In the realm of elementary special education, teaching students about executive functioning, especially task initiation, is crucial. As educators, we have the unique opportunity to equip our students with the skills necessary for beginning and completing tasks independently. This blog post outlines a lesson plan revolving around the “Task Initiation Interactive Dice Roller” from Everyday Speech, designed to make learning about task initiation engaging and practical for elementary students.
Understanding Executive Functioning and Task Initiation
Why Teach Task Initiation?
Task initiation is a key component of executive functioning. It involves the ability to begin a task without undue procrastination, which is essential for academic success and daily life skills. For elementary students, especially those in special education, mastering this skill can significantly impact their learning and overall development.
Lesson Plan Overview
Objective: To teach elementary students about executive functioning with a focus on task initiation.
Materials Needed: Task Initiation Interactive Dice Roller, interactive whiteboard, laptop, or tablet.
Duration: 30 minutes.
The Lesson Plan
1. Introduction to Executive Functioning (5 minutes)
- Begin with a simple explanation of what executive functioning is.
- Discuss the importance of starting tasks and overcoming procrastination.
2. Interactive Dice Roller Activity (15 minutes)
- Introduce the “Task Initiation Interactive Dice Roller.”
- Students roll the dice to receive a task scenario.
- Discuss what steps they would take to initiate the task.
4. Group Discussion and Reflection (10 minutes)
- Encourage students to share their experiences and strategies.
- Discuss how these skills can be applied in real-life situations.
Conclusion
Teaching task initiation as part of executive functioning is a vital step in supporting the development of elementary students, particularly those in special education. The “Task Initiation Interactive Dice Roller” provides a fun and interactive way to engage students in learning this important skill. By mastering task initiation, students are better prepared to tackle challenges both in and out of the classroom.
Sample Video
Students learn best from watching real students their own age model skills. Try out this sample video-modeling lesson below. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 30 days here!
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Free Executive Functioning Material
Free SEL Elementary Video Lesson to Teach Executive Functioning
Developing Focus and Organization: Free Executive Functioning Worksheets
