Lesson Plan

Trigger Technique Outline

Students will learn to identify and set up personalized environmental or sensory “triggers” and practice using them to initiate tasks independently using a guided worksheet.

Many students struggle to begin work due to executive-function challenges; teaching them to use consistent sensory or environmental cues builds routine, boosts confidence, and promotes independent task initiation.

Audience

Special Education Class (Grades 3-6)

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Model examples, guided practice, and reflection.

Materials

Sensory Trigger Examples, - Task Trigger! Guide, - Timer or Stopwatch, - Whiteboard or Chart Paper, - Sticky Dots or Colorful Stickers, and - Markers or Colored Pencils

Prep

Material Preparation

10 minutes

Review the Sensory Trigger Examples slide-deck.
Print one copy of the Task Trigger! Guide for each student.
Arrange classroom seating for partner sharing.
Gather a timer, sticky dots, whiteboard/chart paper, and markers.

Step 1

Introduction and Hook

3 minutes

Welcome students and discuss moments when starting work is hard.
Ask: “What helps you get going when you feel stuck?”
Record responses on the whiteboard or chart paper.
Assessment: Note engagement and initial ideas.

Step 2

Introduce Triggers

4 minutes

Define environmental and sensory triggers (brief slide definition).
Present Sensory Trigger Examples.
Discuss how each example cues focus and action.
Check comprehension by asking students to restate one example.

Step 3

Model Trigger Selection

5 minutes

Teacher models choosing a personal trigger (e.g., 3 deep breaths, fidget tool).
Set a 5-second timer after the trigger to begin a mini-task (e.g., write name).
Think aloud: explain why this trigger works and where to place it.
Differentiation: Provide visual cue card showing steps.

Step 4

Student Worksheet Practice

7 minutes

Distribute Task Trigger! Guide worksheets.
Students identify and draw or describe their favorite trigger.
Prompt: Write when and where you will use this trigger in class.
Differentiation: Offer sentence starters or pictogram options for students needing support.
Assessment: Circulate and check each worksheet for completion.

Step 5

Partner Share & Feedback

4 minutes

Pair students to share their chosen triggers and planned use.
Peers give one positive comment and one suggestion.
Use sticky dots to vote on the most creative or practical trigger.
Differentiation: Pair higher-support students with peer mentors.

Step 6

Wrap-Up and Reflection

2 minutes

Quick round-robin: each student states one next step for using their trigger.
Collect worksheets to review personalized triggers and plan follow-up.
Assessment: Use student reflections and worksheet responses to plan reteaching or extension.

Slide Deck

Sensory Trigger Examples

Today we’ll explore different sensory and environmental cues that help us focus and start tasks quickly.

Welcome students! Explain that today we’re looking at fun cues—called triggers—that help us jump into work faster. Point out visuals on each slide.

Trigger: 3 Deep Breaths

Take 3 slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Use this pause to clear your mind and get ready to start.

Demonstrate taking three deep breaths slowly. Explain how breathing calms the mind and signals it’s time to work.

Trigger: Fidget Tool

Keep a small fidget toy or stress ball at your desk. Give it 3 squeezes to focus your hands and mind before starting your work.

Show a small fidget toy or stress ball. Explain that a short squeeze can help channel energy and cue your brain to begin.

Trigger: Sticky Dot Reminder

Put a colorful sticker or sticky dot where you begin your assignment. Seeing it will remind you: “Time to start!”

Place a bright sticker on your desk where you always begin work. Describe how a visual cue can remind students to start.

Trigger: 5-Second Countdown

Count down out loud: 5…4…3…2…1…Go! Use this quick countdown to push yourself into action.

Introduce the 5-second rule: count down to make starting feel like a game and reduce hesitation.

Trigger: Focus Music Clip

Play a brief clip of your favorite calm or instrumental music. Let the tune signal your brain that it’s work time.

Play a short 10–15 second clip of calm focus music. Explain how sound can signal the brain it's time to work.

Worksheet

Task Trigger! Guide

Instructions

Use this worksheet to pick a trigger that helps you start your work. Follow each step and write or draw your answers in the space provided. When you need ideas, check the Sensory Trigger Examples.

1. My Trigger
Think of a sensory or environmental cue. You can pick one from the Sensory Trigger Examples or create your own.
My trigger is:

2. Draw or Describe Your Trigger
Draw your trigger below or describe how it looks, feels, or sounds.
(Tip: Use color pencils to make it stand out!)

3. When Will You Use It?
Write the time, task, or situation when you’ll use this trigger.

4. Where Will You Place It?
Describe the spot in the classroom, on your desk, or elsewhere where you’ll put your trigger.

5. Why I Chose This Trigger
Finish the sentence: “I chose this trigger because…”

6. My Plan to Remember

I will try using my trigger on (day/time):
To remember, I will:

7. Partner Share & Feedback
Pair up with a classmate and share your plan. Then swap feedback below.

Partner’s Name: ____________
One thing I like about your trigger:
One suggestion to make it even better:

Great work! You’re ready to use your personalized trigger to kickstart your tasks and build good work habits. Good luck!

Task Trigger!

Makeda King-Smith