The Ups and Downs of Attention

Introduction

Welcome to our discussion on attention-seeking behaviors. It's natural for all of us to want to be seen, heard, and valued. Today, we're going to explore the different ways we seek attention and the impact these behaviors have on ourselves and those around us.

Discussion Questions

1. Think about a time you really wanted someone's attention (a teacher, a friend, a family member). What did you do to get it? Did it work the way you hoped?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What are some examples of positive ways people try to get attention? What are the benefits of seeking attention in these ways?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What are some examples of negative ways people try to get attention? Why do you think people sometimes choose these methods, even if they lead to trouble?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Can negative attention sometimes feel better than no attention at all? Why or why not? Share your thoughts and experiences.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. How do attention-seeking behaviors impact relationships with friends, family, and teachers?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. Imagine a student who constantly calls out in class. What are some positive strategies they could learn to get the teacher's attention when they need it?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. What's one new positive attention-seeking strategy you learned today that you might try to use? How do you think it will change your interactions with others?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Wrap-Up

Remember, seeking attention is a normal part of being human. The key is to choose strategies that build you up and strengthen your connections with others. By focusing on positive attention-seeking behaviors, you can create more fulfilling and effective interactions in all areas of your life.

My Positive Attention Plan

Project Goal

The goal of this project is to create a personal plan that outlines positive and effective strategies for seeking attention in various situations. This will help you build stronger relationships, communicate your needs clearly, and feel more confident.

Project Steps

Step 1: Reflect on Your Attention Needs (Due: [Date])

Think about why you seek attention. What needs are you trying to meet? Consider different environments like school, home, or with friends. What kind of attention do you usually get?

• Journal Prompt: Describe a time when you felt like you needed attention. What did you do? What was the outcome?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• List: Identify 2-3 situations where you commonly seek attention (e.g., in class, during a family dinner, with a group of friends).
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Step 2: Brainstorm Positive Strategies (Due: [Date])

Based on our discussions and the Positive Ways to Get Noticed Slide Deck, brainstorm a list of at least 5 positive and appropriate strategies you can use to gain attention. Think about different strategies for different situations.

• School:
  
  
  
  
• Home:
  
  
  
  
• With Friends:
  
  
  
  

Step 3: Develop Your Personal Plan (Due: [Date])

Create a clear, actionable plan. For each of the 2-3 situations you identified in Step 1, choose 1-2 positive attention-seeking strategies from your brainstormed list in Step 2. Describe how you will use these strategies.

Situation 1: [Example: In English Class]

• Positive Strategy 1: [Example: Raise my hand to ask a clarifying question.]
• How I will use it: [Example: Instead of sighing loudly when confused, I will make eye contact with the teacher and raise my hand until called upon. I will formulate my question clearly beforehand.]

Situation 2: [Your Situation]

• Positive Strategy 1:
  
  
  
• How I will use it:
  
  
  
  
  
  

Situation 3: [Your Situation]

• Positive Strategy 1:
  
  
  
• How I will use it:
  
  
  
  
  
  

Step 4: Reflection and Commitment (Due: [Date])

Write a brief reflection on your plan. How do you think these new strategies will change your interactions and help you meet your needs for attention more effectively? What challenges might you face, and how will you overcome them?

Assessment

Your project will be assessed using the Positive Attention Plan Assessment Rubric. Make sure to review it carefully as you work through your plan.

Positive Attention Plan Assessment Rubric

Project: My Positive Attention Plan

Student Name: _________________________ Date: _________________

This rubric will be used to assess your My Positive Attention Plan Project Guide.