Lesson Plan
Why Is It So Hard To Start My Work?
Students will understand common barriers to task initiation and explore initial strategies to overcome procrastination.
Starting tasks can be tough for everyone. This lesson helps students recognize why they might struggle to begin work and provides practical steps to get unstuck, improving their academic success and reducing stress.
Audience
7th Grade Class
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and practical strategy building.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, The Starting Line Slide Deck, Markers or pens, My Starting Struggles Circle (Discussion), and Brainstorming My Start Strategies (Worksheet)
Prep
Review Materials
10 minutes
- Review Why Is It So Hard To Start My Work? Lesson Plan, The Starting Line Slide Deck, My Starting Struggles Circle (Discussion), and Brainstorming My Start Strategies (Worksheet).
- Ensure projector or whiteboard is ready.
- Print copies of Brainstorming My Start Strategies (Worksheet) for each student.
Step 1
Warm-Up: The Procrastination Problem (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Display the first slide of the The Starting Line Slide Deck.
- Ask students: "How many of you have ever put off starting something, even when you knew you should start? What did it feel like?" (Brief whole-class share).
- Explain that this is a common experience called task initiation, and today we'll explore why it happens and what we can do about it.
Step 2
Understanding the Hurdles (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Present slides 2-5 of the The Starting Line Slide Deck, discussing common barriers like feeling overwhelmed, fear of failure, perfectionism, lack of clarity, or distractions.
- Facilitate a discussion using My Starting Struggles Circle (Discussion).
- Encourage students to share anonymously or generally about which barriers resonate with them.
Step 3
Brainstorming Strategies (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Present slides 6-9 of the The Starting Line Slide Deck, introducing initial strategies such as breaking down tasks, setting small goals, using a timer, eliminating distractions, or finding a starting buddy.
- Distribute Brainstorming My Start Strategies (Worksheet).
- Have students work individually or in pairs to brainstorm and list strategies they could try for common tasks (homework, chores, studying).
Step 4
Share & Commit (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Ask students to share one strategy from their Brainstorming My Start Strategies (Worksheet) that they commit to trying this week.
- Reiterate that overcoming task initiation struggles is a process, and practicing these strategies will get easier over time.
- Conclude by emphasizing the power of just starting.
Slide Deck
Why Is It So Hard To Start My Work?
Ever felt stuck before you even begin?
Let's figure out how to get started!
Introduce the topic and get students thinking about their own experiences with procrastination. Acknowledge that this is a universal struggle.
The Starting Block: What Holds Us Back?
What makes it hard to begin a task?
Ask students to think about why they sometimes avoid starting. This slide introduces the idea of 'barriers.'
Barrier 1: Feeling Overwhelmed
When a task feels too big, too complex, or like it has too many steps, it can be hard to know where to begin.
"Where do I even start?!"
Explain 'feeling overwhelmed' as a common barrier. Give examples relevant to 7th graders (big projects, many assignments).
Barrier 2: Fear of Failure / Perfectionism
Sometimes we're scared we won't do a good job, or we want it to be absolutely perfect.
"What if I mess it up?"
Discuss fear of failure or perfectionism. Emphasize that making mistakes is part of learning, and 'good enough' is often better than 'never started.'
Barrier 3: Distractions & Unclear Paths
The world is full of interesting things! And sometimes, we just don't know exactly what's expected.
"I'd rather watch that video..." or "I don't get what I'm supposed to do."
Address distractions (phones, friends, other fun things) and lack of clarity (not knowing what to do). Connect this to the My Starting Struggles Circle (Discussion) activity.
Ready, Set, Go! Strategies to Start
Good news! We can learn ways to overcome these starting struggles.
Let's explore some tools to get us moving!
Transition to solutions. Frame these as 'strategies' or 'tools.'
Strategy 1: Break It Down
Make big tasks feel smaller and more manageable.
- Chop it up! Break a huge assignment into tiny steps.
- Smallest step first! What's the absolute easiest thing you can do to begin?
Explain 'breaking it down' and 'small steps.' Use an analogy like eating an elephant one bite at a time.
Strategy 2: Timer & Focus
Sometimes just committing a short amount of time can get you rolling.
- Set a timer: Work for just 5-10 minutes, then take a break.
- Clear your space: Put away distractions like phones or games.
Discuss using timers (Pomodoro Technique if appropriate for the class) and creating a focused environment. Connect to removing distractions.
Strategy 3: Clarity & Support
When you know what to do, it's easier to start. And sometimes, a little help goes a long way!
- Ask questions: If you're unsure, ask your teacher or a classmate.
- Find an accountability partner: Someone who checks in on your progress.
Talk about getting clarity and finding support. Introduce the idea of a 'starting buddy.' Connect this to the Brainstorming My Start Strategies (Worksheet) activity.
The Power of Just Starting
Remember, the hardest part is often just beginning.
Even a small step forward is progress!
Summarize the key takeaway: just starting, even imperfectly, is the most important step.
Discussion
My Starting Struggles Circle
Instructions: We're going to have a brief discussion about the barriers that make it hard for us to start tasks. Remember, everyone struggles with this sometimes, and there's no right or wrong answer. Listen respectfully to your classmates' experiences.
Discussion Prompts:
- Thinking about what we just discussed (feeling overwhelmed, fear of failure, distractions, lack of clarity), which of these barriers resonates most with you when you have to start something? Why?
- Can you think of a time when one of these barriers really stopped you from starting a task you knew you needed to do? What happened? (Share generally, no need for specific embarrassing details!)
- Has anyone ever tried something that did help them get started, even if it was just a little bit? What was it?
Teacher's Note: Encourage students to elaborate on their feelings and experiences without judgment. Remind them that identifying the barrier is the first step to overcoming it.
Worksheet
Brainstorming My Start Strategies
Instructions: Now that we've talked about what makes it hard to start tasks, let's think about some strategies to get unstuck. For each common task, brainstorm at least two ways you could try to begin, using the strategies we discussed (breaking it down, timers, getting clear, finding support, etc.).
Task 1: Starting Homework for a subject you dislike.
- What makes it hard to start this homework?
- What strategies could you try to get started?
Task 2: Cleaning your room or tackling a messy chore.
- What makes it hard to start cleaning/chores?
- What strategies could you try to get started?
Task 3: Studying for an upcoming test or quiz.
- What makes it hard to start studying?
- What strategies could you try to get started?
Task 4: Starting a creative project (e.g., drawing, writing a story, building something).
- What makes it hard to start creative projects?
- What strategies could you try to get started?
My Personal Commitment:
- Out of all the strategies we discussed today, which ONE will you commit to trying this week to help you start a task?
- What specific task will you apply it to?