lenny

Kickstart Your Tasks!

user image

Lesson Plan

Kickstart Your Tasks!

Students will learn and apply strategies to improve task initiation, reducing procrastination and increasing productivity.

Learning to start tasks effectively is crucial for academic success and managing responsibilities. This lesson provides actionable techniques to overcome common hurdles in getting started, empowering students to take control of their workload.

Audience

8th Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and practical application of task initiation strategies.

Materials

Small whiteboards or paper, Markers or pencils, Kickstart Your Tasks! Slide Deck, Task Initiation Strategies Handout, My First Step Worksheet, and Cool Down Reflection

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: The Procrastination Puzzle

3 minutes

  1. Begin by displaying the first slide of the Kickstart Your Tasks! Slide Deck with the warm-up question.
    2. Ask students: "What's one task you've put off, and why?"
    3. Have students quickly jot down their answers on a small whiteboard or paper.
    4. Briefly share a few responses, highlighting common reasons for procrastination without judgment.

Step 2

Introduction to Task Initiation

2 minutes

  1. Transition to the next slide of the Kickstart Your Tasks! Slide Deck.
    2. Introduce the concept of task initiation as the ability to start tasks without delay.
    3. Explain that today's lesson will provide strategies to make starting tasks easier.

Step 3

Strategy Spotlight: Breaking It Down

5 minutes

  1. Present the "Breaking It Down" strategy using the Kickstart Your Tasks! Slide Deck.
    2. Distribute the Task Initiation Strategies Handout.
    3. Explain the idea of breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
    4. Provide an example: "Writing an essay" becomes "Choose a topic," "Outline main points," "Write introduction," etc.
    5. Lead a brief discussion: "How could breaking down a task help you get started?"

Step 4

Activity: My First Step

4 minutes

  1. Hand out the My First Step Worksheet.
    2. Instruct students to think of a real task they need to start (homework, project, chore).
    3. Guide them to break it down into 3-5 smaller steps on their worksheet.
    4. Emphasize identifying the very first, easiest step they can take.
    5. Circulate and provide individual support as needed.

Step 5

Cool Down: One Small Action

1 minute

  1. Conclude with the Cool Down Reflection question on the final slide of the Kickstart Your Tasks! Slide Deck.
    2. Ask students to share one small action they will take today or tomorrow to kickstart a task.
    3. Collect the My First Step Worksheet and Cool Down Reflection (optional).
    4. Reinforce the idea that even small steps build momentum.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Kickstart Your Tasks!

Overcoming the "Start" Block

What's one task you've put off, and why?
(Think: homework, chores, projects, etc.)




Share with a partner or jot down your thoughts!

Welcome students. Explain that today's lesson is about tackling that feeling of being stuck before starting a task. Set a positive, encouraging tone.

What is Task Initiation?

Task Initiation: The ability to begin tasks promptly and independently.

Ever feel like this? 😩

  • Staring at a blank page
  • Knowing what to do, but not starting
  • Feeling overwhelmed before you even begin

It's a common challenge, but we have strategies!

Introduce the concept of task initiation. Emphasize that it's a skill that can be learned and improved, and it's not about being lazy, but about needing strategies.

Strategy: Breaking It Down!

Big Task ➡️ Small Steps

When a task feels huge, it's hard to start. Break it into tiny, manageable pieces.

Example: "Write a history essay"

➡️ "Open document"
➡️ "Type title"
➡️ "Write one sentence for intro"

(See your Task Initiation Strategies Handout for more!)

Discussion: How could breaking down a task help you get started?

Explain the 'Breaking It Down' strategy clearly. Use the example provided on the slide and encourage students to think of their own as you talk through it. Refer to the Task Initiation Strategies Handout.

Activity: My First Step

  1. Think of one real task you need to start soon.
  2. On your My First Step Worksheet, break it down into 3-5 small, actionable steps.
  3. Circle the very first and easiest step you can take.

Goal: Identify a step so small, it feels impossible not to do.

Explain the activity. Give students their My First Step Worksheet and guide them to choose a real task and break it down. Circulate and assist.

Cool Down: One Small Action

What is one tiny action you will take today or tomorrow to kickstart a task you've been avoiding?




Share out if you're comfortable!

Remember: Small steps lead to big accomplishments!

Conclude the lesson by asking students to commit to one small action. Reinforce that consistency with small steps leads to big progress. Collect their worksheets.

lenny