Lesson 2 Introduction to Goal, Why, Plan, Do, Check

PURPOSE

Students are introduced to the Goal, Why, Plan, Do, Check (GWPDC) structure and language. They will practice following and create a GWPDC of their own. There are two activities in this lesson.

Materials Required for All Activities

Not Included

• Whiteboard or chart paper
• 3 pieces of paper (each labeled with a number 1, 2, or 3)
• Tape
• Colored dry/wet erase markers
• Pencils
• Group Reinforcement Visual
• Each student’s UOT Notebook
• Handout: Wacky GWPDC
• GWPDC for Lesson 2

Included

• Handout: Wacky GWPDC
• Classroom Practice 2
• Home Practice 2

INTRODUCTION Preview: GWPDC & Lightning Round

Materials

Not Included

• Whiteboard or chart paper and suitable markers
• 3 pieces of paper (each labeled with a number 1, 2, or 3)
• Tape

Included

• GWPDC for Lesson 2
• Lightning Round Questions
• Tape

Instructions

1. Post the GWPDC on the board before the lesson begins.
2. Review the GWPDC with the group.
3. Complete the Lightning Round activity.

At the beginning of each lesson, students will play a Lightning Round. By answering questions about the previous lesson’s material, you will be able to gauge what information students retained and what concepts are still unclear. Lastly, this routine offers a predictable structure for the group.

Reinforce…

Memory “Great job remembering that from our last group; I can tell you were really paying attention.”

Set-up: Write the 3 questions below on the board, covering each with a sheet of paper that has “1”, “2,” or “3” written on it. The numbers equate to tallies the students will earn if they answer correctly.

Tips

• Before beginning the Lightning Round, direct the students to “Raise your hand if you showed the Home Practice to a grown-up at home.” Reward the group with a tally for each student who raised their hand.
• If you want students to each answer a question daily, you can create additional questions.
• This should be a very quick activity, taking no longer than 5 minutes.

1. Lightning Round
2. Practice GWPDC
3. Write your own GWPDC
4. Review Home Practice | | 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? |

Lightning Round Questions

1. Name 1 item from our Code of Conduct.
2. Why do students earn tallies in our group?
3. What happens when group members follow the Code of Conduct?

Don’t forget to check off this step on the GWPDC!

Materials

Not Included

• Whiteboard or chart paper and suitable markers

Instructions

Attempts to identify whether the description is a GOAL, WHY, PLAN, DO, or CHECK.

1. Write the words goal, why, plan, do, check on the board; use the same colors you used for the lesson GWPDC.
2. Tell students about different kinds of goals. Example: sports goals vs. personal goals.
3. Explain that during the day, they set many goals and create plans to achieve them. Share an example tailored to their interests.

Reinforce!

Example: Heading out to play, the goal is to have fun. The plan might include playing soccer, but if a game is happening, they adapt to go on swings instead. Reflecting afterward is key.

4. Read aloud these 5 definitions and ask if they define Goal, Why, Plan, Do, or Check:

   • What makes the goal important? (WHY)
   • How will you do it? (PLAN)
   • Try your plan. (DO)
   • Stop and think. Did my plan work? (CHECK)

5. Discuss getting a drink of water using a GWPDC model and have students participate.

LESSON 2 HANDOUT

TOPIC

Wacky GWPDC

GWPDC

GOAL
WHY
PLAN(S)
DO
Did I accomplish my goal? How did it go? CHECK
No, not so good Part, OK Yes, great

Unstuck and On Target! An Executive Function Curriculum to Improve Flexibility, Planning, and Organization, Second Edition, by Lynn Cannon, Lauren Kenworthy, Katie C. Alexander, Monica Adler Werner, & Laura Gutermuth Anthony.

CLOSING Review: Classroom & Home Practice

Materials

• Pencils (1 per student)

Instructions

Students will review the Home Practice and complete the check portion of the GWPDC.

1. Hand out the Home Practice sheets. Read the goal aloud. Ask about who they will work with on their Home Practice.
2. Guide students to file all worksheets in their UOT Notebook.
3. Review what helped them accomplish the goal.
4. Discuss the plan and whether it was accomplished or needed revision.

Classroom Practice 2

Summary: Today, students learned about setting goals and making plans using GWPDC to support executive functioning skills.

What you can do:

1. Integrate GWPDC language into your lessons.
2. Apply GWPDC in academic lessons. Example:
   • GOAL: To practice our math facts.
   • PLAN: 1. Complete 2-minute time trial. 2. Compare answers.

Home Practice 2

Summary:

Your child participated in the second session of Unstuck and On Target! discussing goal-setting and planning.

Example for Home:

• GOAL: To eat together as a family this weekend.
• PLAN: 1. Find a time, 2. Decide on meals, 3. Set the table, 4. Cook, 5. Clean up.

Encourage:

Help your child see what it’s like to set goals and make plans by sharing your own examples.