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Starting a task without undue delay
Strengths-Based Lens
Students who struggle to initiate often have rich inner thinking lives. Once they start, they may produce deeply thoughtful, creative work. They often think carefully before acting and can be excellent planners once they overcome the starting hurdle.
What It Can Look Like
Sitting for 10+ minutes after instructions without starting
Sharpening pencils, going to the toilet, or finding resources as delay tactics
Appearing 'lazy' but actually feeling overwhelmed about where to begin
Waiting until the very last minute for NCEA internals
Needing the teacher to individually prompt them to start
Student Voice
"I want to start but I just don't know how to begin."
"It feels like there's a wall between me and the work."
"I'm not being lazy — I'm stuck, but I don't know on what."
Teaching Strategies (Tier 1 — Whole Class)
Universal strategies that benefit all learners.
Break tasks into clear first steps — 'Step 1: Write your name and the date'
Use 'ready, set, go' countdowns to create collective momentum
Provide sentence starters or opening templates
Set a timer for the first 5 minutes and check in
Model starting a task live in front of the class
Targeted Supports (Tier 2 — Individual/Small Group)
For students who need additional, more personalised support.
Sit with the student for the first 2 minutes to co-start
Provide a personal 'start checklist' on their desk
Use body doubling — pair them with a peer who starts easily
Allow choice of entry point ('Which part do you want to start with?')
Create a 'launch pad' routine (3 physical steps before academic work)
Assessment Impact
May lose significant time at the start of exams
Could leave NCEA internals until the absolute deadline
Might produce rushed work because so much time was lost getting started
Could appear to not care about deadlines when they're actually paralysed
Quick Wins — Try This Tomorrow
After instructions, say 'Your first step is...' and make it tiny
Use a visible countdown timer for getting started (3 minutes)
Walk past and quietly say 'Just write the first sentence' to students who are stuck
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