A while back, I assessed Elky Stern, an easygoing fourth grader with a mind always on the move. While working on a multiplication worksheet, I noticed something unusual:

Instead of starting at the first problem and working through in order, she scanned the page for the easiest ones—the ones whose answers popped into her head instantly—and filled them in.

Then, just like that, she declared she was done.

But she wasn’t. There were plenty of simple problems she hadn’t noticed, just because she lacked a system. And the harder ones? She didn’t even attempt them.  Her approach wasn’t structured. No double-checking. No strategy. Just a disorganized, fall-into-the- sheet method. Some might call it carefree; I saw it as a red flag.

And I felt sad—not because she wasn’t capable, but because no one had ever taught her how to approach a task.

With Pesach preparations in full swing, planning takes center stage. (Don’t worry, I won’t ask where you’re up to! ●•  ). We need a plan to get Mr. Chometz out—we all know it takes more than just a bottle of Mr. Clean!

Planning is an executive function skill—seeing the end goal and figuring out the steps to get there. Initiation is another executive function skill—the ability to start a task. Often, kids (and you ●•  ) struggle to start because the process feels overwhelming.

The best way to help? Break tasks into manageable steps.

It could be as simple as planning how to clean out a messy drawer (just don’t forget a step for tossing broken stuff!), or helping a child create a strategy for tackling a math worksheet—so they don’t just dive in randomly but approach it with a plan.

Because sometimes, success isn’t about what a child knows—it’s how they go about it.

3 Key Points to Remember:

1️. The Best Plan is the Child’s Plan!

Resist the temptation to do the work for them—it won’t teach them anything. Instead, create the plan with them so they can:

  • Visualize the end goal.
  • Break it into steps.
  • Add their own creative solutions.

2️. More Details = More Clarity!

A vague plan feels overwhelming. The more detailed it is, the easier it is to start!

  • I’ve created structured plans for everything from cleaning drawers to peeling potatoes—and come Erev Pesach, my students jumped in and helped!
  • We’ve mapped out school routines, from briefcase clean-ups to study strategies—and soon, my students were creating their own plans!

3. Swap Nagging for Reflexive Questioning

Reflexive questioning (developed by Executive Function specialist Tera Sumpter) encourages kids to think through their process, rather than relying on reminders.

Instead of saying: “Put your coat away!”

Ask: “Where does your coat go?”

Other great reflexive questions:

  • What’s the first step? What comes next?
  • Does this task feel easy or hard? How can we make it easier?
  • What’s something you did really well today?
  • What’s something you think could improve?

Wrap up every task with: “Great job! How did you do that?”
This builds self-awareness, problem-solving, and the ability to plan independently.

From Worksheets to Pesach Prep—Planning is Everything!

Elky needed to learn how to approach worksheets—just like every child needs the skill of planning. Whether it’s schoolwork, daily routines, or even Pesach prep, a clear plan makes all the difference!

Does your child or student struggle with planning and following through?

Email us at info@smartiebuddy.com. We’ll send you a free resource on Reflexive Questioning to help you build these essential skills.

Wishing you smooth planning, successful learning, and a stress-free Erev Yom Tov!

Happy Pre-Pesach Prep!

Mrs. Rachel Gluck is a mother and veteran educator for over two decades. She is passionate about helping struggling students become lifelong, independent learners. Rachel created the SMARTIE Buddy program by combining the latest research with years of experience working with and supervising students who struggle academically. She is on a heartfelt mission to revolutionize education for today’s struggling students by making neuroscience practical. Switch test stress to study success! Join the SMARTIE Buddy newsletter for more tips and strategies.