High school can be a challenging time for many students as they navigate complex academic and social landscapes. For those with executive functioning difficulties, the ability to start and complete tasks can be particularly daunting. As special educators, it’s crucial to equip these students with the necessary skills to become self-starters and overcome the hurdles they face. In this blog post, we will delve into an invaluable resource for teaching task initiation in high school: Everyday Speech’s Social Communication digital curriculum, specifically their Task Initiation and Executive Functioning unit.
Teaching Task Initiation in High School
Task initiation, a critical component of executive functioning, is the ability to begin projects without undue procrastination, in an efficient, timely manner. This skill is essential for academic success and overall well-being. The Task Initiation and Executive Functioning unit from Everyday Speech includes a range of multimedia tools designed to engage and educate students on how to effectively start and stick with tasks.
Animated Video: Understanding Task Initiation
The unit kicks off with an animated video titled “Task Initiation Introduction.” This engaging resource introduces the concept of task initiation to learners, emphasizing the importance of breaking large, overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable parts. The video not only explains what task initiation is but also illustrates practical methods to enhance this skill, making it an excellent starting point for the unit.
Interactive Digital Worksheet: Task Initiation Essentials
Following the video, students can deepen their understanding with the “Task Initiation Essentials” interactive digital fill-in-the-blank worksheet. This tool reinforces the video content by asking students to apply what they’ve learned in hypothetical scenarios. It challenges them to think critically about task initiation and encourages them to practice strategizing about breaking tasks down effectively.
Live Action Video: Real-Life Application
To connect these concepts with real-world scenarios, the unit includes a live-action video modeling session titled “Sticking With It.” Featuring real-life student actors, this video demonstrates the importance of being a self-starter and how to persevere with tasks even when they become challenging. It provides a relatable and motivating look at how task initiation skills can be applied in everyday situations, enhancing the learning experience with practical examples.
Digital Game: Social Trivia on Executive Functioning
To further embed these executive functioning skills, the “Social Trivia” digital game encompasses areas like time management and self-monitoring. This points-based trivia game makes learning interactive and fun, offering a competitive element that encourages students to engage deeply. It’s an excellent way for students to test their knowledge and skills in a dynamic, supportive environment.
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Conclusion
Teaching task initiation to high school students is essential for their success both academically and socially. Everyday Speech’s Task Initiation and Executive Functioning unit provides a robust framework to effectively teach these vital skills. By incorporating these resources, you can help students improve their ability to start tasks and enhance their executive functioning skills.
Sample Video
Students learn best from watching real students their own age model skills. Try out this sample video lesson. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 14 days here!
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Exploring the Benefits of Incorporating Executive Functioning Curriculum in High School Education
Building Skills: A Practical Approach to Executive Functioning Curriculum
