Middle school students learn about task initiation with ARC team

Task initiation is our ability to independently start a task, even when it is difficult or uninteresting. This executive skill is necessary for life and learning.

“We all experience challenges with getting started at times,” said Karyn Vickery, director of academic support. “When our students are unable to get started in the classroom, precious time is wasted, and they can quickly fall behind.” 
Earlier this week, the Academic Resource Center (ARC) team, as part of their executive function instruction for all middle school students, taught a lesson during flex time about the importance of getting started in class, common reasons getting started may be difficult, and strategies to get started. Students were encouraged to continually ask themselves, "What should I be doing now?"

Later in the week during pack time, the students worked in a small group to think about their own experiences with task initiation, discuss real classroom scenarios when getting started may be difficult, and review possible strategies to initiate their work. 

The goal? To teach the task initiation skill, give students time to reflect, and encourage them to pick a strategy or two they can add to their executive function toolbox. During programming like this led by the ARC team, students are taught that executive skills develop on a continuum, and we are all on a journey of learning and growing.

Special thanks to Patti Hallen, Debbie Penso, and Karyn Vickery from the ARC team for leading this discussion and to our middle school students and faculty for joining the conversation!
Back