Step Detectives Slides Lesson 1: Task Architect Academy
Step
Detectives
Breaking Big Jobs into Tiny Pieces
Mission: Start Small
The Sandwich Situation
Did your teacher just put jelly on the outside of the bread?
"I forgot the steps! I just did what I saw first."
Why do we need a plan before we start?
A Messy Fail?
A Tasty Win?
Big Job or Tiny Step?
The Big Job
Clean Your Entire Room
The Tiny Step
Put 3 LEGOs in the Bin
"Every big job is just a bunch of tiny steps standing on each other's shoulders!"
Recess Ready
Analysis Mode
What are the 4 hidden steps for getting ready to go outside for recess?
1
???
2
???
3
???
4
???
The Architect Rule
"I will not start a Big Job until I see all the Small Steps."
Find it
Map it
Build it
Step Detective Cards Activity Step Detective Cards
Lesson 1: Routine Deconstruction
Name:
Date:
Mission: Cut out the cards below. Then, group them by routine and place them in the correct order to solve the "Big Job" mystery!
JOB A
Turn on water and wet hands
JOB A
Scrub with soap for 20 seconds
JOB A
Rinse soap off with water
JOB B
Check if tip is broken
JOB B
Insert pencil into sharpener
JOB B
Test the pencil on paper
JOB C
Slide arms into both sleeves
JOB C
Pull the zipper all the way up
JOB C
Put on hat and gloves last
"Architects never rush the blueprint!"
Task Architect Teacher Manual Task Architect Academy
Teacher Implementation Manual
Subject
Special Education / Executive Function
Sequence Philosophy
The Task Architect Academy is designed to support 2nd-grade students with working memory deficits. By framing task management as "Architecture," we move from internal cognitive pressure to external visual supports. The core strategy is chunking : the intentional deconstruction of complex routines into 3-5 visual steps.
Core Routines
The Window Tool
Students use a physical piece of cardstock (or a pre-made "Window") to cover up all instructions except the current step. This reduces visual clutter and prevents "overwhelm."
Stop, Scan, Redo
A behavioral script for when students lose their place. Stop (hands off), Scan (look at the checklist), Redo (go back to the last checked box).
Facilitation Guide
L1
Step Detectives
Hook: Intentionally "fail" at making a PB&J. Ask students to spot the missing steps. Focus on "Big Job" vs. "Small Step" vocabulary.
L2
Checklist Creators
Introduce icons as "Brain Anchors." Model drawing simple stick-figure icons before students create their personal desk checklists.
L3
Academic Chunkers
Apply the "Window Tool" to math. Emphasize that "Drawing" isn't for art, but for "Thinking."
L4
Mission Control
Project-based mission. Grade only on the fidelity of the checklist usage, not the art quality. Encourage "Mission Comms" (whispering steps).
L5
Blueprint Repair
Reflection day. Use the case studies to destigmatize errors. Practice the physical "Stop, Scan, Redo" routine as a class.
Remember: A checklist is a ramp for the brain. It makes the work accessible!
Checklist Creators Slides Lesson 2: Task Architect Academy
Checklist
Creators
Turning Words into Power Pictures
The Memory Myth
Listening Only
"I'll just remember it in my head."
Hard for our brains!
Using a Checklist
"I'll write it down and see it."
Easy for our brains!
Which is easier to remember?
1. APPLE
The Power of Icons
Reading
Writing
Math
"If you can't read the words quickly, your brain reads the picture instead!"
Building a "Desk Defense" Checklist
The Steps
1
Clear off the top
2
Stack the folders
3
Check for scraps
Your Mission Today
Create your own 3-step icon checklist for your desk!
Desk Organization Blueprint Worksheet Desk Defense Blueprint
Visual Checklist Creator
Architect:
Date:
Architect Instructions
A messy desk makes it hard for our brains to focus! Create a 3-step checklist to help you clean your desk. Draw a simple icon for each step so you can check it at a glance.
1
Step Description
Ex: Clear off the top...
Draw Icon Here
2
Step Description
Draw Icon Here
3
Step Description
Draw Icon Here
I am ready to use my checklist!
Academic Chunker Slides Lesson 3: Task Architect Academy
Academic
Chunkers
Slicing Math into Manageable Bites
The Brain Blur
TOO MUCH!
When a page is crowded, your eyes don't know where to go.
The Solution:
Visual Chunking
The Math Architect's Tools
1. READ
Find the numbers and the question.
2. DRAW
Make a picture of what is happening.
3. SOLVE
Write the equation and find the answer.
Focus Mastery
Architects use Window Tools to hide the steps they aren't working on.
"If you can't see it, you can't worry about it!"
STEP 1: READ
HIDE THE REST!
Word Problem Chunking Worksheet The Math Blueprint
Read • Draw • Solve
Name:
Date:
The Big Mission
Leo had 14 colorful marbles. He gave 6 marbles to his best friend. How many marbles does Leo have left?
1
Read & Identify
Total Numbers
Key Words
2
Draw a Picture
3
Solve the Equation
?
=
Focus Tracker
READ
DRAW
SOLVE
"Slow and steady builds the strongest blueprint!"
Mission Control Slides Lesson 4: Task Architect Academy
Mission Control
Mastery
Top Secret: Monitoring Your Progress
Secret Agent Training
Secret agents never guess if they finished a step. They KNOW they finished it.
Mission Control Rule:
Do the step.
Mark the checklist.
Move to the next one.
TRUST THE LIST
Mission: Blue Square Base
You will receive an envelope. Inside is a mission to build a special art design.
"If you miss a step, the mission fails!"
Your Tools:
Markers
Paper
Checklist
Focus
Secret Agent Mission File TOP SECRET
Mission: Blue Square
Agent ID: ____________________
Mission Protocol
1. Draw a large blue square in the middle of your paper.
Hint: Use your ruler for straight lines!
2. Draw a small yellow circle inside the blue square.
Hint: Make sure it's in the very center.
3. Draw three green triangles above the blue square.
Hint: They should look like mountain peaks!
4. Write your code name in the bottom right corner.
Hint: Use your best secret agent handwriting.
5. Raise your hand once you have checked all boxes.
Hint: Do not speak until the mission is clear.
Mission Log
01
02
03
04
05
"An Agent is only as good as their Checklist!"
Blueprint Repair Slides Lesson 5: Task Architect Academy
Blueprint
Repair Shop
Finding and Fixing Missing Steps
The Mystery of the Missing Step
Look at this LEGO tower. It's leaning to the side!
Something went wrong. Let's look at the instructions to find the mistake.
The Clue:
"Step 3 says 'Use the long grey brick'. I see a short red brick instead!"
WOBBLE DETECTED
The Repair Protocol
STOP
Freeze as soon as you feel confused.
SCAN
Look back at your checklist.
REDO
Go back to the last step you checked.
IT'S OKAY TO START OVER!
Blueprint Repair Worksheet Blueprint Repair Guide
Troubleshooting & Metacognition
Repair Tech:
Sometimes we get lost in our steps. That's okay! Use the Stop, Scan, Redo method to fix the blueprint.
Case Study #1: The Missing Milk
"Timmy was making cereal. He put the cereal in the bowl, sat down at the table, and grabbed his spoon. He took a bite but it was very dry! What did he forget?"
The Missing Step:
How to Fix it (REDO):
Personal Repair Plan
1. How do you feel when you lose your place in a task?
Confused
Frustrated
Bored
2. What tool helps you the most to get back on track?
Draw or write your favorite tool...
!
"I am the Boss of my Blueprint!"
Task Architect Academy Completed Sequence
Academy Answer Keys Academy Answer Keys
Teacher Reference Document
Sequence
Task Architect Academy
Lesson 3: Word Problem Chunking
"Leo had 14 colorful marbles. He gave 6 marbles to his best friend. How many marbles does Leo have left?"
1. Read (Numbers/Key Words)
Numbers: 14, 6
2. Draw (Concept)
Student should draw 14 items and cross out 6 of them.
3. Solve (Equation)
14 - 6 = 8Answer: 8 marbles
Lesson 5: Blueprint Repair
"Case Study #1: The Missing Milk (Timmy's Cereal)"
The Missing Step
Pour the milk into the bowl after adding the cereal.
How to Fix It (Redo)
Go back to the kitchen, find the milk, and pour it on the cereal.
Lesson 1: Routine Cards Order
Job A: Hands
1. Turn on water
2. Scrub with soap
3. Rinse with water
Job B: Pencil
1. Check tip
2. Insert in sharpener
3. Test on paper
Job C: Coat
1. Slide arms in
2. Pull zipper up
3. Put on hat/gloves
End of Sequence Master Key
