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

and

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 is a generic and widely applicable self-regulatory/problem-solving script that provides a template for approaching a problem, situation, or project.

TOPIC

LESSON 1

INTRODUCTION Review

Preview: GWPDC ~3 minutes

Materials

Instructions

At the beginning of every session, post the Goal, Why, Plan, Do, Check (GWPDC) on the board before the lesson begins.

GWPDC

1. Create the Code of Conduct
2. Finish All About Me! handout
3. Play Who Knows Whom? game
4. Review Home Practice
5. Check | | Do: Follow the plan and earn tallies. | | Check: How did it go? Did we accomplish our goal? Which Code of Conduct item was the easiest to follow? Which one was the hardest? |

LESSON 1

ACTIVITY 1 Group Brainstorm

Code of Conduct ~10 minutes

Materials

• Whiteboard or chart paper
• Regular markers (if using chart paper) or dry erase markers (if using a whiteboard and when using the poster)

Code of Conduct Example

The Code of Conduct poster should be placed in the front of the room, displayed during each group.

Group Rules

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

Group Goal Example

Room 221’s Goal for Today 100 tallies = A Game Day

In this lesson students will generate components of the code of conduct by thinking about what behaviors the group should demonstrate to make the group successful.

LESSON 1

ACTIVITY 2 Worksheet & Game

Who Knows Whom? ~15 minutes

Materials

• Pencils (1 per student)

Instructions

Students and teachers will fill out a questionnaire about themselves. They will use this information to play the game Who Knows Whom?

1. Pass out the handouts All About Me! Ask students to answer the questions. Teachers should take the time to fill out a questionnaire too.
2. After students have completed the questionnaire, have students go around the room and read through their answers.
3. Once students have shared their answers, collect the worksheets. Tell students they will be working together to answer questions about their classmates.
4. Continue to play until all of the students have had at least 2 turns or they’ve 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 Materials

• Pencils (1 per student)
• Group Reinforcement Visual

Instructions

Students will review the Home Practice sheet and complete the check portion of the Goal, Why, Plan, Do, Check (GWPDC).

What you can do at home:

1. Ask your child to tell you about his/her group.
2. Help your child practice good behavior and connect good behavior to positive effects on himself or herself.