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Task Breakdown Sheet

Help students turn overwhelming projects into doable steps. The Task Breakdown Sheet (The Executive Function Project) is a simple, printable tool that teaches students—especially middle and high schoolers—how to decompose large assignments into manageable, time‑bound tasks so work gets done on schedule and with less stress.

Key features 

  •  Clear, student‑friendly layout: fields for Task Title, Due Date, Goal/Outcome, and Materials Needed.
  •  Step‑by‑step table: rows to list each subtask with columns for Estimated Time, Priority Level (High / Medium / Low), Actual Time, and Done (âś“).
  •  Reflection space: end‑of‑task notes area prompts metacognition and next‑step planning.
  •  Printable single‑page design for in‑class use, study halls, homework folders, or planner inserts.
  •  Easy to pair with other Executive Function Project resources (Backwards Planning, Weekly Calendar, Time Management logs, or the Parent Playbook).

Benefits for educators, students, and families 

  •  Reduces overwhelm: students see immediate structure for multi‑step projects (papers, labs, presentations).
  •  Teaches planning skills: encourages realistic time estimates, prioritization, and self‑monitoring.
  •  Supports accountability: actual time and completion checks promote reflection and better future estimates.
  •  Versatile: usable for independent work, guided planning with a teacher, partnered study, or parent‑student planning sessions.

Usage ideas 

  •  Classroom: give one per long assignment and review during checkpoints or conferences.
  •  Homework: use at home with a parent to plan evening or weekend work blocks.
  •  Intervention: include in targeted support (BIPs or EF interventions) to scaffold planning and progress monitoring.
  •  Assessment: Collect completed sheets as formative evidence of student planning and execution.

Who it’s for 

  •  Middle and high school students (recommended for grades 6–12).
  •  Teachers, instructional coaches, counselors, tutors, and parents supporting project planning and executive‑function development.

Format and use 

  •  Single‑page printable PDF. Provide blank copies for students and a filled example to model use. Pairs well with the Task Initiation, Planning, and Time Management modules from the Executive Function Project.

 

Learn more at www.theexecutivefunctionproject.com or follow @_theexecutivefunctionproject.