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Kickstart Time

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Lesson Plan

Kickstart Time Lesson Plan

Help 3rd graders identify and practice simple strategies to begin assignments independently within 15 minutes, so they can overcome hesitation and start work confidently.

Many students delay starting tasks due to uncertainty or lack of focus. Teaching concrete task-initiation strategies empowers them to begin work on their own, reducing frustration and building confidence and self-reliance.

Audience

3rd Grade Students

Time

15 minutes (individual session)

Approach

Present, model, and practice task-start strategies individually.

Materials

Kickstart Strategies Poster, Task Initiation Strategy Cards, and Task Initiation Reflection Sheet

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Task Initiation

2 minutes

  • Greet the student and state today’s goal: learning ways to start tasks independently
  • Ask: “What makes it hard to begin a task sometimes?” and listen to their response

Step 2

Explore Kickstart Strategies

5 minutes

  • Show the Kickstart Strategies Poster
  • Briefly review each strategy (e.g., countdown, set a mini-goal, skim instructions, ask a question)
  • Invite the student to describe each strategy in their own words

Step 3

Select and Practice a Strategy

5 minutes

  • Offer the student a few Task Initiation Strategy Cards
  • Have them choose one strategy card to try with a simple task (e.g., writing their name)
  • Guide and prompt as needed, praising effort and correcting gently

Step 4

Reflection and Next Steps

3 minutes

  • Ask the student to complete the Task Initiation Reflection Sheet, noting which strategy they used and its effect
  • Have them set a personal goal for using the strategy in their next assignment
  • Reinforce their effort with praise and remind them these strategies are always available
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Slide Deck

Kickstart Time: Task Initiation Strategies

A 15-minute individual session for 3rd graders to learn how to start assignments confidently.

Welcome the student and introduce today’s session on task initiation. Briefly explain that we’ll learn simple strategies to help them begin their work independently and confidently.

Today’s Objectives

  • Understand why we sometimes hesitate to start tasks
  • Learn 4 simple kickstart strategies
  • Practice one strategy with a quick task
  • Reflect on how it worked and plan next steps

Read each objective aloud. Emphasize that knowing these goals will help them see what they’ll accomplish today.

Kickstart Strategies

  1. Countdown: Say “3-2-1 go!” and begin immediately
  2. Mini-Goal: Choose a small first step (e.g., write your name)
  3. Skim Instructions: Read the first sentence or two
  4. Ask a Question: “What’s the first thing I need to do?”

Display the Kickstart Strategies Poster. Point to each strategy and ask the student to restate it in their own words.

Practice a Strategy

  1. Pick one strategy card
  2. Use it to start a simple task (e.g., write your name)
  3. Notice how it feels to begin
  4. Teacher gives feedback and praise

Hand the student a few Task Initiation Strategy Cards. Guide them through choosing one and using it to start a simple task, like writing their name. Provide encouragement and gentle prompts.

Reflection & Next Steps

  • Which strategy did you use?
  • How did it help you start?
  • What will you try next time?
  • Write a goal: “Next time I will…”

Give the student the Task Initiation Reflection Sheet. Encourage thoughtful responses. End with setting a personal goal.

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Activity

Kickstart Strategies Poster

1. 🕒 Countdown
Say “3-2-1… Go!” and begin right away.

2. 🎯 Mini-Goal
Pick one small first step (e.g., write your name).

3. 📖 Skim Instructions
Read the first sentence or two to get started.

4. ❓ Ask a Question
Ask yourself: “What’s the very first thing I need to do?”

Place this poster where you can see it when you start a new task—use these simple strategies any time you feel stuck!

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Activity

Task Initiation Strategy Cards

These four cards each describe a simple way to kickstart your work. Keep a set at your desk—when you feel stuck, pick one and use it!

Card 1: 🕒 Countdown
Say “3-2-1… Go!” out loud, then begin your task immediately.

Card 2: 🎯 Mini-Goal
Choose one small first step (for example, write your name or draw the first line).

Card 3: 📖 Skim Instructions
Read just the first sentence or two to understand what you need to do.

Card 4: ❓ Ask a Question
Ask yourself: “What’s the very first thing I need to do?” then start with that.

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Worksheet

Task Initiation Reflection Sheet

Use the strategy you practiced to answer these questions about how you began your task. Be honest and thoughtful!

  1. Which strategy did you use? (Circle one)

    • Countdown (3-2-1… Go!)
    • Mini-Goal (pick a small first step)
    • Skim Instructions (read the first sentence)
    • Ask a Question (What’s the very first thing I need to do?)






  2. What did you do first after using this strategy? Describe your small step.






  3. How did using this strategy help you start your task?






  4. What will you try next time you feel stuck? Write a goal using “Next time I will…”






  5. (Bonus) Where will you keep your strategy reminders so you remember to use them?

    • On my desk, on the wall, in my notebook, or other: ________________



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