Step-by-Step Task Initiation Activity

Description: A guided practice where the student applies the “Break It Down” strategy to start a simple task by listing three micro-steps and initiating each one with teacher support.

Objective: Practice breaking a task into manageable steps and build confidence by beginning each step.

Materials:

• A simple writing prompt (e.g., “Write two sentences about your favorite animal.”)
• Paper and pencil
• Task Breakdown Worksheet

Procedure:

1. Introduce the Prompt (2 minutes)
   • Present the writing prompt to the student.
   • Remind the student of the “Break It Down” strategy steps.
2. Brainstorm Micro-Steps (3 minutes)
   • Ask the student to list three micro-steps needed to begin the task.
   • Examples:
     1. Think of my favorite animal.
     2. Write one sentence describing it.
     3. Write one sentence explaining why I like it.
   • Record each step on the board or their worksheet.
3. Initiate Each Step (4 minutes)
   • Guide the student to start the first micro-step.
   • Offer prompts and encouragement (e.g., “What’s your first step? Ready to write that sentence?”).
   • After completion, move to the next step, providing positive feedback.
4. Review & Praise (1 minute)
   • Celebrate each completed micro-step.
   • Ask the student how it felt to start and complete each small step.

Note: Keep the atmosphere supportive—acknowledge effort and reinforce the value of breaking tasks into small parts.

Task Breakdown Worksheet

Use the “Break It Down” strategy to plan and start a new task. Follow each step below and leave yourself enough space to write.

1. Choose a Task

What task will you work on today? (Be specific.)

2. List Three Micro-Steps

Break your task into three small, clear steps you can do one at a time.

1. Step 1: ___________________________________________
   
   
   
2. Step 2: ___________________________________________
   
   
   
3. Step 3: ___________________________________________
   
   
   

3. Pick Your First Step

Which of these steps will you do first? Why did you choose this one?

4. Plan When to Start

When will you begin this first step? (For example, “Right after I put away my backpack,” or “At 2:00 pm.”)

5. How Do You Feel?

After each micro-step, write a quick note about how starting and finishing that step felt.

• After Step 1:
  
  
  
• After Step 2:
  
  
  
• After Step 3:
  
  
  

6. Rate Your Comfort

On a scale from 1 to 5, how comfortable do you feel starting tasks when they’re broken into small steps?
1 = Still very anxious 5 = Very comfortable
Rating: ___

7. Goal for Next Time

What is one goal you can set for yourself to keep using the “Break It Down” strategy in future tasks?

Task Focus Game

Description: A fast-paced, timer-based game where the student practices breaking simple tasks into micro-steps under time pressure. This playful challenge reinforces the “Break It Down” strategy and builds confidence in initiating tasks quickly.

Objective:

• Strengthen the student’s ability to rapidly identify small, clear steps for starting tasks.
• Practice managing initial anxiety by turning task initiation into a fun, timed challenge.

Materials:

• A timer or stopwatch (set to 30 seconds per round)
• A list of 5–6 simple, familiar tasks (e.g., “Tie your shoelaces,” “Open your backpack,” “Draw a happy face”)
• Whiteboard or paper and marker/pencil
• A small reward (e.g., sticker or verbal praise)

Procedure:

1. Explain the Rules (2 minutes)
   • Tell the student you’ll play three quick rounds.
   • In each round, the teacher names a simple task.
   • The student has 30 seconds to verbally list three micro-steps to start that task.
   • Award one point for each clear micro-step; maximum of 3 points per round.
2. Round Setup (1 minute)
   • Choose the first task from your list.
   • Write it on the whiteboard or state it clearly.
3. Play the Rounds (3 rounds × 3 minutes = 9 minutes)
   For each round:
   a. Start the timer (30 seconds).
   b. Student lists Step 1, Step 2, Step 3 out loud.
   c. Teacher notes points and gives immediate encouragement.
   d. Pause briefly to tally points and celebrate successes.
4. Bonus Challenge (Optional, 3 minutes)
   • If the student scores 7 or more points out of 9, introduce a bonus round with a slightly longer, two-part task (e.g., “Pack your pencil case and put it in your backpack”).
   • Student has 45 seconds to break it into four micro-steps.
5. Debrief and Reflect (5 minutes)
   • Review total points and highlight the student’s clear micro-steps.
   • Ask the student: “How did it feel to think and speak your steps quickly?”
   • Discuss how breaking tasks into steps can make starting less scary in everyday schoolwork.
   • Offer the reward for participation and good effort.

Note: Keep the tone playful and supportive. Celebrate each point and emphasize that speed-building only comes after practicing clear thinking. Encourage the student to use this quick-steps approach whenever they feel anxious about starting a task.