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Organization for Middle School Studies - Self-Paced

This 4-unit self-paced course focuses on executive function and study skills that students need to be successful in middle school. In 12 lessons, each about 10-15 minutes long, students explore study and executive function skills.
AJ Crocker
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(45)
Class
Play

What's included

10 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Mastery Evaluation
1-2 hours per week. Self-Assessment
Grading
Self-Assessment

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8
Does your learner struggle to organize schoolwork? Is it hard for them to find time to study?  Are they master task-avoiders? Have you ever dreaded opening their backpack because it's so messy and disorganized? And when is the last time they actually USED their homework planner? It sounds like they might be ready to level up their study skills! 

Over 4 sessions, we learn about our brains, learning style, and any personal challenges we might have in staying organized. Then we will leverage our strengths to learn new skills, hacks, and tools for school. 

We begin by learning all about  the brain. Students will explore the parts of the brain and understand how cognitive development impacts their organization. They will learn about growth mindset and the importance of building habits (and neurons) that support their long term goals. They will understand the discussions around learner profiles, including learning style, growth mindset, executive function skills, and personal preferences to truly understand their own brain. We will use this newfound understanding of our brains to personalize study tips that truly fit student needs. On day 2 we dive into planning, prioritizing, and list keeping - students will learn how to keep their planner, based on their learning style and preferences. They will learn about writing lists, prioritizing their work, and keeping track of longer projects. Then we get into hacking homework routines - students will create a study space, daily routine, and study rituals (like choosing a favorite LoFi stream or planning great rewards for finishing your work) that will set them up for success. We end our course with a session focused on advocating for your needs - students will learn to communicate with their teachers via e-mail and in person, how to ask for support with school challenges, tips on asking for accommodations and extensions, and practice advocating for their own needs in school. 

You can expect your learner to walk away with a toolkit full of ways to take ownership of their learning. The goal here is to build independence, self-awareness, and responsibility while encouraging kids to be their best selves!

Learning Goals

Students will be able to explain how the brain impacts our executive function skills, and how our habits and beliefs impact our cognitive development
Students will be able to explain their learning organizational preferences. They will reflect on their preferred learning input, explore their executive function profile, and build a critical understanding of their current ability to learn
learning goal

Syllabus

4 Units
10 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Unit 1: All About Your Brain
Lesson 1:
How Your Brain Works
 Students will dive into the neuroscience behind their growing brains and developing executive function. 
1 assignment
9 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Growth Mindset
 Students will explore how believing you can accomplish something is key to learning new things 
1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Getting to Know (and Grow) Your Brain
 Students will learn a recipe for growing their cognitive abilities AND explore ways they can get to know their own learning preferences. 
1 assignment
15 mins of video lessons
Unit 2: All Things Organization
Lesson 4:
The Role of Organization
 Students will explore how organization supports our school and home life, and begin to create plans for keeping their own lives organized, including binder setup, space reset maps, and good habits. 
1 assignment

Other Details

Learning Needs
This class is especially helpful for students with exceptional needs or executive function challenges. Ms. Crocker has experience working with a wide range of neurodiverse students and will accommodate and differentiate as requested.
Language of Instruction
English (Level: A1)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2023
4.9
45reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University
I have a M.S. in Teaching & Learning from Colorado State and a M.A. in International Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. I am certified in Elementary Teaching and 7-12 Social Studies. I taught 5th grade for 5 years, and various K-12 grades and subjects, including study skills and special education, for another 5! In addition to my professional experience, I have personally struggled with organization and study skills, and learned to keep myself organized and on-task by understanding how my own brain work and learning to leverage my strengths!

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Self-Paced Course
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$10

weekly

10 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Ages: 11-14

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