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6th, 7th, 8th, Middle School Grades  Project 12 weeks

Level Up: Mastering Middle School Skills

Katelynn F
Updated
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.10
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.1
+ 11 more
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Purpose

What does strong executive functioning look like in middle school? Executive functioning means how you manage your work and choices. Over 12 weeks, you will test planning, focus, organization, flexibility, and time-management strategies. You will track results. You will reflect in writing. You will revise your approach after peer feedback. You will practice listening, cooperation, leadership, and responsibility during discussions and movement tasks. You will create a personal toolkit and inclusive digital program. They will share what works.

Learning goals

I can explain what strong executive functioning looks like in middle school.
I can plan, organize, manage time, and adjust my actions using reflection and feedback.
I can listen, build on others’ ideas, and communicate my thinking clearly and kindly.
I can strengthen my writing through planning, feedback, editing, and revision.
I can show coordination, responsibility, and inclusive teamwork during movement and coding projects.

Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.1 - Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.10 - Write routinely over extended time frames (time for reflection and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.5 - With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.5 - With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.1 - Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] DA:Pr5.1.6.a - Embody technical dance skills (for example, alignment, coordination, balance, core support, kinesthetic awareness, clarity of movement) to accurately execute changes of direction, levels, facings, pathways, elevations and landings, extensions of limbs, and movement transitions.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1 - Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] DA:Pr6.1.8.a - Demonstrate leadership qualities (for example commitment, dependability, responsibility, and cooperation) when preparing for performances. Use performance etiquette and performance practices during class, rehearsal and performance. Document efforts and create a plan for ongoing improvements. Post-performance, accept notes from choreographer and apply corrections to future performances.
  • [Computer Science Teachers Association] MS-PRO-PD-15 - Develop a program utilizing inclusive collaboration practices.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.10 - Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.
Competencies
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

You will keep a weekly executive functioning portfolio. Executive functioning means how you manage tasks and time.
You will include plans, progress notes, reflections, and revised goals.
You will create and test tools for organizing tasks, managing time, remembering steps, and handling distractions.
You will design a movement routine and simple program. They should support focus and inclusive teamwork.
You will give and receive peer feedback.
Then you will revise selected portfolio entries.
You will answer: What does strong executive functioning look like in middle school?

Launch

Executive functioning means using skills to plan, focus, remember, and adjust. It means how you manage tasks and switch when plans change. Complete a timed mission with changing directions, limited materials, and an adaptable movement sequence. Record what helps you manage time, materials, focus, and unexpected changes. Compare strategies with a partner. Then add one helpful idea to your notes. Use your evidence to answer: What does strong executive functioning look like in middle school?

Exhibition

Create an individual showcase with your planner, reflections, revisions, and strongest executive functioning strategy. Executive functioning means how you plan, focus, and finish tasks. Show your strategy through a short routine, movement sequence, or simple digital tool. Explain how your evidence answers, “What does strong executive functioning look like in middle school?” Share with peers and families. Get feedback. Name your next improvement goal.