First step picker

An essay

• Open a new document. Type the essay title.
• Write the question at the top in your own words.
• Write three words that come to mind about the question.
• Write one sentence. It can be bad. You'll fix it later.
• Find one quote or fact you already know. Paste it in.
• Type 1, 2 and 3 on separate lines. Those are your paragraphs.

Coursework

• Open the coursework file. Scroll to where you stopped.
• Write one line saying what the next small bit is.
• Find the brief or the mark scheme. Read the first point.
• Save a copy with today's date in the name.
• Write down one question for your teacher.

Revision

• Pick one topic. Write its name on a sticky note.
• Open your notes for one topic. Read the first heading.
• Make one flashcard. Question on the front, answer on the back.
• Cover a page of notes. Say out loud what you remember.
• Set a 10-minute timer. You can stop when it rings.
• Find one question on this topic. Read it. Don't answer yet.

Reading

• Open the book at your bookmark. Read one page.
• Read the first paragraph only.
• Read the chapter title and the first line.
• Put the book open where you'll sit later.
• Read for two minutes. Then decide if you'll keep going.

A form or application

• Open the form. Fill in your name. Stopping there is fine.
• Find the deadline. Put it in your calendar.
• Read the list of what it asks for. Don't fill anything in yet.
• Find one thing it needs, like a number or a date.
• Write one sentence about why you want this.

An email or message

• Open a new email. Type who it's to.
• Write the first line: "Hi, I have a quick question."
• Write the one thing you need to ask, in one line.
• Find the message you need to answer. Pin it or star it.

Maths or problem questions

• Copy out the first question. Don't solve it yet.
• Write down what the question gives you.
• Find a worked example in your notes. Read its first line.
• Do the first line of working. Only that.

Notes or catching up

• Write down the name of the topic you missed.
• Open the slides from that lesson. Read the first one.
• Write today's date and a heading at the top of a page.
• Message one person in your class for the notes.

A presentation or speaking

• Open a blank slide. Type the title.
• Write the three things you want to say, one word each.
• Say your first sentence out loud, once.
• Find one picture you'll use. Save it.

Homework

• Open the homework. Read only the first question.
• Write today's date and the title at the top of the page.
• Find the sheet or the link. Put it on the screen. That's it.
• Put a pen and the worksheet on the desk.
• Read the task out loud, once.
• Do the easiest question first. Just one.

Something else

• Clear one small space on your desk.
• Get a glass of water. Then sit where you'll work.
• Put your phone across the room for 10 minutes.
• Write the task on paper. Underline the first bit you'd do.