Lesson Plan
Task Initiation Lesson Plan
Students will learn two practical strategies—the five-second rule and task chunking—to confidently initiate and organize assignments and create personalized step-by-step plans.
Many 7th graders struggle with procrastination and lack a clear starting point on assignments. Learning task initiation skills builds independence, reduces stress, and fosters stronger study habits.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Model, practice, and reflect on task-starting strategies
Materials
- Task Starter Worksheet, - Task Initiation Strategies Handout, - Reflection Prompt Sheet, - Sticky Notes, - Timer, and - Whiteboard and Markers
Prep
Prepare Instruction Materials
5 minutes
- Print one copy per student of Task Starter Worksheet
- Print the Task Initiation Strategies Handout
- Print the Reflection Prompt Sheet
- Gather Sticky Notes, Timer, Whiteboard and Markers
- Review handout content and plan examples for modeling
Step 1
Introduction and Hook
5 minutes
- Ask: "What stops you from starting a task?" and record answers on the Whiteboard
- Highlight common barriers (uncertainty, feeling overwhelmed)
- Introduce today's goal: learn two quick-start strategies to overcome those barriers
Step 2
Modeling Strategies
7 minutes
- Distribute the Task Initiation Strategies Handout
- Explain the five-second rule: count down and start in five seconds
- Explain task chunking: break a task into 3–5 small steps
- Demonstrate on Whiteboard by planning a short writing prompt, thinking aloud as you chunk steps and start immediately
Step 3
Guided Practice
8 minutes
- Students pair up and choose a simple classroom task (e.g., organizing binders)
- Give each pair Sticky Notes and the Task Starter Worksheet
- In pairs, write the task name, break it into steps on the worksheet, then use the five-second rule to begin step one
- Circulate and provide feedback as pairs start their tasks
Step 4
Independent Practice
7 minutes
- Students select a personal upcoming assignment (homework or project)
- Individually complete the Task Starter Worksheet, chunking their chosen assignment
- Use Timer to apply the five-second rule and record their first action on the worksheet
- Encourage students to stick the worksheet on their desk as a reminder
Step 5
Reflection and Closure
3 minutes
- Distribute the Reflection Prompt Sheet
- Ask students to answer: “Which strategy felt most helpful and why?”
- Invite a few students to share insights aloud
- Summarize key takeaways and encourage use of strategies daily
Slide Deck
Kickstart Your Tasks
Strategies to start and organize assignments confidently.
Welcome everyone! Today we’ll explore two key strategies to help you kickstart any assignment and beat procrastination. Introduce agenda: hook, strategies, practice, reflection.
What Stops You?
Think–Pair–Share:
- What thoughts or feelings hold you back?
- Discuss with a partner and share out.
Ask: “What stops you from starting a task?” Have students think individually, then discuss with a partner. Record common barriers on the whiteboard.
Strategy 1: The Five-Second Rule
- Distribute Task Initiation Strategies Handout
Five-Second Rule:
- Count down: 5-4-3-2-1
- On “1,” begin immediately
Prevents overthinking—just go!
Distribute the Task Initiation Strategies Handout. Explain the Five-Second Rule step by step. Emphasize acting before doubts take over.
Strategy 2: Task Chunking
- Task Chunking:
- Break a task into 3–5 small, clear steps
- Write each step down
- Focus on one chunk at a time
Explain task chunking. Show how breaking into small steps makes tasks feel manageable. Encourage writing down each chunk.
Example: Planning a Writing Task
Task: Write a short story
- Choose an idea
- Outline characters & setting
- Write opening paragraph
- Draft middle paragraphs
- Write conclusion
Model on the board a writing task. Chunk it into steps and demonstrate counting down to start. Think aloud as you model.
Guided Practice
- Pair up and select a simple classroom task (e.g., organize binders)
- Use Task Starter Worksheet
- Write the task name and chunk into steps
- Apply the five-second rule to begin step 1
Explain guided practice instructions. Circulate to support pairs as they chunk and start their chosen simple task.
Independent Practice
- Choose your upcoming assignment or project
- Complete the Task Starter Worksheet
- Chunk it and use a timer
- Apply the five-second rule to start
Introduce independent practice. Encourage students to apply both strategies to a real upcoming assignment and set a timer.
Reflection & Closure
- Complete the Reflection Prompt Sheet
- Answer: Which strategy felt most helpful and why?
- Share one insight with the class
Remember: You can start anything in five seconds!
Distribute reflection prompts. Invite volunteers to share insights. Summarize takeaways and remind students to use these strategies daily.
Worksheet
Task Starter Worksheet
Use this worksheet to plan your task by chunking it into small steps and then begin using the Five-Second Rule.
Name: __________________________ Date: ________________________
1. Your Task: What assignment or project will you start today?
______________________________________________
2. Task Chunking
Break your task into 3–5 small, clear steps.
Step 1: ____________________________________________
Step 2: ____________________________________________
Step 3: ____________________________________________
Step 4: ____________________________________________
Step 5: ____________________________________________
3. Applying the Five-Second Rule
Choose one of the steps above to start immediately.
Which step will you start? ____________________________
What is your very first action? ________________________
Count down out loud: 5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1 … GO!
Time you began: ______________ (e.g., 2:15 PM)
4. Quick Reflection
How did it feel to start right away? What did you notice?
Reading
Task Initiation Strategies Handout
Starting a big assignment or project can feel overwhelming. You might not know where to begin or feel unsure if you’ll do it right. That’s why we’ll explore two simple, powerful strategies that help you kick off any task quickly and confidently.
Strategy 1: The Five-Second Rule
The Five-Second Rule helps you move from thinking to doing before doubts or distractions take over.
How It Works:
- Decide on the very next action you need to take.
- Count down out loud: 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1.
- When you reach “1,” start that action immediately—no second-guessing!
Why It Works:
- Stops your brain from overthinking.
- Creates momentum—once you begin, it’s easier to keep going.
- Builds confidence by proving you can take action quickly.
Example:
Imagine you need to start a paragraph for your science report. You could:
- Decide your first action: “Write the topic sentence.”
- Count down: 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1.
- On “1,” type the first sentence: “Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.”
Strategy 2: Task Chunking
Task Chunking breaks a big task into bite-sized steps so nothing feels impossible.
How It Works:
- Write down the main goal (e.g., “Complete my book report”).
- Break that goal into 3–5 clear, small steps.
- Focus on one chunk at a time, checking off each step as you finish it.
Why It Works:
- Turns a huge job into manageable pieces.
- Reduces feelings of overwhelm—each step seems quick and doable.
- Provides a clear path forward so you always know what to do next.
Example:
Goal: Finish a history presentation.
- Step 1: Choose a topic and find three sources.
- Step 2: Write a 1-sentence summary for each source.
- Step 3: Create a simple outline of slides.
- Step 4: Design slides with key facts and images.
- Step 5: Rehearse your presentation out loud.
Putting It All Together
- Begin by chunking your task. Use the Task Starter Worksheet to write your goal and break it into steps.
- Pick the very next step you want to take.
- Apply the Five-Second Rule—count down and start right away!
- After you’ve done the first action, move on to the next chunk and repeat.
When you finish, reflect on how it went. Use the Reflection Prompt Sheet to note which strategy felt most helpful and why.
Tip: Practice these strategies every day—on homework, chores, or even personal goals. The more you use them, the easier it becomes to kickstart anything in just five seconds!
Worksheet
Reflection Prompt Sheet
Name: __________________________ Date: _________________________
1. Which strategy felt most helpful for you—Task Chunking or the Five-Second Rule? Why?
2. Think of a real upcoming task (homework, chore, or personal goal). Describe it below and explain how you’ll apply both strategies to start it next time.
3. Before using the Five-Second Rule, how did you feel about starting tasks? After using it, how did you feel?
4. What is one thing you will do differently tomorrow to initiate your work more quickly?
______________________________________________
5. Any additional thoughts or ideas for improving your task-starting habits?
______________________________________________