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 Tomorrow
• Conversation with a Colleague Episodes (with Lainie Levin)
  • Addressing Perfectionism in Writing Instruction
  • Exploring the Power of Oral Language
• University 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 Child
• Work Quality Continuum

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.