Work and Break Plan
Write the minutes. Work until the timer rings, take your break, then check the box!
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This is sheet #37424601.
How to do it
- Write how many minutes to work and to rest.
- Set a timer for the work.
- Take the break, then check the box.
Teaching tip
Many first graders focus well for about 5 to 10 minutes. Breaks of 2 or 3 minutes are plenty.
About this worksheet
Four rounds of work and break, with minutes to fill in and break ideas at the bottom.
What kids practice
These are tools for kids who find it hard to start, stay with or finish a task. They break work into small, clear steps, show what comes next, and build in movement and rewards. They help many children, with or without ADHD. They are not a test and not a diagnosis. If attention worries you at home and at school, talk with your child's doctor or teacher. Only a qualified professional can diagnose ADHD.
Watch for
- Taking a reward away for a bad moment. Once a star is earned, it stays earned.
- Making the work block too long at first. Start with what your child can do now, even 3 minutes, and grow it slowly.
- Using screen time as the break every time. Movement breaks help kids come back ready to focus.
- Waiting too long to ask for help. If focus problems last for months and show up in many places, ask your child's doctor.
It's free to print, as many copies as you need. See the full focus helpers (adhd-friendly) guide for 1st grade.
More sheets in this set
1. First-Then BoardA big First and Then board with ten cut-out picture cards for everyday jobs and fun things.
2. Visual ScheduleA picture checklist for a morning, after-school or bedtime routine. Reload for a different routine.
3. Token BoardA reward box, five stars to color and a list of jobs to earn them.
4. Sticker Reward BoardA goal to write in, numbered sticker spots, a reward box halfway and a big reward box at the end. Fewer, Standard or More give 6, 10 or 20 sticker spots, with the first reward halfway.
5. Me vs. the ChallengeA line to write the challenge, a Me side and a Challenge side to color, and lines for what happens when one side gets to the end first. Fewer, Standard or More give 5, 10 or 15 spots on each side.
6. Quick 5 MathJust five big addition and subtraction facts within 10, with a dot to color after each one.
7. Quick 5 ReadingFive short-vowel words to read, each with three big pictures to choose from.
9. Brain Break CardsSix quick movement and calm-down breaks on cut-out cards.
10. Self-Check StripsFour desk strips for getting started, finishing, writing and math, each with four simple checks.