diff --git a/s06_subagent/code.py b/s06_subagent/code.py
index 2732246bf..63e85237f 100644
--- a/s06_subagent/code.py
+++ b/s06_subagent/code.py
@@ -51,6 +51,8 @@
 
 SYSTEM = (
     f"You are a coding agent at {WORKDIR}. "
+    "Before starting any multi-step task, use todo_write to plan your steps. "
+    "Update status as you go. "
     "For complex sub-problems, use the task tool to spawn a subagent."
 )