Cannon 2e Sample Lesson Excerpt 1.pdf

Unstuck and On Target!

An Executive Function Curriculum to Improve Flexibility, Planning, and Organization

Second Edition

by

Lynn Cannon, M.Ed.

The Ivymount School, The Maddux School, Rockville, Maryland

Lauren Kenworthy, Ph.D.

George Washington University School of Medicine, Children’s National Health System, Washington, D.C.

Katie C. Alexander, OTD, OTR/L

The Occupational Therapy Institute, La Mesa, California

Monica Adler Werner, M.A.

The Ivymount School, Rockville, Maryland

Laura Gutermuth Anthony, Ph.D.

University of Colorado School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado

Foundational Skills

1

Summary:

Topic 1 introduces foundational skills that promote successful participation in group sessions and implementation of the Unstuck and On Target! curriculum. It introduces a Code of Conduct (ground rules) for the group sessions and a universal script (or routine) for completing work and organizing the group sessions called Goal, Why, Plan, Do, Check (GWPDC).

Topic 1 also teaches students how to use a visual rating tool to identify their feelings (Feelings Target), how to link feelings to behaviors and outcomes (Feelings Chain), and common coping techniques for managing overwhelming feelings (e.g., deep breathing).

Outcome—Criteria for Mastery

  1. The student understands and attempts to follow the code of conduct for group sessions.
  2. The student can state the meaning of the goal and plan and check phases of the Goal, Why, Plan, Do, Check (GWPDC) routine.
  3. Using a visual chart, the student can rate his or her current feeling state.
  4. The student can identify and access several coping strategies and use them when needed.

Topic Background and Rationale

This topic introduces several foundational skills as well as a set of ground rules for behavior in the group sessions. Students are taught a standard operating procedure for reaching goals known as the Goal, Why, Plan, Do, Check (GWPDC). GWPDC is a fundamental script that underlies every session of Unstuck and On Target! It promotes flexibility by encouraging the development of a plan, revision of the plan, and development of an alternative plan (Plan B).

Lesson 1

Purpose
The purpose of this lesson is to welcome the students into the group, help them get to know one another, and generate a Code of Conduct.

Materials Required for All Activities

Activity 1: Group Brainstorm

Code of Conduct ~10 minutes

Materials

Group Rules

  1. Listen when others are talking.
  2. Respect other people’s ideas.
  3. Follow directions.

Group Goal Example

100 tallies = A Game Day

Students will generate components of the code of conduct by thinking about what behaviors the group should demonstrate to make the group successful.

Activity 2: Worksheet & Game

Who Knows Whom? ~15 minutes

Materials

Instructions

  1. Pass out the handouts All About Me! Ask students to answer the questions. Teachers should fill out a questionnaire too.
  2. After students complete the questionnaire, have them share their answers in the room.
  3. Collect the worksheets. Ask questions about classmates using information from their worksheets.
  4. Continue to play until all students have had at least 2 turns or reached their goal.

Lesson 1 Handout

All About Me!

Name:
Date:
My favorite food is:
My favorite television show is:
My favorite animal is:
After school I like to:

Closing

Review: Classroom & Home Practice

  1. Hand out the Home Practice sheets. Read the goal aloud.
  2. Guide students to file all worksheets from the session in their UOT Notebook.
  3. Read the goal for Lesson 1 (from the GWPDC) aloud to the class.

Tips

Unstuck and On Target! is an effective intervention for students ages 8–11, aiming to teach essential executive function skills. Engaging lessons enhance cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, and coping strategies.