Task Initiation & Getting Started
Executive Function Curriculum • Unit 2 • Grades 3–6
Knowing what to do and being able to get started can feel very different.
This neurodivergent-affirming unit helps learners explore what happens before they begin, investigate possible barriers, and experiment with supports that make the first action more accessible.
Four instructional cycles combine hands-on activities, discussion, and everyday practice to help learners discover what supports their start.
Let’s Find a Way to Begin
Sometimes you understand the directions, have your materials, and still feel stuck at the starting line.
Join Dareold in getting curious about that moment. Is the first step clear? Does the task feel too big? Would an example, a different starting point, or someone working alongside you help?
Learners explore possible supports, choose something worth trying, and notice what happens. There is room to adjust and try again.
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Investigate the Start
Explore the difference between knowing what to do and beginning. Scenarios and Access Lens Cards help learners investigate conditions that may affect starting, including the task, surroundings, body needs, and available support.
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Build an Entry Ramp
Explore supports that make the first action more approachable. Interactive mats, action cards, and strategy cards help learners choose and try a possible way into the task.
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Find What Fits
Notice what happened after trying a support. Reflection and progress monitoring tools help learners recognize useful patterns, adjust their approach, and explore what helps in different situations.
Four Connected Cycles for Getting Started
Move through four instructional cycles: Starting Is Its Own Job, Investigate the Start, Build an Entry Ramp, and Find What Fits.
The unit includes teacher guidance, hands-on experiences, discussion activities, scenario and strategy cards, interactive student mats, reusable tools, and opportunities to practice in everyday situations.
Learners can participate by talking, pointing, sorting, moving materials, drawing, or writing. Activities unfold across multiple sessions, with flexible pacing for individual instruction, small groups, classrooms, and homeschool settings.
Use this unit independently or alongside other curriculum units. Essential foundation tools from Unit 1 are included, so purchasing Foundations first is not required.