Planning a Task
Make a simple plan before starting a task: what do I need to do, and what should I do first?
What a learner can do afterwards
- Before starting a task, describe what they need to do and what order to do it in
- Break a larger task into smaller steps without being prompted — e.g. 'First I'll read the question, then I'll draw a diagram'
- Gather the materials or information they need before beginning, rather than starting and then stopping to find things
The lesson
Before you start a task, like writing a story or building something, stop for a moment. Ask yourself: what do I need to do, and what should I do first? That is called making a plan.
Mia wants to write a story. Before she starts, she thinks: 'First I'll pick my character, then think of a problem, then write the ending.' Now she knows what to do first, so she is ready to begin.
Before you begin, get everything you need close by, like paper, pencils, or your book. Then you will not have to stop partway through to go find things.
Before you start a task, think first: what do I need, and what comes first? A little plan makes the whole job easier.
Watch it
Where it sits
Where this leads
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.