Distraction Detective! Script

Warm-Up: What's Buzzing? (3 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To kick things off, I want you to take a moment and think about something that sometimes pulls your attention away when you're trying to focus in class. It could be anything! Just keep it in your mind for a moment, or jot it down quickly if you like."

"Alright, let's get into it. Today, we're going to become 'Distraction Detectives' and figure out how we can all create a more focused learning environment. We'll talk about what distractions are and, more importantly, how we can respectfully address them when they pop up. So, let's start with a big question..."

Introduction & Defining Distractions (4 minutes)

(Display Distraction Detective! Slide Deck - Slide 2: "What's a Distraction?")

"Based on your warm-up thoughts, what do you think a 'distraction' is? Shout out some ideas!"

"Great responses! A distraction, simply put, is anything that takes your attention away from what you're supposed to be doing. Think about it: a loud conversation, someone tapping their pencil, a buzzing phone, or even your own thoughts drifting off. It's anything that breaks your concentration."

"Take a look at these examples on the slide. Which ones resonate with you the most? Are there others you can think of that aren't listed here?"

(Display Distraction Detective! Slide Deck - Slide 3: "Why Do They Matter?")

"Now, why do these distractions matter? Who cares if someone is distracted?"

"Exactly! When we're distracted, it's harder to focus, we might miss important information, and it slows down our learning. It can also be frustrating for others around us who are trying to concentrate. So, managing distractions isn't just about your learning; it's about everyone's learning."

Strategies for Addressing Distractions (5 minutes)

(Display Distraction Detective! Slide Deck - Slide 4: "Your Inner Detective: Self-Correction")

"Before we even think about others, let's be our own 'Distraction Detectives.' What can you do if you find yourself getting distracted?"

"Good ideas! Sometimes it's about self-correction. Can you adjust your seat? Can you block out noise if headphones are allowed? Can you simply redirect your gaze or attention? It's also important to self-check: is my phone, my conversation, or my fidgeting becoming a distraction to others? Always start by looking at what you can control."

(Display Distraction Detective! Slide Deck - Slide 5 & 6: "Speaking Up: The Respectful Way")

"But what if the distraction is coming from someone else? It can be tricky to say something without making things worse. How do you think we can address a distraction from a classmate respectfully?"

"Excellent thoughts! The key is to be polite and use 'I' statements. Instead of saying, 'You're being too loud!', which can sound accusatory, try something like, 'I am having trouble concentrating because of the conversation nearby.' Or, 'I would appreciate it if we could keep the noise down so I can focus.' This focuses on your experience and your need, not on blaming the other person."

"It's also crucial to choose your moment. You wouldn't interrupt me in the middle of a lecture. If it's during group work, speak directly and quietly to the person. If a distraction persists or is particularly disruptive, and you've tried to address it respectfully, then it's always okay to calmly ask the teacher for help."

Activity: Distraction Solutions (3 minutes)

(Display Distraction Detective! Slide Deck - Slide 7: "Practice Time: Solve the Case!")

"Now, let's put our detective skills to the test! I'm going to hand out an activity called Distraction Solutions Activity. You'll work with a partner or in small groups. Each group will get a scenario where a distraction is happening. Your job is to discuss and come up with the best, most respectful way to handle it using the strategies we just talked about."

"You'll have about 3 minutes for this, then we'll share a few of your solutions with the class. Any questions before we start?"

What's Buzzing?

Think for a moment: What is one thing that sometimes makes it hard for you to focus in class? It could be a sound, a sight, a thought, or something someone else is doing.

Quickly jot it down or just keep it in your mind. We'll be talking about these

Distraction Solutions Activity

Instructions: Work with a partner or small group to read each scenario. Discuss how you would respectfully address the distraction using the strategies we talked about. Be ready to share your best solutions!

Scenario 1: The Loud Whisperers

During independent work time, two classmates at the table next to you are whispering and giggling loudly about something that happened over the weekend. You are finding it hard to concentrate on your assignment.

How would you handle this distraction respectfully?

Scenario 2: The Pen Tapper

Your classmate in front of you is constantly tapping their pen on their desk. It's not super loud, but the repetitive sound is really starting to get on your nerves and break your focus.

How would you handle this distraction respectfully?

Scenario 3: The Phone Buzzer

You are working on a test, and you keep hearing a phone vibrate every few minutes from someone nearby. You can't tell who it is, but it's making you jumpy and losing your train of thought.

How would you handle this distraction respectfully?

Scenario 4: The Window Gazers

While the teacher is explaining a new concept, your eyes keep getting drawn to some activity happening outside the window. You keep missing parts of the explanation.

How would you handle this distraction respectfully (focusing on self-correction)?