Getting Ready
This means gathering the pencils, paper, and materials you need before you start a task. What is it called?
Gather/Prepare Materials
This is the first short action you take to get started on a task (for example: read the instructions). What is it called?
First step / read directions / start with a small action
When you do not understand instructions, who is one person you can ask for help in class?
Teacher (or adult helper)
This means splitting a big job into smaller jobs you can do one at a time. What is it called?
Break it down / split into smaller steps
If your first attempt at a task does not work, what is a good thing to do next?
Try again / fix mistakes / review and redo
You have 5 minutes before class starts. Name one quick thing you can do to get ready to begin your work.
Examples: sharpen pencil, get paper, clear desk, get book
If your teacher says "Read the directions quietly," what is the FIRST thing you should do?
Read the directions
Name one helpful question you can ask a teacher if you are stuck
Examples: "Can you show me how?", "What do you mean by this?", "Can you give an example?"
Give one example of breaking a big task (like a book report) into three smaller steps
Example: 1) Pick a book; 2) Write three facts; 3) Draw a picture
Name one polite way to say you want to try again after making a mistake.
Examples: "Can I try that again?" or "I'd like to try one more time, please."
True or False: Turning off distractions (like games or TV) helps you start a task.
True
You have a long worksheet. Name one small part you can do first to begin.
Example answers: do the first question; write your name; read one paragraph
Your friend is unsure how to start. How can you ask for help in a polite way? Give a short sentence you could say.
Polite sentence example: "Excuse me, could you help me understand this, please?"
You have a project due in two weeks. How can breaking it down help you finish on time? Give one clear reason.
Because smaller steps are easier and you can finish one at a time, so you won't feel stuck
Give an example of a short plan you could follow if your first draft needs fixing (three steps).
Example plan: 1) Read feedback, 2) Fix mistakes, 3) Check again
You are about to write a story. List two things you should have ready on your desk before you begin.
Examples: pencil, paper; or pencil, eraser; or notebook; or computer
Describe a simple plan of three steps to start a project about animals.
Example plan: 1) Choose an animal, 2) Find facts, 3) Write 3 paragraphs
If your teacher is busy, name two other places or people you could ask for help at school.
Examples: classroom aide, a classmate who understands, resource center, library, older student
A math worksheet has 20 problems. Show one way to break the work into parts so it feels easier (give the parts).
Example: do 5 problems at a time (1–5, 6–10, 11–15, 16–20)
You handed in a test and got some wrong. Explain how you could use that to do better next time (two actions).
Examples: review wrong answers, practice similar problems, ask teacher questions
You feel confused about the directions. What should you do first to get ready to start the task?
Ask the teacher to explain or re-read directions/check instructions
Your assignment has five parts. Explain how you could decide which part to do first using a good reason.
Example: do the easiest part first; or do the part due soonest; or start with the part with most steps
You tried reading the directions and still don't know what to do. Write exactly what you would say to your teacher to ask for help.
Example: "Excuse me, I read the directions but I'm not sure what to do. Could you please show me the first step?"
Your class is making a poster with many parts. Create a step-by-step order (at least four steps) to finish the poster using the "break it down" idea.
Example steps: 1) Plan the layout, 2) Gather pictures, 3) Write text, 4) Glue everything, 5) Add finishing touches
Think of a time you started a task but got distracted and did not finish. Write a short plan (four steps) that shows how you would try again and complete it.
Example plan: 1) Put away distractions, 2) List remaining steps, 3) Do one small step, 4) Ask for help if needed