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Ready, Set, Go?

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Tondra Dillard-Cobb

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Ready, Set, Go? Lesson Outline

Equip 7th graders with a fun goal-setting and countdown routine to kickstart tasks independently and build confidence in starting assignments.

Many students struggle to begin tasks due to planning and motivation challenges. This lesson provides a structured, engaging routine to streamline task initiation, improving focus and self-reliance.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Engaging countdowns, timed goal-setting, and reflection tasks.

Materials

Ready, Set, Go? Lesson Outline, Countdown to Action Slides, Quick Fire Goals Prompt Sheet, Two-Minute Start Challenge Instructions, and Reflection Race Worksheet

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

  • Familiarize yourself with the Ready, Set, Go? Lesson Outline
  • Preview the Countdown to Action Slides to plan pacing
  • Print copies of the Quick Fire Goals Prompt Sheet and Reflection Race Worksheet
  • Set up a visible two-minute timer or timer app for the challenge

Step 1

Warm-Up: Quick Fire Goals

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Quick Fire Goals Prompt Sheet
  • Explain that students will write as many quick goals as they can in one minute
  • Start a one-minute timer and have students list tasks they want to complete today
  • Invite volunteers to share one goal and discuss why quick goal-setting helps break the start barrier

Step 2

Teaching: Countdown to Action

10 minutes

  • Display the Countdown to Action Slides
  • Introduce the concept of a countdown as a mental cue to begin tasks immediately
  • Model a 5–4–3–2–1 countdown aloud before starting a simple task (e.g., stretching)
  • Emphasize how the countdown creates momentum and reduces procrastination

Step 3

Activity: Two-Minute Start Challenge

10 minutes

  • Ask students to choose a small academic task (e.g., reading a paragraph)
  • Explain they will use the countdown then work uninterrupted for two minutes
  • Lead a collective 5–4–3–2–1 countdown, then start a two-minute timer
  • After time ends, have students note their starting experience and immediate progress

Step 4

Cool-Down: Reflection Race

5 minutes

  • Hand out the Reflection Race Worksheet
  • In pairs, students race to complete reflection prompts about what helped them start quickly
  • Encourage them to discuss strategies that felt most effective
  • Close by inviting a few pairs to share key takeaways for launching tasks
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Slide Deck

Countdown to Action

Kickstart tasks instantly with a fun 5-4-3-2-1 routine!

Use this slide to introduce the concept. Emphasize how a countdown can shift our mindset from planning to action. Remind students to watch for the numbers.

What Is a Countdown to Action?

A mental cue that uses a 5-4-3-2-1 count to create momentum and reduce procrastination.

Explain the concept in your own words. Ask students if they've ever used a countdown to start something (e.g., jumping off a diving board).

Benefits of a Countdown

  • Creates immediate momentum
  • Reduces overthinking
  • Builds confidence to start
  • Turns starting into a habit

Read each benefit aloud. Provide quick examples for each bullet to connect to students' experiences.

5

Say “Five!” with energy. Explain: “Five… you’re ready to go.” Transition to the next slide quickly.

4

Say “Four” clearly, building momentum. Prompt students to get into starting position (hands on desk, ready to write).

3

Say “Three!” Encourage a little nod or deep breath to signal “almost there.”

2

Say “Two” with anticipation. Encourage students to focus their eyes on the task ahead.

1 – GO!

Begin your task now!

Cheerfully exclaim “One… Go!” and demonstrate starting a task (e.g., open your notebook).

Model Demonstration

Watch me use the countdown to start a quick stretch.

Model the countdown aloud: “5…4…3…2…1,” then perform a simple stretch. Highlight how smooth it feels to start without overthinking.

Practice: Two-Minute Start

Choose a small task and use 5-4-3-2-1 to begin. Work for 2 minutes!

Explain the Two-Minute Start Challenge. Lead the countdown with the class and start a two-minute timer after “Go!” After time ends, ask students to note how starting felt.

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Warm Up

Quick Fire Goals

Instructions: You have 1 minute to list as many quick goals as you want to complete today. Ready… set… go!

  1. ________________________________

  2. ________________________________

  3. ________________________________

  4. ________________________________

  5. ________________________________

  6. ________________________________

  7. ________________________________

  8. ________________________________

  9. ________________________________

  10. ________________________________

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Activity

Two-Minute Start Challenge

Objective: Use the 5-4-3-2-1 countdown to launch a small academic task and experience momentum in just two minutes.

Instructions:

  1. Choose a small, manageable task to begin (for example: reading a short paragraph, writing one sentence, solving one math problem).
  2. Get ready—hands on desk, pencil or book open, eyes on your work.
  3. I will lead us through a countdown: 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… GO!
  4. When you hear “Go,” start your task immediately and work for two uninterrupted minutes.
  5. Focus on starting without overthinking. Keep going until the timer rings.

After Two Minutes

Answer the following reflection prompts:

  1. What progress did you make in those two minutes?






  1. How did the countdown routine affect your ability to begin?






  1. What thoughts or feelings came up while starting, and how did you handle them?






  1. What’s one next step you can take right after this activity using the same routine?






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Cool Down

Reflection Race

Instructions: In pairs, race to discuss and complete each prompt. The first pair to finish all four questions wins!

  1. Which strategy (goal‐setting or countdown) helped you start the fastest, and why?






  1. How did the 5-4-3-2-1 countdown change your mindset right before “Go”?






  1. What challenge did you face during the Two-Minute Start Challenge, and how did you overcome it?






  1. How will you apply this routine when beginning your next assignment?






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