Prioritization Lesson: Executive Functioning Classroom Counseling Lesson
This executive functioning counseling lesson for grades 5–8 teaches students what prioritization is and how to use strategies to manage tasks effectively at school and at home. Students will practice prioritizing assignments, responsibilities, and real-life situations to better organize their time and energy. This lesson is part of a 20-lesson Executive Functioning Curriculum but can also be used on its own.
Prioritization Strategies: Executive Functioning Counseling Lesson Plan for Grades 5–8: Help your students strengthen their ability to prioritize tasks with this engaging executive functioning lesson plan. Designed for upper elementary and middle school students, this lesson introduces the concept of prioritization and equips students with strategies to manage busy schedules and multiple responsibilities. Through guided practice and interactive activities, students will learn how to rank tasks, decide what to do first, and balance schoolwork with other commitments.
What’s Included:
- Scripted, detailed lesson plan (black & white printable)
- Slides for instruction and activities (PowerPoint file, compatible with Google Slides; not editable)
- Pre- and post-test to measure student growth
- Visuals to reinforce prioritization strategies (black & white and color versions)
- Handouts with prioritization tools for student practice (black & white printable)
- Student challenge cards for additional application (black & white printable)
Key Features:
- Designed for grades 5–8
- Approximately 50 minutes of instruction and activities
- Flexible for use in whole-class SEL, small group counseling, or individual intervention
- Minimal prep required: no extra materials beyond a typical classroom
- Easily used in PowerPoint or Google Slides
FAQs:
Q: Do I need extra materials?
A: No. Everything needed is included within the resource.
Q: How long does the lesson take?
A: About 50 minutes, depending on student pace and needs.
Q: Can I use this in small groups or individual counseling?
A: Yes. The lesson adapts well to multiple settings.
Q: Can I use this lesson in Google Slides?
A: Yes. Upload the PowerPoint file into your Google Drive and open it in Google Slides.
This Prioritization Strategies Executive Function Lesson provides students with practical tools to manage time, tasks, and responsibilities more effectively. Perfect for school counselors, teachers, and specialists, this resource makes it simple to explicitly teach and reinforce prioritization skills as part of executive functioning instruction.
Get the full curriculum here!
Please Note: this is a digitally downloadable resource. You will not receive anything in the mail.