Lesson Plan
Track Missing Work Lesson Plan
Students will learn to identify, record, and prioritize their missing assignments using a personalized tracking worksheet, then practice organizing tasks and reinforcing responsibility through a collaborative game.
Teaching students to track missing work builds organization, responsibility, and self-advocacy—skills that reduce stress and improve academic success.
Audience
Special Education Social Skills Students
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Discussion, guided worksheet practice, independent recording, and a scenario-based game.
Materials
Missing Work Tracking Worksheet, Missing Work Scenario Cards, Chart Paper and Markers, Sticky Notes, and Timer or Stopwatch
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Print one copy of the Missing Work Tracking Worksheet for each student
- Print, cut out, and shuffle the Missing Work Scenario Cards
- Post a sheet of chart paper and have markers ready for discussion
- Gather sticky notes and set up a timer or stopwatch
- Review both the worksheet and the game rules so you can guide students smoothly
Step 1
Introduction & Discussion
10 minutes
- Ask students what it means to have missing work and how it makes them feel
- Record their ideas and reasons on chart paper (e.g., forgot, didn’t understand, lost it)
- Highlight why tracking missing assignments helps reduce stress and stay organized
Step 2
Worksheet Demonstration
10 minutes
- Distribute the Missing Work Tracking Worksheet
- Model how to fill in one example: assignment name, due date, class, action steps
- Invite a volunteer to suggest another example and complete it together
- Clarify any questions about each column on the worksheet
Step 3
Guided Practice
10 minutes
- Ask students to think of one assignment they currently have missing
- Have them record it on their worksheet, filling out all columns
- Walk around, offer prompts, and check for understanding
- Encourage students to list at least two missing assignments if they can
Step 4
Missing Work Game
15 minutes
- Explain game rules: each student draws a card from the Missing Work Scenario Cards
- Read the scenario aloud, then students explain how they’d record and prioritize it on their worksheet
- Peers give feedback or suggest additional steps
- Rotate cards so several students participate
Step 5
Closing & Reflection
5 minutes
- Ask each student to share one new strategy they’ll use when they notice missing work
- Have them write that strategy on a sticky note and post it under the chart-paper reasons
- Remind students to use their worksheets daily to stay on top of assignments
Worksheet
Missing Work Tracker Worksheet
Name: ________________________________ Date: _____________________
Instructions: Use this worksheet to record any assignments you have not turned in. For each assignment, write down the name, the class it’s for, the original due date, how important it is, and the steps you will take to complete it. Once you finish, put a ✓ in the Completed column.
| Assignment Name | Class | Due Date | Priority (High/Medium/Low) | Action Steps | Completed ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reflection
What is one strategy you will use to remember to check this tracker every day?
Discussion
Missing Work Discussion
Objective
Help students share how missing assignments affect them, identify barriers to completing work, and brainstorm strategies to stay organized and on track.
Discussion Guidelines
- Listen respectfully when others share.
- Speak in complete sentences and use a calm voice.
- There are no wrong answers—everyone’s experience is unique.
- Be kind with feedback and suggestions.
1. Exploring Your Feelings (5 minutes)
Question: How does it feel when you realize you have missing work?
- Possible emotions: stressed, anxious, embarrassed, frustrated, or relieved if you have a plan.
- Follow-Up: Can you share a time you felt that way? What happened?
2. Identifying Barriers (5 minutes)
Question: What are some reasons assignments end up missing?
- Prompt students with examples:
- Forgetting to write it down
- Not understanding the instructions
- Misplacing the worksheet or book
- Running out of time at home or during class
- Forgetting to write it down
- Follow-Up: Which of these have you experienced? Why do you think it happened?
3. Brainstorming Strategies (10 minutes)
Question: What can we do to remember and complete assignments on time?
- Invite ideas such as:
- Writing due dates in a planner or calendar
- Checking a dedicated tracker each day
- Setting a reminder alarm
- Asking a friend or family member to prompt you
- Follow-Up: How might using the Missing Work Tracking Worksheet help you?
4. Connecting to Real-Life Scenarios (10 minutes)
Activity Prompt: We’ll use the Missing Work Scenario Cards.
- Draw a scenario card.
- Read it aloud.
- Explain how you’d record this missing assignment on your worksheet and what priority you’d give it.
- Peers can ask questions or suggest extra action steps.
5. Closing Reflection (5 minutes)
- Question: What is one new strategy you will try this week to track your assignments?
- Students share aloud, then write their strategy on a sticky note to post under our chart of ideas.
- Encourage them to check their tracker at the same time each day (e.g., before packing their backpack).
Teacher Note: Record key student ideas on chart paper to refer back to during the lesson. Encourage ongoing use of discussion strategies when reviewing the tracker independently.
Activity
Missing Work Scenario Cards
Instructions: Print and cut along the lines to create individual scenario cards. Shuffle the cards and have each student draw one during the game.
Scenario 1
Your science lab report was due last week, but after a long weekend, you realized you never handed it in.
Scenario 2
Your geometry homework was due two days ago, but you lost the worksheet at recess and can’t find it.
Scenario 3
Your literature essay is due today, but you forgot to include the title page and bibliography.
Scenario 4
Your social studies group project is due at the end of the week, but your teammates haven’t met yet to finish their parts.
Scenario 5
Your computer class coding assignment was due yesterday, but your file got deleted when your computer crashed.
Scenario 6
Your art drawing assignment is due today, but you realized you left your special pencils at home.
Scenario 7
Your foreign language vocabulary quiz is tomorrow, but you didn’t finish the study guide because you got distracted.
Scenario 8
You were absent last Thursday and missed a math test makeup sheet that you need to turn in today.
Game Prompt:
- Draw a card and read your scenario aloud.
- On your Missing Work Tracking Worksheet, record the assignment details, set a priority, and list action steps.
- Share your plan with the group and receive feedback or extra suggestions.
- Return the card and let another student take a turn.