Lesson Plan
My Magical Checklist Adventure
Students will be able to identify the purpose of visual checklists and create a simple personalized visual checklist to initiate a task.
Learning to use visual checklists helps students independently start and complete tasks, reducing frustration and building confidence in managing their schoolwork and daily routines.
Audience
1st Grade
Time
40 minutes
Approach
Hands-on activity with visual aids.
Materials
Whiteboard or chart paper, Markers, Printouts of various visual schedules/checklists (examples), Construction paper, Crayons/Markers, Scissors, Glue sticks, Visual Schedule Superpowers, Personalized Task Checklist Creation, and Checklist Completion Rubric
Prep
Gather Materials & Review
15 minutes
- Review the Visual Schedule Superpowers to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print out several examples of visual schedules and checklists to show students.
- Gather construction paper, crayons, markers, scissors, and glue sticks for student use.
- Prepare a blank example checklist on a whiteboard or chart paper.
- Review the Personalized Task Checklist Creation and Checklist Completion Rubric.
Step 1
Introduction: What Helps Us Get Started?
5 minutes
- Greet students and introduce the day's topic:
Step 2
Visual Schedule Superpowers
10 minutes
- Present the Visual Schedule Superpowers.
- Go through each slide, explaining what visual schedules and checklists are and why they are helpful.
- Show examples of different visual checklists (e.g., morning routine, classroom clean-up, homework steps). Ask students to share if they use any checklists at home or school.
- Discuss how checklists can help them remember what to do next and feel less worried about starting tasks.
Step 3
Our Magical Checklist Adventure
20 minutes
- Explain that students will now create their own magical checklist for a simple task.
- Distribute the Personalized Task Checklist Creation handouts.
- Guide students through selecting a simple task (e.g., getting ready for recess, packing their backpack, finishing a drawing).
- Model how to draw or write out the steps on their construction paper, creating a visual checklist. Emphasize using pictures and simple words.
- Circulate and provide support, encouraging students to be creative and thoughtful about their steps.
- Optional: Have students share their checklists with a partner or the class, explaining their chosen task and steps.
Step 4
Wrap Up & Reflection
5 minutes
- Review the importance of checklists. Ask:
Slide Deck
Ready, Set, Go! What Helps You Start?
Have you ever wanted to do something, but weren't sure how to begin? Or maybe you forgot a step?
Today, we'll discover a superpower that helps us start and finish tasks!
Welcome students and introduce the idea of needing help to get started. Ask a question to engage them.
What's a Visual Schedule or Checklist?
It's like a map for your day or a recipe for a task!
It shows you, with pictures and words, what to do, step-by-step.
Think of it as your personal 'To-Do' list with pictures!
Introduce visual schedules and checklists as tools. Explain what they are simply.
Why Are They Superpowers?
- Helps you remember: No more forgetting steps!
- Shows you what's next: You always know what to do.
- Makes you feel calm: Less worrying about forgetting.
- Helps you be independent: You can do it all by yourself!
Discuss the benefits of using these tools. Focus on independence and reducing worry.
Magical Checklist Examples!
Here are some ways we use them:
- Morning Routine: Wake up, brush teeth, eat breakfast, get dressed.
- Classroom Clean-Up: Put toys away, push in chairs, tidy books.
- Homework Steps: Read directions, do problems, check your work.
What other checklists have you seen or used?
Show concrete examples. These could be photos of real-life checklists or simple drawings.
Your Turn: Create Your Own!
Now you know the magic of visual checklists!
Soon, you'll get to create your very own checklist to help you with a task.
Imagine the power you'll have!
Transition to the activity where students will create their own. Emphasize their ability to make one.
Project Guide
Personalized Task Checklist Creation
Your Mission: To create your very own Magical Checklist to help you start and finish a task all by yourself!
Why are we doing this?
Checklists are like secret maps that show us every step we need to take. They make big tasks feel smaller and easier, and they help us remember everything so we don't feel confused or forgetful!
What you need:
- A piece of construction paper
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
- Scissors and glue (if you want to add cut-outs)
How to create your Magical Checklist:
Step 1: Choose Your Task (5 minutes)
Think about a task you sometimes need help starting or remembering all the steps for. It could be:
- Getting ready for recess (put on shoes, grab coat, line up)
- Packing your backpack (put in homework, lunchbox, favorite book)
- Cleaning up your desk (put pencils in cup, stack papers, push in chair)
- Getting ready for bed (brush teeth, put on pajamas, read a book)
My Chosen Task Is:
Step 2: Brainstorm the Steps (5 minutes)
What are ALL the little things you need to do to complete your chosen task? Write or draw them down in the order they happen.
- Example for "Getting Ready for Recess":
- Put on shoes
- Grab jacket
- Line up at the door
My Steps Are:
Step 3: Draw or Write Your Checklist (10 minutes)
On your construction paper, create your checklist! For each step:
- Draw a small picture to show the step.
- Write 1-3 words next to the picture to describe the step.
- Leave a small box or circle next to each step so you can check it off later!
Make sure your steps are clear and easy to understand, just like a mini-story of your task!
Step 4: Decorate Your Magical Checklist! (5 minutes)
Make your checklist colorful and fun! Add glitter, stickers, or extra drawings to make it truly magical. This is your personal superpower tool, so make it look awesome!
Sharing Your Superpower (Optional)
Be ready to share your Magical Checklist with a classmate or the teacher! Explain what task your checklist is for and how it will help you.
Rubric
Checklist Completion Rubric
Student Name: ________________________
Task Chosen: ________________________
This rubric will help you understand how your Magical Checklist will be assessed. It also shows you what makes a great checklist!
| Criteria | 4 - Super Starter (Excellent) | 3 - Good Go-Getter (Good) | 2 - Almost There! (Developing) | 1 - Needs More Magic (Beginning) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Task Selection | Student clearly identifies a personal task that needs a checklist. | Student identifies a task, but it might be slightly broad. | Student identifies a task but struggles to make it specific. | Task is unclear or not suited for a checklist. |
| Steps Identification | All essential steps for the chosen task are clearly identified and in logical order. | Most essential steps are identified and mostly in logical order. | Some essential steps are missing or out of logical order. | Few steps are identified, or they are very disorganized. |
| Visual Clarity | Each step has a clear, easy-to-understand picture/symbol and simple words. | Most steps have clear visuals and words, with minor inconsistencies. | Some steps have visuals/words, but they are hard to understand or missing. | Visuals and words are largely absent or very unclear. |
| Check-Off Mechanism | A clear box or circle is present next to EACH step for checking off. | A check-off box/circle is present for most steps. | A check-off box/circle is inconsistently present. | No clear check-off mechanism is included. |
| Creativity/Effort | Checklist is colorful, creative, and shows great effort in design and decoration. | Checklist is neat and shows good effort. | Checklist is basic; some effort is shown in presentation. | Little effort is shown in the presentation. |
Teacher Comments:
Total Score: ______ / 20