Work Warrior Lesson Plan Tackling Work Avoidance
Tier 3 Individual Support Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
Why This Matters
This lesson helps the student develop essential self-regulation and task initiation skills, fostering a positive attitude towards learning and increasing their academic engagement. It provides a structured approach to building confidence and reducing frustration.
Objective
The student will reduce instances of work avoidance by 50% and independently complete assigned tasks for at least 10 minutes within the 30-minute session, utilizing frequent reinforcement strategies.
Overview
Audience
1st Grade Student (Tier 3)
Approach
Direct instruction, modeling, guided practice, and reinforcement.
Materials Needed
Whiteboard/Markers
Visual Schedule Activity
Reinforcement Menu
Work Avoidance Tracker
Preferred Reinforcers
Preparation Steps (15 min)
Review lesson plan and script.
Create personalized Reinforcement Menu.
Customize Visual Schedule with daily tasks.
Prepare Work Avoidance Tracker.
Gather preferred tangible reinforcers.
Set up distraction-free workspace.
Instructional Procedure
Step & Time Instructions & Key Actions Warm-Up
5 Minutes
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Check-in and Goal Setting: Greet the student warmly and review the daily schedule. Introduce the concept of being a "Work Warrior."
Use the Warm Up: Check-in resource.
Discuss the objective of "tackling" tricky work today.
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Direct Instruction
5 Minutes
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Defining Work Avoidance: Use Slide 2 to explain work avoidance in simple, non-judgmental terms.
Validate feelings of work being "tricky" or "boring."
Refer to the Lesson Script for guiding questions.
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Introduce Strategies
10 Minutes
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Plan and Rewards: Present the Visual Schedule (Slide 3) and Reinforcement Menu (Slide 4).
Link task completion directly to preferred rewards.
Discuss how a "map" helps superheroes reach their goals.
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Guided Practice
7 Minutes
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Becoming a Work Warrior: Choose a manageable academic task to complete together.
Use the Work Avoidance Tracker to monitor effort.
Provide frequent praise and points for small steps (starting, staying in seat).
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Closing
3 Minutes
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Review and Celebrate: Review the tracker and schedule. Allow the student to choose a reinforcer.
Use Cool Down: Reflection to wrap up.
Praise specific brave behaviors noticed during the session.
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Tackling Work Avoidance Slides Welcome,
Super Learner!
Today we're going to become Work Warriors !
Teacher Notes: Introduce yourself, build rapport. State purpose: make schoolwork fun.
What is
Work Avoidance?
Sometimes work feels tricky , or boring , or too much !
Question for you:
What does it feel like when you don't want to do your schoolwork?
Teacher Notes: Ask about their experience. Validate feelings without judgment.
The Secret Weapon
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 Notes: Explain how seeing what comes next helps. Emphasize predictability.
Super Rewards!
When we try hard, we earn special rewards !
Rewards make work fun and help us keep going.
What kinds of rewards do you like?
Teacher Notes: Explain reinforcement. Highlight that effort, not just perfection, is rewarded.
Becoming a 'Work Warrior'!
A Work Warrior notices when work feels tough.
Notice It
Track It
Tackle It
Teacher Notes: Introduce the Tracker as a success tool. Frame it positively.
Let's Practice!
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 Notes: Guide practice. Take deep breaths or ask for help. Immediate feedback!
You're a Work Warrior!
Today you learned awesome ways to tackle your work!
Remember your Plan
Remember your Rewards
Stay Strong!
YOU ARE DOING GREAT!
Teacher Notes: Summarize. End with encouragement. Plan for next session.
Work Warrior Warm Up Warm Up: Check-in
Opening Conversation Guide
"The goal of this check-in is to build rapport, assess the student's current mindset, and introduce the 'Work Warrior' theme in a high-energy, positive way."
Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, [Student's Name]! I'm so glad to see you. How are you feeling today? 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?"
😴
1
⚡
5
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' !"
Teacher Tips
If the student says "1", validate it: "I hear you, sometimes our brains need a little extra spark to get going!"
Use high energy and positive body language to model readiness.
Work Warrior Cool Down Work Warrior Reflection
Cool Down & Celebration
Student Name
Teacher: "Wow, you did an amazing job being a 'Work Warrior' today! Let's think about what we learned and celebrate your hard work."
1
What was one thing you did today that helped you with your schoolwork?
2
How did it feel when you tried a new strategy or completed a task?
3
What is one thing you remember about our 'Work Warrior' plan?
YOU ARE A TRUE WORK WARRIOR! 🛡️
"I'm so proud of your effort. Keep up the great work!"
Work Warrior Facilitation Script Facilitation Script
Tackling Work Avoidance • Tier 3 Individual
Warm-Up
5 Minutes
Teacher Script: "Hi [Student 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 to be a Work Warrior?"
(Wait for response. High energy interaction!)
"Fantastic! Let's look at our Visual Schedule for today. It's like our map for our Work Warrior mission!"
Direct Instruction
5 Minutes
(Show Slide 2)
Teacher Script: "Sometimes, when it's time for schoolwork, our brains can feel a little... sleepy, or wiggly, or even a bit stuck, right? What does it feel like for you when you don't want to do your schoolwork? Do you feel like you want to draw instead? Or maybe get a drink?"
(Listen and validate response. Use active listening.)
"That makes sense. Lots of kids feel that way sometimes. It's called 'work avoidance' – when our brain tries to find other things to do instead of the work. But guess what? We can train our brains to be super strong and tackle that work!"
Introduce Strategies
10 Minutes
(Show Slide 3)
Teacher Script: "One of our first super tricks is having a plan! Just like superheroes need a map for their missions, we need a map for our work. This is our Visual Schedule . See? It shows us exactly what we're doing first, then next, and when we get a break or a fun activity."
(Show Slide 4)
"Now for the best part – Super Rewards! When you try hard and complete a task on our schedule, you earn a special reward! We're going to make your very own Reinforcement Menu ! What are some things you LOVE to do or earn?"
Guided Practice
7 Minutes
Teacher Script: "Alright, Work Warrior, let's try out our new super powers! We're going to work on [Specific manageable task]."
"As you work, I'll be watching for your amazing effort. Every time you focus, stay in your seat, or even just start the work, I'll give you a point on your Work Avoidance Tracker ! If you feel your brain wanting to wander, remember our strategies! You can say, 'I need a quick stretch,' or 'I can do this one problem.' I'll remind you too!"
Tip: Provide specific praise during the task: "Great job staying focused, [Name]! That's a point! You're really thinking about your work. Another point!"
Work Warrior Mission Map Activity My Mission Map
Visual Schedule Activity
Objective: Create a personalized visual schedule to promote predictability and task sequence awareness.
Steps to Build
Pick 3-5 tasks for today.
Draw or write them in the boxes below.
Check them off as you finish!
"Just like a superhero needs a map, we need a map for our day!"
1
Task Name
2
Task Name
3
Task Name
Super Break / Reward
Draw a picture in the white box and write the name of the task!
Work Warrior Reward Menu Activity Super Reward Menu
Reinforcement Menu Activity
Goal: Identify personal motivators to encourage task completion and effort.
Small Treats
Costs 1-2 Points
Pick a Sticker
5 Min Drawing
Mega Rewards
Costs 3-5 Points
10 Min Computer
Read with Teacher
My Secret Super Rewards
Draw It!
Draw It!
Draw It!
"What are your absolute favorite things to do? Let's add them to the menu!"
Work Warrior Tracker Worksheet Work Warrior Tracker
My Points & Success
Name:
Date:
Our Goal:
To be a super "Work Warrior" and earn points for trying our best and staying focused!
Total Points 00
1 Started Fast
1 Stayed in Seat
1 Asked for Help
1 5 Min Focus
2 Finished Task
Mission Task Started In Seat Help Focused Done Points Warm Up
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| Math Time |
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| Reading Time |
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| Other: ________ |
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My Reward Choice Today:
Teacher's Quick Notes: