Ability to Plan Ahead

Below are some recommended strategies to support the ability to plan ahead.

Please review these techniques to identify what may be the next best step!

• When presenting large tasks or assignments, consider how to break tasks down into manageable steps. Try to structure the assignment so that the student knows what the first step is. If the student often struggles to get started, consider making the first step easy and then increase difficulty gradually. If possible, preview the task and walk through the first step. When assigning large tasks or long-term projects, develop short-term goals (that are clear and close-ended) and interim deadlines, and check-in regularly.

• Consider using rubrics, models, and checklists to help students organize their work. Number the to-do list in sequential order.

• Students who struggle with organization may find it helpful to follow the same routines for daily tasks.

Many Google Chrome extensions and apps have been developed to support planning. These could be found in the Chrome web store or App store. If you are suggesting that a student use one of these tools, make sure that you explicitly teach the student and/or caregiver how to use the feature. Depending on the student’s needs, these may be helpful:

• TickTick by Tick Tick Team (organization and planning tool, including to do lists and reminders)

• myHomework Student Planner by myhomeworkapp.com (digital student planner that helps track homework, tests and assignments)

• Todoist by Todoist.com (organizes to-do items as soon they enter the mind and keeps track of deadlines)