Lesson Plan
On-Task Treasure Hunt Lesson Plan
Students will strengthen their ability to stay focused and follow multi-step directions by navigating a themed Treasure Hunt, finding hidden tokens with guidance from the teacher.
This lesson turns behavior goals into a fun game, increasing engagement and confidence. By practicing focus and listening skills in a hands-on activity, students will transfer these self-regulation strategies to future tasks.
Audience
1st Grade Student
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Guided treasure hunt activity with clear steps and immediate feedback.
Materials
- Treasure Map Printout, - Hidden Treasure Tokens, - Timer, and - Clipboard and Pencil
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print multiple copies of the Treasure Map Printout.
- Cut and hide the Hidden Treasure Tokens around the room.
- Set up a visible Timer.
- Gather a Clipboard and Pencil for the student.
- Review the lesson procedure and scoring system.
Step 1
Introduction
2 minutes
- Greet the student and explain today’s goal: finding treasures by following directions and staying on task.
- Show excitement to motivate engagement.
- Briefly review what staying on task and following directions means.
Step 2
Explain the Treasure Hunt
3 minutes
- Present the Treasure Map Printout and explain symbols representing token locations.
- Describe how you will give step-by-step directions to find each token.
- Explain that they must listen carefully and follow each direction before proceeding.
- Show a sample token from the Hidden Treasure Tokens.
Step 3
Conduct the Hunt
7 minutes
- Start the Timer.
- Provide the first direction (e.g., “Walk to the blue chair, then look under it”).
- After the student finds the token, give immediate positive feedback.
- Continue with successive directions, ensuring they stay on task.
- If the student gets off-task, gently remind them of the rule and prompt refocus.
Step 4
Review and Reflect
3 minutes
- Count the collected tokens together and praise on-task behavior.
- Ask the student to reflect: “What helped you stay focused?”
- Discuss how following directions helped complete the hunt.
- Close with encouragement and a small reward (sticker or stamp).
Activity
On-Task Treasure Hunt Activity
Materials for You:
- Treasure Map Printout
- Pencil and Clipboard
How to Play
- Listen carefully to each direction from your teacher.
- Find the treasure token hidden in the spot described.
- On your map, circle the symbol where you found it.
- Check off the box below when you find each token.
Treasure Hunt Checklist
| Step | Directions | Token Found? | Found under/behind? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walk to the blue chair, then look under it. | [ ] | |
| 2 | Next, go to the red table, then check behind it. | [ ] | |
| 3 | Finally, move to the green shelf, then look on top. | [ ] |
Reflection Questions
- What helped you stay focused during the hunt?
- How did following each direction help you find the tokens?
- What will you remember next time to help you stay on task?
Lesson Plan
Focus Quest Lesson Plan
Students will build self-regulation and listening skills by following step-by-step Quest Map directions to locate hidden tokens, practicing sustained attention and multi-step task completion in a fun, game-based format.
This targeted Tier 3 lesson turns on-task behavior into an exciting quest, boosting motivation and confidence. By practicing listening and focus in a one-on-one setting, students develop strategies they can apply across classroom activities.
Audience
1st Grade Student
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Guided individual Quest Map activity with clear directions and feedback.
Materials
- Quest Map Printout, - Quest Tokens, - Timer, - Clipboard and Pencil, and - Stickers or Reward Items
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print multiple copies of the Quest Map Printout.
- Cut out and hide the Quest Tokens around the room.
- Set up a visible timer.
- Gather a clipboard, pencil, and small rewards (stickers or stamps).
- Review the lesson procedure and notes on praise and refocusing prompts.
Step 1
Introduction
2 minutes
- Greet the student and share today’s quest goal: find hidden tokens by following directions and staying focused.
- Relate the quest to real-life heroes who listen and complete tasks.
- Briefly discuss what it means to stay on task and follow each step.
Step 2
Explain the Quest Map
3 minutes
- Show the Quest Map Printout and explain symbols marking token locations.
- Describe that you will provide step-by-step directions to each spot.
- Emphasize listening to the whole direction before moving.
- Display a sample token from the Quest Tokens.
Step 3
Conduct the Quest
7 minutes
- Start the timer to begin the quest.
- Give the first direction (e.g., “Go to the reading corner, then look under the blue mat”).
- After the student finds the token, offer specific praise for listening and staying on task.
- Provide the next directions one at a time, monitoring focus.
- If off-task, use a quiet refocus cue (e.g., “Remember our quest rule: listen first, then go”).
Step 4
Review and Reflect
3 minutes
- Count the tokens together and celebrate success.
- Ask reflection questions:
- “What helped you stay focused on the quest?”
- “How did following directions help you find each token?”
- “What will you try next time to stay on task?”
- Conclude with encouragement and award a sticker or stamp.
Slide Deck
Focus Quest
A fun adventure to help you stay on task and follow directions!
Welcome the student with excitement. Say: “Welcome to our Focus Quest! Today we’re going on a fun adventure to practice listening, staying on task, and following directions. Are you ready to be a hero on our quest?”
Today's Quest
- Build listening and focus skills
- Follow step-by-step directions
- Find hidden tokens with your Quest Map
Explain today’s objectives. Say: “Our quest goals are to practice listening to step-by-step directions, focus on the task, and find hidden tokens using your Quest Map. Let’s see how we’ll do that.”
Materials
- Quest Map Printout
- Quest Tokens
- Timer
- Clipboard and Pencil
- Stickers or Reward Items
Show each item as you list it. Say: “These are our quest materials. Make sure everything is ready before we begin.”
How to Play
- Listen carefully to each direction.
- Find the hidden token.
- Circle the location on your map.
- Check off the token when you find it.
- Repeat until the quest is complete!
Walk through each step. Say: “Here’s how we play: Listen carefully, find the token, mark it on your map, check it off, then get the next direction. Ready?”
Progress Tracker
Token 1: [ ]
Token 2: [ ]
Token 3: [ ]
Use this slide to track progress. Say: “As you find each token, we’ll check it off here. Let’s keep going until all three tokens are found!”
Reflection
- What helped you stay focused on your quest?
- How did listening to directions help you find the tokens?
- What will you try next time to stay on task?
Guide reflection. Ask each question and give the student time to answer. Say: “Great job! Now let’s think about our quest.”
Worksheet
Quest Map Printout
Name: _______________________ Date: ________________
Legend: X = hidden token location
+-----------------------------+
| Reading Corner X |
| |
| X Chair |
| |
| Table X Door|
+-----------------------------+
Circle each X on the map as you discover the hidden token!
Activity
Quest Tokens
Cut out each token card below. Hide them at the locations marked X on the Quest Map Printout. When the student finds a token, they bring it back to you.
🎈 Quest Token #1
(Cut out this card)
🏆 Quest Token #2
(Cut out this card)
🔑 Quest Token #3
(Cut out this card)
Rubric
Quest Quest Behavior Rubric
Use this rubric to assess the student’s performance during the Focus Quest.
| Criteria | 1 – Needs Support | 2 – Emerging | 3 – Independent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening & Following Directions | • Does not listen to directions • Requires repeated prompts • Skips or confuses steps | • Listens with occasional reminders • Follows most steps but may miss one • Needs minimal cues | • Listens attentively to all directions • Follows multi‐step directions without prompts • Self-initiates next step |
| Staying on Task | • Frequently off-task • Requires frequent redirection • Attention easily drifts | • Mostly on-task with occasional prompts • Redirects quickly after reminder | • Sustains focus throughout quest • Completes each task independently • Quickly re‐engages if briefly distracted |
| Reflection & Self-Awareness | • Unable to articulate what helped them focus • Minimal participation in reflection | • Identifies one strategy with teacher support • Beginning to link strategies to success | • Clearly describes strategies that worked • Demonstrates insight into how listening and focus helped complete the quest |
Scoring Guide:
1 – Needs Support: Student requires adult assistance to listen, follow directions, and stay on task.
2 – Emerging: Student performs many behaviors with minimal support but still needs occasional prompting.
3 – Independent: Student consistently demonstrates skills without prompting and reflects on their success.
Script
Focus Quest Script
Introduction (2 minutes)
Teacher: "Hello, [Student Name]! Welcome to our Focus Quest! Today, you’re going on a special adventure to practice listening, staying on task, and following directions. On this quest, your mission is to find hidden tokens by using your listening superpower. Staying on task means paying attention to each step I give you and doing exactly what I say—just like a real hero! Are you ready to become a listening hero?"
Explain the Quest Map (3 minutes)
Teacher: "Great! First, here is our Quest Map Printout. You’ll see three X marks—each X shows where a token is hiding. When you find a token, you’ll circle the matching X on your map."
Teacher: "Next, these are our Quest Tokens. Once you find a token, bring it back and we’ll celebrate together! Remember: before you move, listen to the entire direction. Then you can use your Focus Quest powers to go and find it."
Conduct the Quest (7 minutes)
Teacher: "Let’s start our timer to begin the quest. Ready? I’ll say ‘Go!’ when it’s time to move. Listen carefully to each direction, then do your best."
(Start timer)
- Teacher: "First, go to the reading corner, then look under the blue mat. Go!"(Student finds token)Teacher: "Fantastic listening! You paused, followed both steps, and found the token. That’s excellent focus—circle the first X!"
- Teacher: "Next, go to the chair, then look behind it. Go!"(Student finds token)Teacher: "Great job staying on task and following directions! You found the second token—circle the second X!"
- Teacher: "Last step: go to the table, then check near its leg. Go!"(Student finds token)Teacher: "Amazing work! You followed all three directions and stayed focused the entire time. Circle the third X!"
If the student loses focus at any point, say:
Teacher: "Remember our quest rule: listen first, then go. Let’s use our listening superpower and try again!"
Review and Reflect (3 minutes)
Teacher: "You found all three tokens—way to go! Let’s count them together: one, two, three. You did it!"
Teacher: "Now let’s think about how you stayed a listening hero. I have three questions, and I’d love to hear your ideas."
- Teacher: "What helped you stay focused on the quest?"
Teacher: "If you need extra time, think back to how you used your listening ears." - Teacher: "How did listening to directions help you find each token?"
Teacher: "You can think about how each step led you straight to the treasure." - Teacher: "What will you try next time to stay on task?"
Teacher: "Take your time—there’s no rush."
Teacher: "Thank you for sharing! You were a true listening hero today. Here’s a sticker to celebrate your success—great job on your Focus Quest!"
Cool Down
Focus Quest Cool Down
Name: _______________________ Date: ________________
Great work on completing your Focus Quest! Let’s finish with a quick exit ticket to capture what you learned.
- Draw one strategy you used today to help you stay on task. You can use pictures or words!
- Write one strategy you used to stay focused during the quest:
Journal
Focus Quest Journal
Name: _______________________ Date: ________________
1. Describe how you felt before starting the Focus Quest and how you feel now after completing it.
2. Which step of the quest was the most challenging for you? How did you overcome that challenge?
3. What listening and focus strategies helped you the most during the quest? Explain how each one worked.
4. Think of another time in your classroom (or at home) when you could use these same strategies. Describe that situation.
5. Set one goal for yourself to stay on task during your next classroom activity. Write your goal below, and draw a small picture to remind you of it if you like.
6. Imagine a friend who has trouble staying focused. What advice would you give them to help them listen carefully and follow directions?