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Ready, Set, Go! How Do We Start Our Work?

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Lesson Plan

Starting Lineup Lesson Plan

Students will be able to identify and apply simple strategies for starting a new task independently, reducing procrastination and increasing engagement.

Learning how to start tasks helps students become more independent learners, builds their confidence, and reduces feelings of being overwhelmed when faced with new assignments or activities. This skill is vital for success both in school and in daily life.

Audience

1st Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Direct instruction, guided practice, and independent application.

Materials

"The 'Start' Button" Slide Deck, "Brain Wake-Up Call" Warm-Up, "Picture Sequence Starter" Activity, "My Starting Strategy Ticket" Cool-Down, Markers or crayons, and Paper or whiteboards

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Brain Wake-Up Call

5 minutes

  1. Begin the lesson by distributing the Brain Wake-Up Call warm-up.
    2. Ask students to quickly draw or write one thing they are excited to learn today.
    3. Briefly discuss a few responses to get students engaged and thinking.

Step 2

Introduction: The 'Start' Button

10 minutes

  1. Present the The 'Start' Button Slide Deck to introduce the concept of task initiation.
    2. Go through the slides, focusing on why starting can be hard and the simple steps to begin (e.g., 'Look at the task,' 'Gather materials,' 'Take one small step').
    3. Encourage students to share their experiences with starting tasks.

Step 3

Activity: Picture Sequence Starter

15 minutes

  1. Distribute the Picture Sequence Starter activity.
    2. Explain that students will work individually or in small groups to put simple task steps in order using pictures or short descriptions.
    3. Circulate to provide support and encourage discussion about why they chose that order.

Step 4

Discussion & Practice: My Starting Strategy

10 minutes

  1. Bring the class back together for a brief discussion.
    2. Ask students to share one strategy they used or learned from the Picture Sequence Starter that helps them start a task.
    3. Practice applying a new strategy with a very simple, quick task (e.g., 'Draw a blue circle' or 'Write your name three times').

Step 5

Cool-Down: My Starting Strategy Ticket

5 minutes

  1. Distribute the My Starting Strategy Ticket cool-down.
    2. Have students write or draw one thing they learned today about starting work.
    3. Collect tickets as an exit pass to assess understanding.
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Slide Deck

Ready, Set, Go!

How Do We Start Our Work?

Ever feel stuck before you even begin?

Welcome students and introduce the idea that sometimes starting something new can feel tricky. Ask a few students what kind of things they sometimes find hard to start.

The 'Start' Button

It's like pressing a button to get going!

Sometimes our 'Start' button feels sticky.

Explain that it's normal to feel a bit unsure about starting. Give examples like starting a drawing, a puzzle, or even getting ready in the morning.

Step 1: Look at the Task

  • What do I need to do?
  • Read the instructions (or have them read to you).
  • Look at the pictures.

Introduce the first simple step: looking at what needs to be done. Use a visual on the slide if possible, or point to a task in the classroom.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

  • What do I need to help me?
  • Get your pencil, paper, crayons, or books.
  • Make sure everything is ready!

Explain the importance of gathering materials. Ask students what materials they might need for different tasks (e.g., drawing, building with blocks).

Step 3: Take One Small Step

  • Just start with a tiny piece!
  • Draw one line.
  • Write one word.
  • Put one block in place.

You don't have to do it all at once!

Emphasize taking a very small, first step. This makes the task seem less overwhelming. Give an example like 'just draw one line' or 'just write the first word'.

You Can Do It!

Remember our steps:

  1. Look at the task
  2. Gather your tools
  3. Take one small step

Now, press your 'Start' Button!

Summarize the steps and encourage students to try these strategies. Ask them to think of a task they need to start soon and how they will use these steps.

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Warm Up

Brain Wake-Up Call!

Instructions: Draw or write one thing you are excited to learn or do today!













Share with a partner: Why are you excited about this? How do you think you'll start it?

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Activity

Picture Sequence Starter: Getting Ready for School

Instructions: Cut out the pictures below. Then, glue or tape them in the correct order to show how you get ready for school in the morning. Think about what you do first, next, and last!

Pictures to Cut Out:

  • Picture 1: A child eating breakfast.
  • Picture 2: A child putting on their backpack.
  • Picture 3: A child brushing their teeth.
  • Picture 4: A child waking up in bed.

My Starting Sequence:

First:







Next:







Then:







Last:







Bonus Question: What helps you remember what to do first when you get ready for school?

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Cool Down

My Starting Strategy Ticket

Instructions: What is one new idea or strategy you learned today that will help you start your work?

Draw a picture or write a sentence about it below.













Bonus: How will you use this strategy at home or at school?

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