. Emotional control
What is time management?
This expectation includes completing your grade check, filling out your to-do list, and maintaining your binder.
What is Accountability?
Mateo has completed all of his assignments, but his papers are stuffed loose in his backpack and he can't find his class materials. Which part of Accountability needs work?
What is maintaining his binder?
This skill helps you look back at your own performance and determine what worked and what you might change next time.
What is self-reflection?
When another student makes a rude comment, Tyler immediately says something rude back before thinking about the consequences. Which EF skill is causing difficulty?
What is impulse control?
Which student is demonstrating emotional control?
A. Ava remembers all four steps of the lab.
B. Leo feels frustrated but keeps his voice calm.
C. Mia starts her assignment without being reminded.
Who is Leo?
Your teacher gives you feedback about something you need to improve. You listen to the feedback and recognize that you made a mistake. Which expectation are you demonstrating?
What is Self-Awareness?
A classmate tells Ava that something she said hurt their feelings. Ava responds, "I was just joking, so it doesn't matter." Which part of Self-Awareness is Ava struggling with?
What is understanding how you impact the feelings of others?
This skill helps you decide what needs to be done first and figure out the steps needed to complete it.
What is planning and prioritizing?
After getting a low test grade, Priya looks at how she studied and realizes that rereading her notes wasn't very effective. Which EF skill is she using?
What is self-reflection?
Devin decides he wants to raise his math grade to a B. Jordan decides which assignments she needs to complete first tonight. Which EF skills are they demonstrating?
Devin = goal setting; Jordan = planning and prioritizing.
During work time, you realize you are stuck. You explain what you have tried, tell your teacher what you need help with, and work with them to find a solution. Which TWO expectations are you demonstrating?
What are Communication and Engagement?
Taylor participates in the class activity, works during independent work time, and asks for help when confused. However, Taylor hasn't completed a grade check, updated the to-do list, or organized the binder all week. Which expectations are Taylor meeting, and which one needs improvement?
Taylor is meeting Engagement and Communication but needs to improve Accountability.