This executive functioning counseling lesson for grades 5–8 teaches students what task initiation is, why procrastination happens, and strategies they can use to get started on school and home responsibilities. Students will explore barriers to beginning tasks and practice strategies for organizing materials and starting work right away. This lesson is part of a 20-lesson Executive Functioning Curriculum but can also be used independently.

Task Initiation Strategies: Executive Functioning Counseling Lesson Plan for Grades 5–8: Support students in overcoming procrastination with this executive functioning counseling lesson on task initiation. Designed for upper elementary and middle school students, this lesson helps learners understand what task initiation is, why it can be difficult, and how to use practical strategies to get started on assignments, projects, and responsibilities. Students will explore common reasons for procrastination and practice using tools to organize materials, manage distractions, and begin tasks with confidence.

What’s Included:

• Scripted, detailed lesson plan (black & white printable)
• Slides for instruction and activities (PowerPoint file, compatible with Google Slides; not editable)
• Pre- and post-test to measure student learning
• Self-assessment for reflection (black & white printable)
• Skills visuals to reinforce strategies (black & white and color versions)
• Handouts for student practice activities (black & white printable)
• Student challenge cards for continued application (black & white printable)
  

Key Features:

• Designed for grades 5–8
• About 50 minutes of instruction and activities
• Adaptable for classroom SEL lessons, small groups, or individual counseling
• Minimal prep required—no extra materials needed
• Compatible with both PowerPoint and Google Slides
  

FAQs:

Q: Do I need extra materials?
A: No. Everything you need is included in this resource.

Q: How long will this lesson take?
A: Approximately 50 minutes, though timing may vary depending on student needs.

Q: Can I use this in small groups or with an individual student?
A: Yes. The lesson works well across multiple settings.

Q: Can this be used in Google Slides?
A: Yes. Upload the PowerPoint file to Google Drive to open it in Google Slides.

This Task Initiation Executive Function Lesson equips students with strategies to push past procrastination, stay organized, and begin tasks effectively. Perfect for school counselors, teachers, and intervention specialists, this resource provides everything needed to explicitly teach and reinforce task initiation skills as part of executive functioning instruction.

Get the full curriculum here!

Please Note: this is a digitally downloadable resource. You will not receive anything in the mail.