Executive Functioning Forum-- Initiation

Initiation is the ability to begin a task, activity, or interaction. Difficulty with initiation means a student may not be able to immediately get started when given a direction as well as struggling with knowing where to even start. Today's Executive Functioning Forum will provide a variety of ideas for helping students with initiation.

Provide clear directions

When giving auditory directions, give one direction at a time rather than a set of multiple directions. In a large group setting, the student may need a “personal invitation” by saying their name prior to stating the direction so they know there is an action to follow.

When possible, pair the direction with a visual such as a word or picture cue. For some students, you may need to use an object to cue them . For instance, if you want them to complete a puzzle, you may need to hand them the first puzzle piece to get them started and build momentum.

Jamie Minnish
Prass Elementary, Kettering

Use visuals
Visual schedules help with initiation because they give a visual cue of where the student is expected to go throughout the day.

Rachel Engle
Horace Mann Elementary, Springfield

Sometimes if the visual schedule only has the activity listed, it can be confusing because they cannot remember where to go for that activity. Use a location-based schedule to help the student initiate the transition to the correct location.

Rolling Hills Elementary, Northeastern

Another visual tool that can be helpful in increasing initiation is a task list. The task list breaks down the activity into steps so the student knows exactly where to start.

Make work times predictable
Sometimes it can be hard to initate if the student is unsure of what is expected. Use predictable tasks and work systems. For instance, for vocabulary instruction, teach a repetitive task of matching vocabulary words to pictures. Then, keep the task the same and change the content of the vocabulary words. The student will understand what to do during the task because they will repeat the same activity with each vocabulary unit.

Taylor Ruef
Stevenson Elementary, Mad River

Students who struggle to initiate may be hesitant to engage in work times because they don't have a clear understanding of how long they will have to work for. Structured work systems can be a helpful tool for communicating exactly how much work needs to be completed and when they will be finished. Depending on the student's abilities you can set up a work system using bins, drawers, folders, or binder pockets. The student will learn the sequence of doing the work presented and will be able to apply this sequence across various work tasks.

Rylie Jarrett
Stevenson Elementary, Mad River

Tammy Flanegin
Enon Primary, Greenon

Incorporate reinforcement
Initiation can also be impacted because students are unmotivated to start working and they only want to engage in preferred tasks. Use a visual contract or reinforcement system to communicate exactly what you want the student to do and what they will earn as a result of completing their work.

Kelli Tritschler
Mound Elementary, Miamisburg

Emily Ottmar
Stevenson Elementary, Mad River

Offer praise and encouragement
Sometimes our students are perfectionists! They do not want to make a mistake and sometimes this can even cause a paralyzing fear to get started. Be sure to offer specific praise and lots of encouragement to help the student feel comfortable.