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Start Smart

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Tracy Bales

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Start Smart Lesson Plan

Students will learn and practice using a structured checklist and cognitive warm-up to initiate assignments effectively, reducing procrastination and building confidence.

Many students struggle with task initiation, leading to delays and stress. This lesson equips them with concrete strategies and tools to start work promptly and independently, improving organization and productivity.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Model, practice, and apply task initiation strategies

Materials

  • Checklist Slides, - Brain Dump Warm-Up, - Assignment Initiation Checklist, and - Exit Ticket: One Smart Tip

Prep

Review & Setup

15 minutes

  • Review all digital materials: Checklist Slides and Brain Dump Warm-Up.
  • Print or upload enough copies of Assignment Initiation Checklist for each student.
  • Prepare exit ticket platform or print Exit Ticket: One Smart Tip.
  • Arrange classroom seating for both whole-group discussion and individual work.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Brain Dump

5 minutes

  • Prompt students to recall a recent time they postponed a task and quickly jot down five thoughts or feelings.
  • Use the Brain Dump Warm-Up handout or slide.
  • Encourage speed and honesty—no overthinking.

Step 2

Introduction: Why Start Smart?

5 minutes

  • Discuss why task initiation can feel challenging and how it impacts work quality.
  • Display scenario examples on the Checklist Slides.
  • Ask: “What hurdles do you face when starting assignments?” and record responses.

Step 3

Guided Practice: Modeling the Checklist

10 minutes

  • Introduce the Assignment Initiation Checklist.
  • Teacher models using a sample assignment: breaking tasks into steps, gathering materials, and setting a timer.
  • Think aloud through each checklist item.
  • Students follow on their own copies, matching each modeled step.

Step 4

Independent Practice: Apply the Strategy

15 minutes

  • Students select an upcoming assignment and apply each checklist step on their own.
  • Use printed or digital Assignment Initiation Checklist.
  • Teacher circulates, prompts reflection, and offers support.
  • Differentiation: Pair students needing extra support with a peer buddy; challenge advanced students to estimate time per step.

Step 5

Cool-Down: Exit Ticket

5 minutes

  • Students complete the Exit Ticket: One Smart Tip.
  • Prompt: “Write one tip you’ll use next time you start an assignment.”
  • Collect responses digitally or on paper for quick review.
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Slide Deck

Start Smart: Task Initiation Checklist

Kickstart your assignments with confidence!

Introduce the lesson and set expectations for the slide deck. Explain that today’s focus is learning a simple, step-by-step checklist to help start any assignment.

Why Start Smart?

• Task initiation often feels challenging
• Delays lead to stress and lower quality work
• A clear routine helps you begin effectively

Discuss why beginning tasks can be hard and how delays affect work quality and stress.

Common Start-Up Struggles

• Not knowing where to begin
• Scattering materials everywhere
• Feeling overwhelmed by the task size

Invite students to share their own start-up struggles. Capture 2–3 responses on the board.

Your Task Initiation Checklist

  1. Understand the Task
  2. Gather Materials
  3. Set Clear Goals
  4. Brainstorm/Outline
  5. Set a Timer
  6. Start with an Easy Step

Reveal the full checklist. Explain that each step will be explored in detail on upcoming slides.

Step 1: Understand the Task

• Read instructions carefully
• Identify key requirements and due dates
• Ask clarifying questions if needed

Model reading an assignment prompt and highlighting key requirements.

Step 2: Gather Materials

• Collect books, notes, and digital files
• Organize your workspace
• Minimize potential distractions

Demonstrate gathering a textbook, notes, and clearing the workspace.

Step 3: Set Clear Goals

• Define what you’ll accomplish today
• Break the task into smaller parts
• Write down your specific goal

Show how to break a larger assignment into smaller, measurable goals.

Step 4: Brainstorm/Outline

• Jot down ideas in a quick outline or mind map
• Don’t worry about order yet
• Capture as many thoughts as you can

Illustrate a quick outline or mind-map for brainstorming ideas.

Step 5: Set a Timer

• Choose a manageable time block (e.g., 10 minutes)
• Commit to focus until the timer rings

Explain how short, focused time blocks boost productivity.

Step 6: Start with an Easy Step

• Begin with the simplest element of your task
• Build momentum with a quick win
• Celebrate your progress

Encourage choosing the easiest part first to build momentum.

Modeling the Checklist

Apply the checklist to: Write a 2-paragraph summary about your favorite book.

• Understand: Read prompt carefully
• Gather: Notebook and pen ready
• Set Goals: Draft first paragraph
• Brainstorm: List key points
• Timer: 10 minutes focus
• Easy Step: Name the book

Walk through each checklist item using the sample assignment. Think aloud so students hear your reasoning.

Your Turn!

• Choose an upcoming assignment
• Work through each checklist step on your handout
• I’ll circulate to support you

Explain the independent practice. Distribute the printed checklist and prompt students to select their own assignment.

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Warm Up

Brain Dump Warm-Up

Think of a recent time you postponed a school task or assignment. In 3 minutes, quickly jot down at least five thoughts, feelings, or reasons that popped into your head when you delayed starting. Don’t overthink—write whatever comes to mind!
















Be honest and fast—this is just for you!

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Worksheet

Assignment Initiation Checklist

Use this checklist to guide you as you begin an upcoming assignment. Check off each step and complete the prompts below.

Assignment Title: ____________________________


  • Step 1: Understand the Task
    • What am I being asked to do? _______________



    • When is it due? _______________________________________________________



    • Key requirements or questions I need to answer:


  • Step 2: Gather Materials
    List everything you need before you start (books, notes, digital files, tools):
    _______________________________________________________________________





  • Step 3: Set Clear Goals
    • Today I will complete: _______________________________________________



    • How will I measure success? ___________________________________________


  • Step 4: Brainstorm / Outline
    Jot down your main ideas, keywords, or sections in a quick outline or mind map:
    _______________________________________________________________________










  • Step 5: Set a Timer
    • Time block length (e.g., 10 minutes): ________________
    • Start time: ________ End time: ________


  • Step 6: Start with an Easy Step
    What is the simplest part of this task I can do first?_____________________



    How will I celebrate this small win? _____________________________________


After completing all steps, write one thing you learned about starting tasks smart:
_________________________________________________________________________





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Cool Down

Exit Ticket: One Smart Tip

Reflect on today’s lesson and write one tip you’ll use next time you start an assignment.

Tip: ____________________________________________





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