Unlock Strategies for Task Initiation: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey

Task initiation is one key to student success, particularly in the context of writing instruction. The episode highlights some students' challenges with executive functioning skills and how they struggle to begin tasks efficiently. The host provides nine effective strategies to help students overcome task initiation challenges, such as normalizing task-avoidant behavior, emphasizing work quality, preparing materials, using visual aids and organizers, breaking tasks into smaller steps, employing backwards planning, facilitating getting started, limiting distractions, and incorporating planned breaks. The episode also references Admiral William H. McRaven's "Make Your Bed" speech, emphasizing the significance of small tasks and their impact on productivity and motivation.GO DEEPER:Plan Boxes Will Inspire You: A Tip for TomorrowConversation with a Colleague Episodes (with Lainie Levin)Addressing Perfectionism in Writing InstructionExploring the Power of Oral LanguageUniversity of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address and Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World  both by Admiral William H. McRaven  What Is Executive Function? And How Does It Relate to Child Development? from Harvard University’s Center on the Developing ChildWork Quality ContinuumTHANKS TO OUR AFFILIATE!Zencastr: Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Send us Fan MailPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. Melanie Meehan: [email protected] Stacey Shubitz: [email protected] us at [email protected] for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.