Attention-Seeking Behaviors Chart

Below are common ways students might seek attention. Circle the ones you recognize in yourself.

• ○ Shouting out or interrupting
  
• ○ Making jokes or pranks
  
• ○ Over-sharing personal details
  
• ○ Fidgeting or being disruptive
  
• ○ Using electronics without permission
  
• ○ Calling out answers without raising your hand
  
• ○ Doodling or drawing in a distracting way
  
• ○ Teasing or name-calling peers
  
• ○ Exaggerating stories or events
  

Your Own Examples

Write at least two attention-seeking behaviors you’ve done or noticed in yourself : jokes
 
 

Reflection

Which behaviors did you circle? List them below: disruptive

Why do you think you use these behaviors? Write your thoughts here:

play with my friends

Healthy Communication Strategies Handout

When you feel the urge to get attention, try using one of these positive strategies. Read each one, review the example, and think about how you could use it in your own life.

1. Use “I” Statements

What it is: Express your feelings and needs clearly without blaming others.

How to do it: Start with “I feel…” and explain why. Then state what you need.

Example:
“I feel left out when conversations skip me. Could we take turns sharing ideas?”

2. Ask for Help or Feedback Politely

What it is: Directly request support instead of acting out.

How to do it: Use phrases like, “Can you help me understand…?” or “Could I get your feedback on…?”

Example:
“Could you show me how to solve this problem? I’d appreciate your help.”

3. Show Interest in Others First

What it is: Build positive connections by asking about peers’ experiences.

How to do it: Ask open questions and listen.

Example:
“What book are you reading? I’d love to hear about it.”

4. Practice Active Listening & Body Language

What it is: Demonstrate respect and attention so others model the same for you.

How to do it: Face the speaker, make eye contact, nod, and ask follow-up questions.

Example:
“When you said you’re nervous about the test, what part worries you most?”

5. Take a Brain Break

What it is: Use a quick, healthy outlet to reset your focus.

How to do it: Stand up, stretch, take deep breaths, or doodle quietly.

Example:
“Excuse me, may I stretch for a minute? I’ll be right back.”

6. Use Creative Outlets

What it is: Channel energy into art, writing, music, or movement.

How to do it: Sketch feelings, write a journal entry, or hum a tune softly.

Example:
“Here’s a quick sketch of how I feel today—can I share it with you?”

Reflection & Practice

1. Which two strategies do you think will work best for you? List them below and explain how you’ll use each one:

Strategy 1: ____________________________________________

Strategy 2: ____________________________________________

1. When and where will you try these strategies? Describe a specific situation: i like playing with my friends and

1. How will you know if the strategy is helping you get positive i dont know why

Self-Reflection Worksheet

Use the prompts below to reflect on what you learned today and set a clear plan for moving forward.

1. What did you learn about your attention-seeking behaviors? i don’t know

2. How did exploring your feelings help you understand why you act this way? I don’t know

3. Which healthy strategy will you try first, and why does it feel right for you? Tsay out trouble

4. Write a specific, measurable goal to practice this strategy before our next session.i d think

5. How will you check and measure your progress each day?good

6. What challenges might come up, and how will you handle them?

7. In one sentence, how can you remind yourself to use this strategy every day good

Attention-Seeking Scenario Cards

Cut these cards apart and use them to role-play healthy responses. For each scenario, practice using a strategy from Healthy Communication Strategies Handout.

Card 1
You’re in a class discussion, and no one calls on you. You start tapping your pencil loudly to get the teacher’s attention.

Card 2
You feel left out when friends are chatting at lunch, so you interrupt by making a sarcastic comment.

Card 3
You don’t understand the homework and start repeatedly asking the teacher the same question in a high-pitched voice.

Card 4
During group work, you doodle loudly on your desk and make faces to get classmates to look at you.

Card 5
You want praise on your project, so you exaggerate parts of it when you present to the class.

Card 6
Feeling bored during instruction, you call out a random fact to divert attention.

Role-Play Instructions:

1. Shuffle and draw a card.
2. Read the scenario aloud.
3. Choose a healthy strategy (e.g., an “I” statement or polite request).
4. Role-play both parts (the attention-seeking student and the peer/teacher).
5. Discuss what felt natural and what you might do differently next time.