Stuck Spotter Teacher Guide Stuck Spotter Teacher Guide
Lesson 1: Spotting the Stuckies
Objective
Identify procrastination behaviors and link them to underlying emotions.
Duration
45 Minutes
Skill
Behavioral Observation & Empathy
The Hook (10 mins)
"Welcome to the Task MD Agency! Today, we are training to be Stuck Spotters. Sometimes, our brains get 'The Stuckies'—a condition where we do everything EXCEPT the work we need to do."
Watch the "Funny Avoidance Video" (Teacher should select a short cartoon clip of a character procrastinating).
Ask: "What was the character doing? Were they doing their work?"
Direct Instruction (15 mins)
Introduce 'Avoidance Behaviors':
What we see (The Clues):
Sharpening pencils 10 times
Staring at the ceiling
Suddenly needing a snack/water
Doodling on the edges
What they feel (The Cause):
"This is too hard." (Worried)
"This is so boring." (Uninterested)
"I'm too tired." (Exhausted)
Guided Practice (15 mins)
Use the "Spot the Stuckies" Worksheet . Read the short scenarios aloud. Have students circle the "Stuck Clues" and draw a face to show how the character might be feeling.
Teacher Tip:
"Emphasize that everyone gets 'The Stuckies'—even teachers! The first step to a cure is spotting the symptoms."
Debrief (5 mins)
Ask: "Why is it important to know WE are stuck before we can fix it?"
Stuckie Scenarios & Key
Scenario 1: Sam's Math Worksheet
"Sam has 10 math problems. He gets out his pencil. Then he notices his shoe is untied. He reties it twice. Then he asks to go to the bathroom. He comes back and looks at the clock for 3 minutes."
STUCK CLUES: Tying shoes twice, bathroom break, clock-watching.
FEELING: Worried (Task looks hard).
Scenario 2: Mia's Reading Log
"Mia has to read for 15 minutes. She opens her book. Then she starts drawing a cat on her thumb. She looks at her neighbor's shoes. She sighs very loudly and leans her head on the desk."
STUCK CLUES: Thumb-drawing, neighbor-watching, loud sighing.
FEELING: Bored or Tired.
Recommended "Funny Avoidance" Videos:
Donald Duck trying to clean his house (Classic Disney)
SpongeBob SquarePants "The Essay" (Writing just the word 'The')
Scrat from Ice Age avoiding the main task to chase the acorn
Stuck Spotter Slides Task MD
Lesson 1: Spotting the Stuckies
Training to be a Task Initiation Specialist
Your Mission
Today, you will become a Stuck Spotter.
You will learn how to find the "Clues" that someone is avoiding their work.
What are "The Stuckies"?
When your brain does EVERYTHING except the one thing you need to start.
Clue #1: The Busy-Bee
Symptom
Sharpening pencils over and over.
Cleaning your desk suddenly.
Looking for a specific marker forever.
"I can't start until everything is PERFECT!"
Clue #2: The Break-Taker
Symptom
"I need a water break."
"I need a bathroom break."
"I need a band-aid for this tiny speck."
"I'll start... as soon as I get back!"
Clue #3: The Space Cadet
Symptom
Staring out the window.
Watching what everyone else is doing.
Doodling in the corner of the paper.
"I'm just... thinking."
What is the Brain Feeling?
Worried
"This looks too hard. I'm afraid I'll mess up."
Bored
"This is not fun. I'd rather do anything else."
Tired
"My brain is out of gas. I just want to rest."
STUCK SPOTTER LEVEL 1: COMPLETE
Now, take your Stuckie Tracker worksheet and find the symptoms!
Spot the Stuckies Worksheet Stuck Spotter Case Files
Task MD Agency | Training Level 1
AGENT:
DATE:
Mission Briefing:
Read the cases below. Underline the "Stuckie Clues" (behaviors) and circle the feeling that caused it.
Case #001: Sam
"Sam has 10 math problems. He gets out his pencil. Then he notices his shoe is untied. He reties it twice. Then he asks to go to the bathroom. He comes back and looks at the clock for 3 minutes."
How is Sam feeling?
Too Hard (Worried)
Too Boring
Just Tired
Agent Notes (One Clue):
Case #002: Mia
"Mia has to read for 15 minutes. She opens her book. Then she starts drawing a cat on her thumb. She looks at her neighbor's shoes. She sighs very loudly and leans her head on the desk."
How is Mia feeling?
Too Hard
Too Boring
Just Tired
Agent Notes (One Clue):
Secret Agent Intel
What is one clue you have noticed about yourself when you get "The Stuckies"?
Task Doctor Teacher Guide Task Doctor Teacher Guide
Lesson 2: The Great Diagnosis
Objective
Diagnose the root cause of being 'stuck' and use 'I feel' statements to label it.
Duration
45 Minutes
Skill
Root Cause Analysis & Emotional Labeling
The Hook: Dr. [Teacher Name] (10 mins)
"Put on your invisible stethoscopes! Today we are doing a medical exam. We have a 'Patient' who can't start their work. We need to find out WHY."
Choose a student or use a puppet to act as the "Stuck Patient."
The patient should be doing one of the avoidance behaviors from Lesson 1.
Ask: "Is this a 'Boredom Bug' or a 'Difficulty Disease'?"
Direct Instruction (10 mins)
Introduce the three main 'Brain Blocks':
The Wall
It feels too hard. My brain is blocked.
The Fog
I don't know what to do next. I'm lost.
The Slog
This is so boring. It feels like walking through mud.
Teach the "I feel..." statement: "I feel stuck because [reason]."
Simulation Activity (20 mins)
Divide students into "Task Doctor Teams." Hand out the "Patient File" Worksheet . Assign each team a "Patient" (another scenario) and have them diagnose the barrier.
Key Question:
"Doctors, look at the task. Is the task the problem, or how the patient FEELS about the task?"
Debrief (5 mins)
Ask: "Why is it better to say 'I feel bored' than to just say 'I'm not doing it'?"
Diagnosis Slides The Great Diagnosis
Task MD Agency | Lesson 2
Previously...
We learned to spot Stuckie Clues like:
Distractions
Extra Breaks
Staring
But WHY are they stuck?
The Wall
"It's Too Hard!"
The task feels like a giant wall you can't climb over. You are worried about failing.
The Fog
"I'm Lost!"
You don't know the first step. The instructions feel like you're lost in a thick fog.
The Slog
"It's Boring!"
The task feels slow and heavy. It's like walking through deep, sticky mud.
Your New Tool
Repeat after me:
"I feel STUCK because..."
Naming the feeling takes away its power!
Doctor Teams: ACTIVATE!
Check your Patient Files .
Patient File Worksheet Patient File
Official Diagnosis Record | Level 2
DR. NAME:
DATE:
URGENT CASE
Patient: Leo
"Leo has a science project. He needs to build a habitat for a frog. He has all the materials, but he just sits and stares at the empty box. He says, 'I don't even know what a habitat is supposed to look like! I don't know where to glue the first leaf!'"
Symptom Check
What did the patient do or say?
Official Diagnosis
Choose one (1) based on Leo's case:
The Wall
Too Hard / Scared
The Fog
Confused / Lost
The Slog
Boring / Tired
Practice the "I Feel" Statement
If you were Leo, what would you say to your teacher or your brain?
"I FEEL "
"BECAUSE "
Prescription Pad Teacher Guide Prescription Pad Teacher Guide
Lesson 3: Action Prescriptions
Objective
Match specific self-talk 'prescriptions' to diagnosed initiation barriers.
Duration
45 Minutes
Skill
Solution Matching & Self-Talk Delivery
The Hook: The Pharmacy (5 mins)
"Now that we've diagnosed the patients, it's time to open the Task MD Pharmacy! We have special 'Action Prescriptions'—words that give the brain power to start."
Direct Instruction (15 mins)
The Master Prescription List:
FOR THE WALL:
"I'll just do one tiny part." or "I'll try for 2 minutes."
FOR THE FOG:
"I'll ask: What is step one?" or "Read it out loud."
FOR THE SLOG:
"I'll make it a game!" or "Beat the clock!"
Practice Session (20 mins)
Use the "Action Prescription Pad" Worksheet . Students will look at the diagnosis and "write" (copy or select) the best power phrase to solve the problem.
Role Play Option:
Have one student be the "Stuck Patient" and the other be the "Action Doctor." The Doctor "delivers" the prescription by saying the self-talk phrase to the patient.
Teacher Tip:
Encourage students to use a confident, hero-like voice when saying the prescriptions!
Debrief (5 mins)
Ask: "Does saying a Power Phrase make the work go away? No! It just makes the STARTING easier."
Power Prescription Slides Power Prescriptions
Finding the Cure for the Stuckies
Reviewing the Diagnosis...
THE WALL
"It's too hard!"
THE FOG
"I'm confused!"
THE SLOG
"It's boring!"
Cure for THE WALL
"I'll just do ONE tiny part."
Instead of looking at the Whole Giant Thing...
Just look at ONE problem, ONE sentence, or ONE block.
"Just do one!"
"2-minute timer!"
Cure for THE FOG
"What is the first tiny step?"
When you don't know HOW to start...
Ask: "What is Step #1?" or "Read it out loud!"
"Ask for Step 1"
"Read it again"
Cure for THE SLOG
"I'll make it a game!"
When the work is Bo-o-oring...
Say: "Beat the timer!" or "Use a fun pen!"
"Race the clock!"
"Doodle bonus!"
Taking Your Medicine
Self-talk prescriptions work best when you say them OUT LOUD or in your BIG BRAIN VOICE.
Prescription Time!
Grab your oversized Prescription Pad.
Patient diagnosis:
"I'M FACING THE WALL!"
What is your prescription?
Action Prescription Pad Activity The Action RX
Official Task MD Prescription Pad
Agent Doctor:
RX SLIP #01 TASK MD
Diagnosis: THE WALL
Prescription (What to say):
Take once daily before starting hard work
RX SLIP #02 TASK MD
Diagnosis: THE FOG
Prescription (What to say):
Take once daily for clear thinking
RX SLIP #03 TASK MD
Diagnosis: THE SLOG
Prescription (What to say):
Take once daily to boost speed
RX SLIP #04 TASK MD
Diagnosis: MY STUCKIE
My Personal Power Phrase:
Signed by Agent Doctor
* Warning: These prescriptions may result in sudden task completion and increased confidence.
Role Play Scripts Teacher Guide Role Play Scripts Teacher Guide
Lesson 4: Turnaround Theatre
Objective
Enact scenarios to practice giving and receiving peer support for task initiation.
Duration
45 Minutes
Skill
Social Interaction & Cooperative Support
The Hook: Freeze and Fix (10 mins)
"Lights, camera, ACTION! Today we are actors. When I say 'FREEZE!', the actor must stop what they are doing. When I say 'FIX!', you must shout out the cure!"
Model a "stuck" behavior (e.g., staring at a blank page).
Student yells: "FREEZE!"
Student yells: "FIX! Just do the first sentence!"
Direct Instruction: The Script (10 mins)
The Turnaround Script:
1
The Doctor notices a clue.
"I see you're staring at your paper. Are you stuck?"
2
The Patient gives the diagnosis.
"Yeah, it's a giant Wall. It's too hard."
3
The Doctor gives the prescription.
"Try my Power Phrase: 'Just do one problem!' You can do it!"
Role Play Activity (20 mins)
Pairs use "Freeze and Fix Scenario Cards" . One student acts out the scenario, the other "fixes" it using the script. Switch roles after each card.
Facilitation Tip:
Walk around and "cue" the actors. If a student is shy, have the whole class whisper the Power Phrase together to help them.
Debrief (5 mins)
Ask: "How did it feel when your partner gave you a Power Phrase? Was it easier to start?"
Turnaround Theatre Slides Turnaround Theatre
ACTING OUT THE CURE
How to play...
FREEZE!
When you see an actor getting "The Stuckies," yell FREEZE!
FIX!
Shout out a Power Prescription to help them start!
Scene #1: The Giant Essay
Diagnosis: THE WALL
"I have to write a whole page about sharks... but I can't even think of one word! It's too much!"
FIX IT! What is the Power Prescription?
Scene #2: The Messy Desk
Diagnosis: THE FOG
"My desk is a disaster. I don't know where to start cleaning. Should I do the papers? The markers? The lunchbox? I'm so lost!"
FIX IT! What is the Power Prescription?
Scene #3: The Math Slog
Diagnosis: THE SLOG
"Ugh, 20 addition problems? This is so boring. I'd rather watch paint dry. I'm just going to sharpen my pencil for the 5th time..."
FIX IT! What is the Power Prescription?
Your Turn!
Find a Partner
Pick a Scenario Card
PERFORM THE TURNAROUND!
Freeze and Fix Scenario Cards Scenario Cards
Turnaround Theatre | Role-Play Activity
Agent Doctor:
Cut out these cards and use them for your role-play practice!
Wall
Fog
Slog
Scenario #1: Reading
"You have to read a chapter book with no pictures. The words look very long and scary. You decide to just stare at the cover for 10 minutes instead."
Fix it! What is the Power Phrase?
Scenario #2: The Locker
"Your locker is so messy that you can't find your coat. You stand there looking at the pile of papers and old snacks. You don't know where to touch first!"
Fix it! What is the Power Phrase?
Scenario #3: Spelling
"You have to write your spelling words 3 times each. It's so boring! You decide to draw tiny mustaches on every 'o' in your notebook instead."
Fix it! What is the Power Phrase?
Scenario #4: Art Class
"You have to draw a self-portrait. You are afraid your drawing will look silly. You spend the whole time cleaning out the marker bin instead of drawing."
Fix it! What is the Power Phrase?
Scenario #5: PE Class
"The coach told you the rules of a new game. It was a lot of talking. Now the game is starting, and you don't know where to stand or what to do."
Fix it! What is the Power Phrase?
Scenario #6: Homework
"You have 10 math problems for homework. They are easy, but they take a long time. You decide to go get a snack, then a drink, then pet your cat."
Fix it! What is the Power Phrase?
Doctor's Order: When your partner says the Power Phrase, YOU must repeat it back to your brain before you start!
Goal Setting Teacher Guide Goal Setting Teacher Guide
Lesson 5: Wall of Action
Objective
Reflect on personal task barriers and commit to a 'Power Phrase' motto.
Duration
45 Minutes
Skill
Self-Reflection & Personal Accountability
The Hook: Graduation Day (5 mins)
"Congratulations, Doctors! You have treated so many patients this week. Now, it's time to treat your most important patient: YOU. Today we build our 'Wall of Action'."
Direct Instruction: Personal Diagnosis (10 mins)
Self-Reflection Prompt:
Ask students to think about their own school day. "What is the one subject or task where you usually get 'The Stuckies'?" Is it Writing (The Wall)? Is it Math (The Slog)? Is it cleaning up (The Fog)?
Teacher Script:
"I'll go first. Sometimes when I see a big pile of grading, I feel The Slog. My Power Phrase is: 'I'll just do three, then take a stretch break!'"
Workshop: The Action Star (25 mins)
Hand out the "Action Pledge Star Worksheet." Students will:
Color and decorate their Action Star.
Write their name and their chosen "Power Phrase."
Write one specific task they will use it for next week.
The Ceremony:
Have each student stand up, state their motto, and tape their star to the "Wall of Action" (a designated bulletin board or wall area).
Debrief (5 mins)
Ask: "When you look at this wall, what do you see? You see a class full of Action Heroes who know how to help their own brains!"
Action Star Slides Wall of Action
BECOMING YOUR OWN ACTION HERO
Mission Recap...
SPOTTED
The clues and behaviors of being stuck.
DIAGNOSED
The Wall, The Fog, and The Slog.
PRESCRIBED
Power Phrases and Action Cures.
Who is your next patient?
ME!
"Now I know how to spot the clues in MYSELF."
Find Your Action Motto
Which Power Phrase works best for YOU?
"I'll just do one part!"
"Beat the timer!"
"What is step one?"
"Your motto is the KEY that unlocks your brain!"
Pledge Your Power
Write your name and your motto on your Action Star .Wall of Action!
AGENCY GRADUATION
You are now official Task Initiation Specialists .
Action Pledge Star Worksheet The Action Star
Official Task MD Pledge | Graduation
Agency Level
MASTER DOCTOR
I, Agent Doctor
Commit to my Power Phrase
"Write your motto here!"
I will use it for
Which task? (e.g. Reading, Cleaning, Math)
Agent's Hero Signature
Chief Action Officer
Teacher Signature
