Must Do, Catch Up, May Do
Prioritize work with clarity (and condiments).
What is this?
Turn your working block into a choose-what-matters-most flow. This simple but powerful structure helps students focus on priorities (Must Do), accountability (Catch Up), and optional extras (May Do). The condiment characters add a playful tone while the timer and checklists drive student independence.
How do I use it?
1. Add assignments under each column before class begins. 2. Start the timer to indicate work time has begun. 3. Use “Must Do” for highest-priority tasks students must complete. 4. Use “Catch Up” for work that’s missing or needs revisiting. 5. Offer “May Do” choices for early finishers or enrichment. 6. Students check off items as they go and track time remaining.
Other tips?
• Keep instructions simple: Must → Catch Up → May. • Update this slide daily—it can double as your work session agenda. • Use during centers, rotations, or whole-class blocks. • Add icons or subject labels to make tasks clearer. • Use cute characters to set a friendly, positive tone—especially when students need to finish old work.