Lesson Plan
On Task Movie Makers
Students will learn and apply two classroom focus strategies by planning and creating short videos that demonstrate staying on task, then share and reflect on their solutions.
Helping 3rd graders practice self-management promotes better learning habits, reduces off-task behavior, and builds confidence through creative expression.
Audience
3rd Grade
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Discuss strategies, plan videos, create and share clips.
Materials
- Focus Strategies Poster, - Video Planning Worksheet, - Recording Devices or Tablets, - Example On-Task Video, and - Timer or Stopwatch
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print or display the Focus Strategies Poster
- Make copies of the Video Planning Worksheet for each student
- Charge and set up Recording Devices or Tablets
- Queue the Example On-Task Video ready to play
- Have a Timer or Stopwatch visible for time checks
Step 1
Warm-Up
2 minutes
- Gather students in a circle and greet them warmly
- Ask: “What does it mean to stay on task in class?”
- Listen to quick responses and highlight key words (focus, finish work, avoid distractions)
Step 2
Strategy Discussion
3 minutes
- Show the Focus Strategies Poster
- Review two strategies: 1) Set a timer for work sprints 2) Use self-check checkpoints
- Ask students how they might use these strategies during a lesson
Step 3
Video Planning
5 minutes
- Distribute the Video Planning Worksheet
- In pairs, students choose one strategy and draft a short video storyboard demonstrating it
- Encourage clear roles: actor, director, camera operator
Step 4
Video Creation
3 minutes
- Provide each pair with a Recording Device or Tablet
- Set a 3-minute timer using the Stopwatch
- Pairs film their planned demonstration in the classroom
Step 5
Share & Reflect
2 minutes
- Invite 2–3 pairs to play their videos for the group
- After each clip, ask: “How did you see the focus strategy in action?”
- Praise creative ideas and remind students to use these strategies tomorrow
Slide Deck
On Task Movie Makers
Welcome! In this 15-minute session, you’ll learn two focus strategies and create short videos to show how to stay on task in class.
Greet the students warmly and introduce the session. Explain that today they’ll become movie makers to show how to stay on task.
Warm-Up Question
What does it mean to stay on task in class?
• Think about times you worked really well.
• Turn to your partner and share one idea.
Gather students in a circle. Ask the question and call on a few quick responses. Highlight key words: focus, finish, avoid distractions.
Focus Strategies
- Set a timer for work sprints (e.g., 5 minutes of focused work).
- Use self-check checkpoints to review progress.
Display the Focus Strategies Poster. Read each strategy aloud, then ask for examples of how students might use them.
Plan Your Video
• Grab a Video Planning Worksheet.
• In pairs, choose one focus strategy.
• Assign roles: actor, director, camera operator.
• Sketch a 3-shot storyboard showing your strategy in action.
Hand out the Video Planning Worksheet. Explain roles (actor, director, camera operator) and give pairs time to sketch their storyboard.
Share & Reflect
• Play 2–3 student videos.
• For each: “How did you see the focus strategy in action?”
• “What will you try next time to stay on task?”
Invite 2–3 pairs to play their videos. After each, use the reflection questions to guide discussion and praise creative ideas.
Activity
🔍 Focus Strategies Poster
Help keep your mind on track with these two easy strategies:
⏱️ 1) Set a Timer for Work Sprints
What it means:
Use a timer to work with full focus for a short burst (for example, 5 minutes). When the timer rings, take a quick stretch or breath before restarting another sprint.
Why it helps:
- Turns big tasks into bite-sized chunks
- Makes staying focused feel manageable
- Keeps your brain fresh and alert
✅ 2) Use Self-Check Checkpoints
What it means:
Pause at key moments (like after finishing a problem or paragraph) to ask yourself:
- “Did I follow all the steps?”
- “Is my work neat and complete?”
- “Am I still on task?”
Why it helps:
- Catches mistakes early
- Builds a habit of reviewing your work
- Reminds you to refocus if your mind wandered
Keep this poster visible during class to remind yourself and friends to stay on task. Let’s practice these strategies every day and watch our focus grow!
Worksheet
Video Planning Worksheet
Name: ____________________________ Date: ___________________
1. Choose a Focus Strategy
☐ Set a Timer for Work Sprints
☐ Use Self-Check Checkpoints
2. Team Roles
Write each teammate’s name next to their role:
• Actor: _________________________
• Director: _______________________
• Camera Operator: _________________
3. Storyboard Your Video (3 Panels)
Panel 1
- Scene description: ________________________________________________
- Dialogue/Action: ________________________________________________
Panel 2
- Scene description: ________________________________________________
- Dialogue/Action: ________________________________________________
Panel 3
- Scene description: ________________________________________________
- Dialogue/Action: ________________________________________________
Make sure your storyboard clearly shows how your chosen strategy helps students stay on task.
Reading
On-Task Example Video
To help you and your students see focus strategies in action, watch this example video:
Habits of a Good Student for Children
Watch here
About the Video
This fun and engaging video uses puppets and humor to teach key habits that help students stay on task, including:
- Punctuality: Arriving on time and ready to learn
- Respect: Listening and following classroom rules
- Completing Work: Finishing assignments carefully and thoroughly
- Asking Questions: Checking for understanding to avoid confusion
Duration: 6 minutes 16 seconds
Age Range: 5–10 years
Why Use It:
- Provides a clear, relatable example of good classroom behavior
- Engages students with colorful characters and simple explanations
- Reinforces the two focus strategies by showing habits that align with setting small goals (timer sprints) and self-checking work
How to Use in Your Lesson
- After discussing the Focus Strategies Poster, introduce the video as an example of on-task behaviors.
- Ask students to watch for moments when characters show focus and self-check habits.
- Pause at key points to ask:
- “How did the character stay focused?”
- “Which strategy does this example remind you of?”
This model video will kick off students’ creativity before they plan their own on-task demonstrations!