Interventions for

Cannot Get Started

Before you start, a few important points:

Try multiple interventionsEach intervention should be tried for designated length of timeMore than 1 intervention may be implemented at the same timeCollect and track specific data on each intervention tried & its effectIf your data indicates no progress after the designated length of time, you may consider another intervention or look at a different root cause and different set of interventions


Interventions:

Teach to visualize clear goals

    1. imagine holding the end product
    2. create a picture in their head of the goal or target
    3. make a list of things they need to do
    4. visualize themselves going through steps

Teach to visualize schedules

    1. Teach time management by helping students anticipate & plan their day
      • View order of activities and what they should prepare for next
      • Include changes to the schedule to help them mentally prepare
      • Younger students
        • Pictures, icons, drawing, photos, etc.
        • Remove when portions of the day are finished
    2. Older students
        • Written visual schedules
        • Check or cross off
    3. Visual task schedules

Teach how to stay focused by anticipating roadblocks

    1. discuss roadblocks and ways to overcome them

Teach how to visualize specific steps of the action plan

    1. Teach the use of templates, checklists, & planners (Google Keep)
    2. Teach students to come up with the steps needed to solve the problem
    3. Teach them how to tackle one or two parts at a time

Break Long Projects into Steps and Put Logical Order

    1. Help them set up a planning checklist chart, timeline, or calendar for recording small steps
    2. Help them verbalize the plans details

Teach how to accurately estimate time

    1. Provide analogies in order to understand time frames (e.g.., same time as it takes you to walk to Tom’s house)
    2. Help them put estimated times to each step and set a timer to see how close their estimates are

Teach to recognize and delay gratification

    1. Help them understand a balance between work and fun
    2. Start with tasks that are concrete and challenging but within a short time
      • What do you need to accomplish?
      • When will you have this completed?
      • What steps do you need to do right now, and what can wait until tomorrow or later?
    3. Set clear goals such as “I will start my homework before the timer goes off and I can finish by 7:00.”