Task Planning Skills

Overview

Unit: Tech Task Mastery (Lesson 3 of 7)
Duration: 45 minutes
Class size: 8 students
Entry Level: Entry Level 1
Age group: Young learners/newcomers to IT (typically 14+)
Subject: Technology (ICT)
Country: England
Curriculum alignment: National Curriculum for England – Computing programmes of study (Key Stage 3, adapted as appropriate for Entry Level 1 in Functional Skills / Entry Level ICT qualifications)

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand and identify the individual steps involved in completing a simple task using IT (National Curriculum: KS3 Computing, Key Ideas – Algorithms and Programming adapted for Entry Level 1).
• Use basic IT tools (such as text editors, simple planning software, or familiar interfaces) to record a clear step-by-step plan.
• Recognise and explain one or two advantages of using IT for task planning compared to non-digital methods (e.g., clarity, easy to edit, shareable).
• Develop confidence in sequencing tasks and using simple IT functions to organise ideas.

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Curriculum Links

• National Curriculum (England), Computing:
  • Key Stage 3 – Computing: "Understand and use algorithms," "Use logical reasoning," "Use a range of software."
  • Adapted learning objectives for Entry Level focus on basic sequencing, understanding simple systems, taking instructions, and basic IT tool use.
• Functional Skills ICT, Entry Level 1:
  • Follow simple instructions to complete an IT activity.
  • Input, organise, and store information to meet basic needs.
  • Use familiar IT tools to create, save and retrieve simple documents.
• PLTS (Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills): Encourage team work, communication, and problem-solving.

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Resources Required

• Tablets or computers (1 per student, or shared pairs if necessary).
• Basic text editing software (Notepad, WordPad, or a simple planning app).
• Hard copies of a simple template “Task Plan Sheet” with 3 sections: Task steps, Tools Required, Advantages.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Visual aids showing a sample task flow (example: making a sandwich).

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Details
0-5 min	Starter / Introduction	Engage students by discussing simple tasks they do daily. Introduce today’s focus: creating a plan for a task using IT. Highlight how breaking tasks into steps helps. Use the sandwich example for clarity: list steps aloud with student input. Write steps visibly on the whiteboard.
5-15 min	Exploring Task Steps	Show the sample “Task Plan Sheet”. Explain the 3 sections:

• Steps (What to do step-by-step)
• Tools (What IT tools or physical resources needed)
• Advantages (What benefits IT can bring).
  Students brainstorm a familiar simple task (e.g., sending an email, organising a file folder) guided by teacher questions. Teacher writes exemplar answers on whiteboard.
  | 15-30 min | Independent/Paired Task Planning Using IT | Students open their editing app and input their chosen task plan, typing or using assistive devices if needed. They write 3-5 simple steps, list IT tools required (e.g., keyboard, software), and state 1-2 advantages: easier to change/update; clearer instructions; easy to share. Teacher provides on-the-spot support and encouragement.
  | 30-40 min | Sharing and Discussion | Students share their task plan verbally or show on screen. Teacher highlights good sequencing and clear descriptions. Discuss advantages, reinforcing IT benefits over paper plans: edits without rewriting, easy to save and retrieve.
  | 40-45 min | Plenary & Assessment | Recap key points. Quick quiz:
• What is a task plan?
• Name two advantages of using IT to make plans.
• Why is it important to put steps in order?
  Teacher notes participation and understanding. Provide verbal or written feedback.

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Differentiation & Support

• Provide sentence starters and step templates for lower ability or literacy-challenged students.
• Use speech-to-text tools or assistive technology as needed.
• Peer support: stronger students paired with others.
• Use visual prompts and concrete examples to aid understanding.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment through observation during independent activities and discussions.
• Evaluate students’ written task plans for clarity, correct sequencing, and identification of tools and advantages.
• Oral questioning in plenary to check understanding of key concepts.

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Extension Ideas (If time allows or for homework)

• Students photograph or screen-grab their task plans and create a simple presentation (e.g., slide or poster) explaining the steps and advantages.
• Ask students to try using a different IT tool (drawing app, voice notes) to create a task plan.

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Teacher’s Notes and Tips

• Model clear task planning with everyday tasks before student activities.
• Praise accurate sequencing and use of IT tools to build confidence.
• Encourage creativity – students can pick tasks relevant to their own interests.
• Use positive language highlighting how IT makes planning easier and clearer.
• Keep language simple and instructions short to suit Entry Level 1 needs.

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This structured, interactive lesson enables Entry Level 1 learners to understand and create basic task plans using IT, firmly grounded in the National Curriculum objectives while promoting practical skills and confidence.