Upper elementary resources to help students in grades 3-5 manage time, energy, and attention

The upper elementary years are an optimal time to give students practical tools for managing their attention, energy, and habits while also teaching them how the brain learns. The Finding Flow Solutions curriculum for grades 3–5 introduces research‑based strategies rooted in neuroscience to help kids build focus, strengthen memory, and develop independence. Through engaging lessons, students learn how to get “in the flow,” train their brains, think about their thinking, stay on track with tasks, take initiative, and work productively with others. These skills form a strong foundation for school success and lifelong learning.

Explore Resources for Children Aged 8-10

Foundations of Flow

Find Your Flow: Intro to managing time, attention, and energy

Looking for a more engaging way to help students focus their attention and complete assignments? Introduce them to Mihaly Csikszentmihályi’s research on Flow Theory, and show them how to “get in the flow” when they’re working so tasks feel more enjoyable and meaningful. Students will learn how to enter their “flow zone” by focusing attention, managing distractions, and building habits that make tasks feel enjoyable and meaningful.

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Grades

3, 4, 5

Subjects

ELA, Life Skills, Study Skills, Executive Functioning

Subjects

Productivity, Focus & attention, Work habits

Train Your Brain

Train Your Brain: Intro to metacognition and neuroscience

Teach your students how their brains work, and help them train their minds for learning. Students will explore how the brain grows and changes, and how to use mistakes and practice to strengthen learning and develop a growth mindset.

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Grades

3, 4, 5

Subjects

ELA, Life Skills, Study Skills, Executive Functioning

Subjects

Growth mindset, Neuroplasticity, Resilience

Think About Your Thinking

Think About Your Thinking: Intro to metacognition and choosing helpful thoughts

Teach your students how to observe and direct their thoughts, so they can develop helpful, positive self-talk that helps them succeed in school. Students will practice metacognition by noticing their thoughts and choosing positive, helpful self‑talk to stay calm and focused.

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Grades

3, 4, 5

Subjects

ELA, Life Skills, Study Skills, Executive Functioning

Subjects

Metacognition

Focus and Stay On Track

Focus and Stay on Track: Intro to Time management and Work Habits

Teach your students work habits like using a timer and a checklist to help them follow through with assignments and complete them on time. Students will build time‑management skills by using tools like timers and checklists to plan steps, stay organized, and complete assignments.

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Grades

3, 4, 5

Subjects

ELA, Life Skills, Study Skills, Executive Functioning

Subjects

Productivity, organizing tasks, sustaining focused attention

Take Charge & Get Going

Take Charge & Get Going: Intro to initiative and follow-through skills

Teach your students how to take charge of their learning instead of waiting to be told what to do. Students will develop initiative by asking questions, making plans, and following through with flexibility and perseverance.

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Grades

3, 4, 5

Subjects

ELA, Life Skills, Study Skills, Executive Functioning

Subjects

Initiative, problem-solving, perseverance, intellectual flexibility

Team Up & Work Together

Team Up & Work Together: Intro to collaboration and group work skills

Teach your students how to work together. Students will strengthen collaboration skills by listening, sharing ideas clearly, compromising, and working respectfully with peers.

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Grades

3, 4, 5

Subjects

ELA, Life Skills, Study Skills, Executive Functioning

Subjects

Collaboration, listening, communicating, compromising

Upper Elementary Unit Bundle

Discounted Bundle of All 6 Units

Purchase all 6 units for grades 3-5 now at a deeply discounted rate.

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Grades

3, 4, 5

Subjects

ELA, Life Skills, Study Skills, Executive Functioning

Subjects

Productivity, Flow Theory, Metacognition, Focused Attention, Time Management, Initiative, Teamwork

Explore Resources for Other Grades