Tackling Work Avoidance Lesson Plan Tackling Work Avoidance
Tier 3 Individual Support
Duration: 30 Minutes
Grade: 1st Grade
Why This Matters
This lesson helps students develop essential self-regulation and task initiation skills. By providing a structured approach and frequent positive reinforcement, it fosters a positive attitude toward learning and increases academic engagement while reducing frustration.
Learning Objective
The student will reduce instances of work avoidance by 50% and independently complete tasks for at least 10 minutes, utilizing frequent reinforcement and "Work Warrior" strategies.
Preparation
Review the lesson plan and script to ensure familiarity.
Customize the Visual Schedule Activity with student tasks.
Create a personalized Reinforcement Menu .
Print the Work Avoidance Tracker Worksheet .
Gather preferred reinforcers (stickers, small toys, etc.).
Set up a quiet, distraction-free workspace.
Materials Needed
Whiteboard or Chart Paper
Markers & Stickers
Visual Schedule Activity
Reinforcement Menu Activity
Work Avoidance Tracker Worksheet
Preferred Reinforcers
Instructional Sequence
Step 1 5m
Warm-Up: Check-in & Goal Setting
Greet the student warmly and review the daily schedule. Introduce the concept of being a "Work Warrior" and discuss the goal of tackling tricky work tasks together.
Step 2 5m
Direct Instruction: What is Work Avoidance?
Use Slide 2 to explain work avoidance in simple terms. Ask the student what tricky work feels like for them. Validate feelings and introduce "strong brain" training.
Step 3 10m
Introduce Strategies: Schedule & Reinforcement
Create the Visual Schedule to organize tasks. Present the Reinforcement Menu to discuss rewards for effort and completion. Connect "mission" completion to earning rewards.
Step 4 7m
Guided Practice: Becoming a Work Warrior
Work on a manageable task together. Use the Tracker Worksheet to award points for effort and staying focused. Model deep breaths or asking for help if needed.
Step 5 3m
Review & Celebrate Success
Mark off completed tasks on the Visual Schedule. Calculate points on the Tracker and allow the student to choose their reward from the Reinforcement Menu.
Tackling Work Avoidance Slides Welcome,
Super Learner!
Today we're going to become Work Warriors!
Teacher Note: Introduce yourself and build rapport. State the purpose: make schoolwork easier and more fun. Warm and welcoming tone.
What is Work Avoidance?
Sometimes work feels tricky, or boring, or too much!
What does it feel like when you don't want to do your schoolwork?
Teacher Note: Ask the student what work avoidance feels like for them. Validate feelings without judgment. Transition to strategies.
Our Secret Weapon: A Plan!
Having a plan helps us know what to do and when.
Like a superhero mission, we need a map!
We'll use our Visual Schedule to see our tasks.
Teacher Note: Introduce the visual schedule concept. Explain predictability and seeing what comes next (breaks/fun).
Super Rewards!
When we try hard, we earn special rewards!
They help us keep going and make work more fun.
What rewards do you like?
Let's check our Reinforcement Menu!
Teacher Note: Explain frequent reinforcement. Connect to student favorites. Highlight effort, not just perfection, is rewarded.
Becoming a 'Work Warrior'!
A 'Work Warrior' notices when work feels tough.
Use the Work Avoidance Tracker
Choose a super strategy to keep going!
Teacher Note: Introduce Tracker as a positive tool for success. Frame it as a way to notice avoidance and choose a strategy.
Let's Practice Our Super Powers!
Now it's time to try out our new tools!
Let's pick a small task and practice using our plan and earning our rewards.
Teacher Note: Guide the student in practicing a chosen strategy (deep breath, ask for help, start with 1 problem). Give immediate feedback.
You're a Work Warrior!
Today you learned awesome ways to tackle your work!
Remember your plan, your rewards, and your super strategies!
You are doing great!
Teacher Note: Summarize what was learned. End with encouragement and a plan for next time. Reinforce positive effort.
Warm Up Check in Activity Warm Up: Check-in
Starting Our Mission
Facilitation Script
Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, [Student's Name] ! I'm so glad to see you. How are you feeling today?"
Teacher: "On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is super sleepy and 5 is super ready to learn, how are you feeling about starting our work today?"
Ready to Learn Scale
😴
1
🥱
2
😐
3
🙂
4
🚀
5
Student Choice: ___________________
Teacher: "That's a great way to start! Our goal today is to learn some super strategies to help you feel even more ready to tackle your tasks. We're going to become 'Work Warriors' !"
Cool Down Reflection Activity Cool Down: Reflection
Mission Debrief
Teacher Script: "Wow, you did an amazing job being a 'Work Warrior' today! Let's think about what we learned together."
1. What was one thing you did today that helped you with your work?
2. How did it feel when you tried a new strategy or finished a task?
3. What is one thing you remember about our 'Work Warrior' plan?
"That's fantastic! I'm so proud of your effort. Keep up the great work, Work Warrior!"
Tackling Work Avoidance Script Work Warrior Script
Tier 3 Facilitation Guide
5 MIN
Warm-Up: Check-in & Goal Setting
Greet the student and introduce the "Work Warrior" theme using the check-in activity scale.
Teacher: "Hi [Student's Name]! Welcome! I'm really excited to work with you today. We're going to learn some super cool tricks to help you with your schoolwork. Our big goal today is to become 'Work Warriors' and make finishing tasks feel awesome! Are you ready?"
Teacher: "Fantastic! Let's look at our Visual Schedule for today. It's like our map for our Work Warrior mission!"
5 MIN
Instruction: What is Work Avoidance?
Teacher: (Show Slide 2) "Sometimes, when it's time for schoolwork, our brains can feel a little... sleepy, or wiggly, or even a bit stuck, right?"
Teacher: "What does it feel like for you when you don't want to do your work? Do you feel like you want to draw instead? Or maybe get a drink?"
[Wait for Student Response]
Teacher: "That makes sense. It's called 'work avoidance' – when our brain tries to find other things to do. But guess what? We can train our brains to be super strong and tackle that work!"
10 MIN
Strategies: Schedule & Reinforcement
Teacher: (Show Slide 3) "One of our first super tricks is having a plan! See this Visual Schedule ? It shows us exactly what we're doing first, next, and when we get a break. Knowing what's coming helps our brains feel ready."
Teacher: (Show Slide 4) "Now for the best part – Super Rewards! When you try hard and complete a task, you earn a reward from your Reinforcement Menu !"
Teacher: "What are some things you LOVE to do or earn? Stickers? Game time? We'll put them on your menu so you can pick one when you finish your work!"
10 MIN
Practice & Independent Work
Teacher: "Alright, Work Warrior, let's try out our new super powers! We're going to work on [Task]. As you work, I'll be watching for your amazing effort."
Teacher: "Every time you focus or stay in your seat, I'll give you a point on your Tracker . If you feel stuck, remember: you can take a deep breath or ask for help!"
[During practice, provide specific praise: "Great job staying focused! That's a point!"]
Teacher: "Now, try being an independent Work Warrior for 2 minutes. I'll be right here if you need me!"
Visual Schedule Activity Visual Schedule Activity
Our Mission Map
Objective
To create a clear sequence of tasks that promotes predictability and reduces anxiety about upcoming work.
Materials
Large paper, markers, task icons/cards, Velcro/tape.
Setup Instructions
1
Identify Tasks: Work with the student to list 3-5 main activities (e.g., Warm-Up, Math, Reading, Break, Review).
2
Create Icons: Draw simple pictures or use pre-made cards for each task. Let the student help decorate them!
3
Sequence: Arrange the cards vertically or horizontally. Use "First/Then" language to explain the flow.
My Daily Mission Schedule
First
Next
Then
Last
Tip: When a task is complete, let the student check the circle or move the card to a "Done" folder!
Reinforcement Menu Activity Reinforcement Menu
Choose Your Super Rewards!
"When you work hard and try your best, you earn points! These points unlock amazing rewards. What will you choose today?"
1-2 PTS Small Rewards
⭐
Choose a sticker
🎨
5 min drawing time
✏️
Use a special pencil
Student Choice: ________
3-5 PTS Medium Rewards
💻
10 min computer time
📖
Read a favorite book
🧩
Choose a 5-min game
Student Choice: ________
SUPER Large Rewards (Multiple Sessions)
🍱
Teacher Lunch
🎁
Prize Box!
Facilitation Tips
• Establish point values clearly before starting the work task.
• Ensure rewards are attainable within the session to build immediate success loops.
• Pair tangible rewards with enthusiastic social praise to reinforce the 'Work Warrior' identity.
Work Avoidance Tracker Worksheet Work Warrior Points!
Task Engagement Tracker
Name: _______________________
Date: ________________________
Our Goal: To be a super "Work Warrior" and earn points for trying our best and staying focused!
Start Work
+1
In Seat
+1
Ask Help
+1
Focus 5m
+1
Finish!
+2
Task Mission Started Fast Stayed In Seat Asked For Help Focused (5m) Finished Task Total Warm Up Mission Math Activity Reading Activity Custom Task 1: Custom Task 2:
Total Points:
My Reward Choice:
Teacher's Mission Notes: