Lesson Plan
Beat the Clock Lesson Plan
Use gamified time trials and self-monitoring to help the student start tasks more quickly and independently within 20 minutes.
Many students struggle to initiate tasks, leading to delays and frustration. Time-based challenges build motivation, focus, and confidence in getting started promptly.
Audience
7th Grade Student
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Timed sprints with self-tracking.
Prep
Preparation
5 minutes
- Print and organize the Time Tracker Log and Sprint Results Key
- Load the Countdown Countdown Slides on your device
- Review the rules and steps for the Five-Minute Sprint
- Ensure a working timer or projector display for the countdown slides
Step 1
Introduction & Goal Setting
2 minutes
- Explain that the lesson will use short time trials to practice starting tasks quickly
- Show the student the Countdown Countdown Slides and explain how the timer works
- Introduce the Time Tracker Log and set a personal goal for start time
Step 2
Modeling the Sprint
3 minutes
- Select a simple example task (e.g., list five animals)
- Start the countdown using the slides and model beginning the task exactly when it ends
- Complete the example and record the start time on the Time Tracker Log
Step 3
Guided First Sprint
5 minutes
- Have the student choose a familiar task (e.g., copy a sentence)
- Start the countdown and prompt the student to begin when it reaches zero
- Student records their start time on the Time Tracker Log
- Use the Sprint Results Key to verify and discuss results
Step 4
Review & Feedback
3 minutes
- Compare the student’s logged start time to their goal
- Highlight what went well and identify strategies for faster initiation
- Provide positive reinforcement and note areas for growth
Step 5
Additional Sprints
5 minutes
- Conduct two more sprints with different simple tasks
- Student repeats the process: start countdown, begin task, record time
- After each sprint, use the Sprint Results Key to self-check and adjust approach
Step 6
Reflection & Next Steps
2 minutes
- Review all entries on the Time Tracker Log
- Have the student reflect on progress and set a personal challenge for next practice session
- Reinforce the value of quick starts for future tasks
Slide Deck
5
Set the slide background to #C3FFA3. Display the number “5” in large, bold font centered on the slide. No additional text or visuals.
4
Change the slide background to #A6FF7F. Display the number “4” in large, bold font centered on the slide.
3
Change the slide background to #8AFF5C. Display the number “3” in large, bold font centered on the slide.
2
Return background to #C3FFA3. Display the number “2” in large, bold font centered on the slide.
1
Switch background to #A6FF7F. Display the number “1” in large, bold font centered on the slide.
0
Use background #8AFF5C. Display the number “0” in large, bold font to signal the start. Optionally play an audio cue or bell sound when this slide appears.
Game
Beat the Clock: Five-Minute Sprint Game Description
Objective:
Help the student practice rapid task initiation and sustained focus for a short, meaningful chunk of work by starting immediately at the end of a 5-minute countdown and self-monitoring progress.
Materials:
- Countdown Countdown Slides
- Timer or stopwatch (if not using slides audio cue)
- Time Tracker Log
- Pencil or paper for the chosen task
Duration: 5 minutes per sprint (plus a quick debrief)
Setup
- Student sits at a workspace with the materials ready.
- Teacher cues the countdown via the slide deck or starts the timer at “5:00.”
- Student places finger on the writing tool and watches the countdown.
Rules & Procedure
- When the countdown reaches “0,” the student must begin the task immediately—no pausing or waiting.
- The student works continuously on the chosen task for the full five minutes.
- When time is up, the student stops immediately, notes their exact start time on the Time Tracker Log, and records how much they completed.
- Use the Sprint Results Key to self-check completeness and accuracy.
Sample Tasks (Student Chooses or Teacher Guides)
- Write as many animals beginning with the letter “S” as you can.
- List five facts about your favorite sport or hobby.
- Copy a short paragraph from a story or article.
- Solve simple math problems (e.g., 12 × 3, 45⁄5, 7 + 19, etc.).
- Brainstorm a quick plan for a weekend activity, in bullet points.
Scoring & Self-Monitoring
- Start Time: Record the second at which you began.
- Completion: Note how many items or lines you finished.
- Accuracy Check: Compare your work against the Sprint Results Key to mark correct/incorrect.
Debrief (1–2 minutes)
- Review logged start time vs. your goal set in the Time Tracker Log.
- Identify one strategy that helped you start quickly (e.g., focus on the first word only, breathe, get eyes on the paper).
- Set a micro-goal for the next sprint: shave off 1–2 seconds on your start or add one more item completed.
Worksheet
Time Tracker Log
Personal Goal
My goal for my start time (in seconds): ____________________________
Sprint 1
Task: ____________________________________________
Goal Start Time (sec): ______
Actual Start Time (sec): ______
Difference (sec): ______
Items Completed: ______
Accuracy (Correct/Total): ______
Strategy Used:
Reflection:
Sprint 2
Task: ____________________________________________
Goal Start Time (sec): ______
Actual Start Time (sec): ______
Difference (sec): ______
Items Completed: ______
Accuracy (Correct/Total): ______
Strategy Used:
Reflection:
Sprint 3
Task: ____________________________________________
Goal Start Time (sec): ______
Actual Start Time (sec): ______
Difference (sec): ______
Items Completed: ______
Accuracy (Correct/Total): ______
Strategy Used:
Reflection:
Overall Reflection & Next Steps
What went well overall?
Next challenge or goal for the next session:
Answer Key
Sprint Results Key
Use this key to verify and score student responses after each sprint. Compare student work against the “Correct Answers” list or criteria, mark items correct/incorrect, and calculate accuracy.
Sample Keys
Sprint 1: Animals Beginning with “S”
Correct Answers (sample list – any valid animals starting with S):
- snake
- sheep
- seal
- shark
- swan
- squirrel
- spider
- salmon
- skunk
- starfish
Scoring:
- Total Items Listed by Student: ______
- Correct Items (out of Total): ______
- Accuracy (Correct/Total): ______
Sprint 2: Simple Math Problems
| Problem | Correct Answer |
|---|---|
| 12 × 3 | 36 |
| 45 ÷ 5 | 9 |
| 7 + 19 | 26 |
Scoring:
- Problems Attempted: ______
- Correct: ______
- Accuracy (Correct/Total): ______
Sprint 3: (Example) Copying a Paragraph
Sample Paragraph:
“The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
Scoring:
- Total Words to Copy: 9
- Words Correctly Copied: ______
- Accuracy (Correct/Total): ______
Blank Template for Teacher Use
For any custom task, duplicate the format below and fill in your criteria.
Task: ____________________________________________
Correct Answers / Criteria:
Scoring:
- Items Attempted: ______
- Correct: ______
- Accuracy (Correct/Total): ______
Notes / Comments: