Free tool
Task Start Tool
For students who can't get started. Describe the task and what you're seeing and get a specific first step, a student prompt, and a teacher move that doesn't require repeating the whole directions again.
This tool identifies initiation barriers and suggests first steps. It doesn't diagnose students. What looks like refusal is often a processing problem, not a motivation problem.
Required
Include what materials are available, how directions were given, and what the final product looks like.
Staring at the page
Saying "I don't know what to do"
Off task or distracted
Asking repeated questions
Refusing or shutting down
Starting then stopping
Optional — helps the tool be more specific
K to 2
3 to 5
6 to 8
Verbal only
Written on board
Written handout
Verbal and written
Identifying the initiation barrier...
This takes about 15 seconds
Task Start Output
Check the full task load → Attention Load Checker
Rewrite the directions → Assignment Directions Rewriter
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