Lesson Plan
Where Do I Begin?
Guide 9th graders to initiate tasks by breaking them into steps, choosing a starting point, and using peer feedback and self-check tools to boost executive function.
Many students struggle to begin assignments, leading to procrastination and incomplete work. This workshop provides concrete strategies, peer-supported feedback, and self-monitoring to build confidence and task-initiation skills.
Audience
9th Grade Small Group
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Interactive stations and peer-supported practice
Prep
Preparation
5 minutes
- Print one copy per student of Task Choice Matrix Worksheet.
- Print one copy per student of Start-Up Self-Check Cool-Down Sheet.
- Review Beginning Steps Posters Slide Deck.
- Arrange stations around the room with each poster displayed.
- Prepare timer or signal for station rotations.
Step 1
Introduction and Objective
2 minutes
- Welcome students and state the workshop goal: learning how to begin tasks effectively.
- Display the first slide of Beginning Steps Posters Slide Deck.
- Discuss common challenges with task initiation.
- Outline the agenda and introduce materials.
Step 2
Poster Exploration
5 minutes
- Divide students into small groups and assign each to a poster station.
- Rotate groups every 1–2 minutes through three interactive posters illustrating different starting strategies.
- At each station, students add a sticky note with one insight or question.
- Facilitate very brief group discussions at each station.
Step 3
Peer Feedback Carousel
7 minutes
- Each group selects one upcoming task they need to start.
- Use the Peer Feedback Carousel Activity structure.
- Groups rotate presenting their task and receiving targeted feedback on potential first steps.
- Record suggestions on chart paper or shared digital document.
Step 4
Task Choice Matrix
4 minutes
- Distribute the Task Choice Matrix Worksheet.
- Model completing the matrix: listing tasks, rating ease vs. importance, and selecting a starting task.
- Students fill in their own matrices and choose one task to begin.
- Partners briefly share their selection and rationale.
Step 5
Start-Up Self-Check Cool-Down
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Beginning Steps Posters
Interactive Strategies to Jumpstart Any Task
• Break it down
• Start with an easy win
• Use a quick timer
Welcome students. Introduce the purpose: explore three different strategies to kick-start any task. Explain that each slide functions like a poster station. Students will add sticky notes with their responses.
Script: “Today we’re going to look at three simple ways to get started when a task feels overwhelming or you don’t know where to begin. As you rotate through each poster, jot down your ideas on a sticky note.”
Strategy 1: Break It Down
• Choose one part of your task
• Write out the very next action step
Add a sticky note: What’s one small step you can do first?
Slide functions as Poster #1. Invite students to read the poster text and imagine an upcoming assignment. Ask: “What’s the very first small step you could take?”
Script: “When we break a large task into smaller pieces, it feels less scary. Think of a project you have soon. What’s one tiny action you could do right now?”
Strategy 2: Easy Wins First
• Identify the simplest part of the task
• Complete that piece to build momentum
Add a sticky note: Which easy part will you tackle first?
Poster #2. Emphasize the power of momentum. Prompt students: “Which part of your task feels easiest? Why?”
Script: “Starting with something you know you can do builds confidence. Pick the ‘low-hanging fruit’—that’s your first win!”
Strategy 3: Quick Timer Burst
• Set a short timer (5–10 minutes)
• Focus on one step until the timer ends
Add a sticky note: How many minutes will you set your timer for?
Poster #3. Introduce the Pomodoro approach at a micro level. Ask: “How long can you commit right now? What will you aim to finish in that time?”
Script: “A short timer—5 to 10 minutes—helps you jump in without pressure. Once you start, you can always reset the timer or keep going.”
Activity
Peer Feedback Carousel Activity
Purpose: Facilitate focused peer-to-peer feedback on how to begin a chosen task, so each student group leaves with at least one concrete first step and strategies to overcome sticking points.
Time: 15 minutes
Materials:
- Chart paper or large sticky chart sheets (one per group)
- Markers
- Timer or signal for rotations
- Task Choice Matrix Worksheet (to reference selected tasks)
Setup:
- Divide the class into 3–4 small groups.
- Give each group a sheet of chart paper and a marker.
- Ask each group to review their Task Choice Matrix and select the one task they want to focus on first.
- Post each group’s chart around the room, leaving space for comments.
Steps:
- Group Task Presentation (2 minutes)
Each group writes at the top of its chart:- Task name (e.g., “English essay introduction”)
- One-sentence description of their chosen task
- Their proposed “very first step” (from the matrix)
- Carousel Rounds (9 minutes total)
- Groups stay at their chart; everyone else rotates clockwise to the next chart.
- At each station, visitors spend 2 minutes:
• Read the presenting group’s task and first-step idea.
• Use the Feedback Prompts (below) to add notes in a different color.
• Offer one suggestion and one question to help refine the start. - After 2 minutes, signal groups to rotate again.
- Feedback Prompts (post these at front of room):
- “What’s one detail they could add to make that first step crystal clear?”
- “What obstacle might they hit when doing this step, and how could they avoid it?”
- “Can you suggest an even smaller or simpler sub-step?”
- Synthesis and Reflection (4 minutes)
- Groups return to their original chart and read all feedback notes.
- They discuss and choose the most helpful suggestion.
- On the bottom of their chart, they rewrite their first step, incorporating peer feedback.
- Quick round-robin: each group shares the refined first step with the whole class.
Tips for Teachers:
- Encourage use of constructive language (“I wonder if…” rather than “You should…”).
- Monitor timing closely to keep rotations brisk.
- Circulate to support groups that need help interpreting feedback.
Next: Move on to the Task Choice Matrix Worksheet phase to finalize personal plans.
Worksheet
Task Choice Matrix
Step 1: List Your Tasks
Write four tasks you need to start today:
- ________________________________
- ________________________________
- ________________________________
- ________________________________
Step 2: Task Choice Matrix
Rate each task on two scales: Importance (High vs. Low) and Ease (Easy vs. Hard). Write each task number in the quadrant where it belongs.
| Importance / Ease | Easy | Hard |
|---|---|---|
| High Importance | 1. ________________________ | 2. ________________________ |
| Low Importance | 3. ________________________ | 4. ________________________ |
Step 3: Choose a Task to Start
Circle the task you will start first (consider high importance & easy). Write the task name and explain why.
Chosen Task: ____________________________
Why I chose this task:_________________________________________
Step 4: First Action Step
What is the very first step you will take? Be specific.
_________________________________________________________________
Cool Down
Start-Up Self-Check
Step 1: Review Your Chosen Task
What task did you choose to start first?
Step 2: Your First Action
Write the very first action you will take:
Step 3: Confidence Check
Circle the option that matches how confident you feel about taking that step:
- Very Confident - Somewhat Confident - Not Confident
Step 4: If I Get Stuck…
What is one quick strategy or resource you will use if you feel stuck?