Work vs Play Slides Skill Builders
Work vs Play
Switching Gears for Success
Level 1: Modes
Statue Game
🎨
Play Music
Wiggle and dance! We are in Play Mode.
✏️
Music Stops
Freeze like a statue! We are in Work Mode.
What is "Work"?
Body Still
I sit in my chair or on the rug with a calm body.
Eyes On
I look at the teacher or my paper.
Hands Busy
I use my tools (crayons, blocks) to finish the job.
Switch!
Play
Work
Practice moving from fun to focus.
Work Play Facilitation Guide Teacher Guide
Work vs Play Modes • Level 1
Persistence Sequence
Lesson Goal
Students will explicitly identify and demonstrate the difference between "Work Mode" (focused, seated, task-oriented) and "Play Mode" (free choice, movement, social). The focus is on behavioral flexibility and responding to environmental cues.
The Hook: Statue Game
"We are going to practice being masters of our own brains. Sometimes we are in Play Mode, and sometimes we are in Work Mode. Let's see how fast you can switch!"
Key Vocabulary
Work Mode: Body still, eyes on task, tools ready.
Play Mode: Moving, talking, choosing activities.
Switch: Changing how our body acts.
Facilitation Steps
1
Introduction & The Hook
Play upbeat music for 30 seconds. Encourage dancing. Stop the music and shout "WORK!" Model sitting immediately with hands folded. Repeat 3 times.
2
The Sorting Activity
Use the Mode Sort Cards. Show a card (e.g., a child running). Ask: "Is this Work Mode or Play Mode?" Have a student place it under the correct header on the board.
3
The Challenge
Hand out a simple coloring sheet. Set a 1-minute timer. Say: "We are in Work Mode until the timer beeps." Circulate and reinforce "Body Still" and "Hands Busy" behaviors.
Differentiation & Support
For Students Needing Support:
Use a physical "Work Mode" headband or hat to signal the transition. Provide a weighted lap pad during Work Mode intervals.
For Extension:
Ask students to draw a picture of themselves in "Work Mode" and label the tools they are using.
Behavior Sort Worksheet Mode Master Sorting
Cut and paste into the right box!
Name:
Date:
🎈
Play Mode
✏️
Work Mode
✂️ Cut these out ✂️
🏃
Running Outside
✍️
Writing my Name
🧱
Building a Tower
🧘
Sitting on the Rug
🎨
Painting a Picture
👂
Listening to a Story
🧩
Putting Puzzles Away
🛝
Sliding Down Slide
Timer Tools Slides Skill Builders
Timer Tools
Seeing Time Move
Level 2: Duration
Meet the Timers
⏳
Sand Timer
The sand falls down. When the sand is at the bottom, we are FINISHED.
⏲️
Clock Timer
The red color disappears. When the red is gone, we are FINISHED.
How to Use Your Timer
1
Set the timer for the task.
2
Keep working while it moves!
Stop when you hear the "Beep" or sand is gone.
The 1-Minute Race
START!
Can you work until the sand runs out?
Hands Busy! Body Still!
Watch the teacher's timer!
Timer Intervals Guide Teacher Guide
Timer Intervals • Level 2
Persistence Sequence
Teaching Duration
For many Kindergarteners, especially those with developmental delays, time is abstract. Visual timers turn an invisible concept into a visible, moving object. The goal is to build an association between the "moving" timer and "moving" progress on a task.
The "One-Minute Race" Hook
"We aren't racing each other today. We are racing the SAND! Can you keep your hands busy and your body still until every last grain of sand falls down? Ready, Set, BUILD!"
Suggested Tools
1 & 2 minute sand timers
Time Timer (visual red disk)
Online stopwatch (visual mode)
Implementation Steps
1 Explicit Modeling
Hold a sand timer. Show it empty. "Is it time to work? No, the sand is at the bottom." Flip it. "Look! The sand is moving! That's my signal to work." Model a simple task (like sorting colored bears) while the sand falls.
2 Guided Practice (1 Minute)
Give each student or small group a 1-minute timer and a high-interest, low-demand task (LEGOs, playdough, puzzles). "Work until the sand stops."
3 The "Wait" Signal
Introduce the concept that even if the *task* feels finished, we stay in Work Mode until the *timer* is finished (quality check or quiet waiting). This builds stamina beyond the immediate impulse to stop.
Misconception
"A timer means I have to go FAST."
Correction
Reiterate that the timer shows how LONG we work, not how FAST. It is a "Keep Going" tool, not a "Race" tool (except in the Hook activity).
Teacher Tip
If a student gets anxious watching the sand, move the timer slightly out of their direct line of sight but keep it within their peripheral vision, or use a timer with a softer auditory signal.
Racing Time Tracker Worksheet Racing the Sand!
Color a circle every time you work until the timer stops.
Name:
⏳
🏁
My Winning Moments
RACE 1
RACE 2
RACE 3
RACE 4
RACE 5
When the timer stops and you are still working, you win a star! Color it in!
My Favorite Tool
Draw your favorite timer
Task Master!
I can work until the sand stops.
First Then Success Slides Skill Builders
First, Then
The Secret to Getting the Fun Stuff
Level 3: Sequencing
The "First, Then" Rule
First
✏️
Work
Then
🎨
Play
The Mystery Box
❓
What is inside the box? It is a favorite toy!
To open the box, we must do our work FIRST.
THEN we get the mystery toy!
Check Your Board!
My board tells me what to do.
When I finish the First job,
I am ready for the Then fun!
Reinforcement Playbook Guide Teacher Guide
First-Then Playbook • Level 3
Persistence Sequence
The Power of Contingency
The "First, Then" board is a visual contract. It reduces anxiety by showing a clear end-point to work and a definite start-point for reinforcement. For students with task persistence challenges, it answers the two most stressful questions: "What do I have to do?" and "When will I be done?"
How to Use the Board
1
Set the Work (FIRST)
Choose a low-demand task (coloring, 3-piece puzzle, sorting). Place the icon in the "First" box.
2
Identify the Reward (THEN)
Let the student choose from 2 high-preference options. Place that icon in the "Then" box.
3
Verbalize the Routine
Point to the icons while saying: "First we do [Work], then you get [Fun Thing]."
Mystery Box Hook Setup
Put a high-interest item (wind-up toy, stickers, light-up ball) in an opaque box. Place a "Mystery Box" icon in the Then slot. The First slot should be a 1-2 minute task students can easily master to ensure a quick "win."
Pro-Tips for Success
Instant Delivery
When the "First" task is done, the "Then" item must be given immediately. Any delay breaks the logic of the visual board.
Icon Mastery
Keep icons consistent. If a student doesn't understand the drawing, use a real photo of the object instead.
Avoid "Negotiation"
If a student asks for the reward during work, simply point to the board and say "First work, Then [Reward]."
First Then Board Printable First
Then
Work routine warrior board
Tool & Reward Icons
🧱
Blocks
🖍️
Coloring
✏️
Writing
🧩
Puzzle
🧹
Cleanup
🫧
Bubbles
💻
Tablet
🛝
Outside
⭐️
Stickers
🎁
Mystery
Mission Complete Slides Skill Builders
Mission: Done!
How do I know when I am finished?
Level 4: Completion
Is it Finished?
Model
The teacher's picture has 3 blocks.
Your Work
Is this done? What is missing?
The Mission Check
1
LOOK
Look at the model.
2
MATCH
Does mine match?
3
FINISHED!
Put it in the bin.
Finished Bin
When my work is done,
it goes in the bin!
Checking Done Guide Teacher Guide
Checking Done • Level 4
Persistence Sequence
Defining "Done"
Kindergarten students often stop a task when they are tired or bored, rather than when it is finished. This lesson transitions them from "working because the timer is on" to "working because the job is not yet complete."
Skills Targeted
Visual matching/comparison
Attention to detail
Self-monitoring routines
The Hook: Missing Piece Detective
Show the class a picture of a house with no door. Show a "Model" house that has a door.
Teacher Prompt:
"Detectives! I am trying to put this house in the Finished Bin, but something is wrong. Look at my model. Now look at my work. What is missing?"
The Lesson:
"It's only 'Done' when it matches the model. If something is missing, my mission isn't finished yet!"
Step-by-Step Instruction
1
Introduction to the "Checklist"
Hand out the Mission Complete Checklist. Explain that the stars are "clues" to see if the work is done.
2
Guided Check
Have students color 3 circles on a paper. Then show a model with 5 circles. Ask: "Is yours done?" Guide them to add more until they reach 5.
3
The "Finished Bin" Celebration
When they finish, model the physical movement of walking to the bin and saying "Mission Complete!" Reinforce the feeling of satisfaction from finishing a job.
Task Completion Checklist Printable Mission Complete!
My Completion Checklist
Name:
Today's Job
Look at the teacher's model
Draw or Paste Work Here
The Finish Line
Put it in the bin when all boxes are checked!
Is it Done?
Look
I looked at the model.
Match
My work matches!
Check
Nothing is missing.
Mission Expert
Stamina Stars Slides Skill Builders
Stamina Stars
Working Hard for Longer
Level 5: Endurance
Building Our Brain Muscle
💪
Stamina means working even when we feel like stopping.
🧗
It is like climbing a mountain. One step at a time!
The Persistence Toolkit
Work Mode
Body Still
Timer
Watch Time Move
First, Then
Get the Reward
Check
Is it Done?
Level Up!
Today, we are going for 5 MINUTES of Work Mode!
Can we beat our high score?
Stamina Building Tracker Guide Teacher Guide
Stamina Success Chart • Level 5
Persistence Sequence
Building Endurance
Stamina is a collective and individual skill. This lesson introduces "The Stamina Graph," where the class works together to increase the total duration of sustained work. Start with a baseline (e.g., 2 minutes) and aim to add 30-60 seconds each session.
The Class Challenge Hook
How to Play:
Set a visible timer (digital or Time Timer).
Signal "Work Mode" (Lesson 1 behavior).
Stop the timer if anyone breaks Work Mode (stands up, loud talking).
Record the time reached on the Stamina Graph.
Celebrate even small gains!
Teacher Tip:
If one student consistently breaks the stamina for the class, provide them with a "Private Goal" card. Their timer is separate, and they earn individual points so they don't feel discouraged by the class failure.
Class Stamina Graph
Draw this on your whiteboard or anchor chart
Synthesis Review
Ensure students are using all tools learned in Lessons 1-4 during this final stamina challenge.
Timer visible to all?
Reinforcer (Then) identified?
Work Mode modeled first?
Finished bin ready?
My Stamina Sticker Chart My Stamina Rocket
Color a star for every minute you work!
Name:
Blast Off!
My Stamina Score
How I feel today:
😊
😐
😤
My Goal:
MINUTES