lenny

Family Focus Fix

Lesson Plan

Family Focus Fix Lesson Plan

Students will learn to identify emotional distractions from complex family dynamics and practice coping strategies to maintain focus during class tasks.

Complex family situations can distract students and hinder their learning. This session builds self-awareness and coping skills to help 4th graders stay engaged academically when facing emotional challenges.

Audience

4th Grade Students

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Use reflection and strategy practice to build focus skills.

Materials

Pencil, Distraction Reflection Worksheet, Focus Strategy Cards, and Timer

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Identify Distractions

3 minutes

  • Welcome the student and explain the goal: managing distractions from family situations to stay focused.
  • Ask the student to share distracting thoughts or worries about mom, mom’s ex-boyfriend, and Aunt Penny.
  • Introduce the Distraction Reflection Worksheet and explain how to use it.

Step 2

Complete Reflection

5 minutes

  • Student writes down each family-related distraction on the worksheet.
  • Prompt the student to note how each distraction makes them feel (e.g., anxious, sad, confused).
  • Encourage the student to circle the two distractions that feel most disruptive to their focus.

Step 3

Introduce Coping Strategies

4 minutes

  • Present the Focus Strategy Cards, describing each strategy (deep breathing, use a focus word, taking a brief stretch).
  • Discuss examples of how and when to use each strategy during class or homework time.
  • Answer any questions the student has about the strategies.

Step 4

Practice and Plan

3 minutes

  • Ask the student to select one strategy card to try immediately.
  • Use the timer for a 2-minute practice session with that strategy.
  • After practice, discuss how the student felt and when they might apply this strategy in class.
  • Encourage the student to set a simple goal for using the strategy in their next lesson.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Worksheet

Distraction Reflection Worksheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: _______________

Step 1: List Your Distractions

Write three distracting thoughts or worries you have about your family.

  1. Distraction #1: ________________________________________






    How does this distraction make you feel? ____________________





  2. Distraction #2: ________________________________________






    How does this distraction make you feel? ____________________





  3. Distraction #3: ________________________________________






    How does this distraction make you feel? ____________________





Step 2: Choose the Two Most Disruptive

Circle the two distractions above that you feel disrupt your focus the most.

Distraction 1: ____________________________


Distraction 2: ____________________________


Step 3: Reflect on Impact

Why do these two distractions affect your focus more than the others?
______________________________________________________________





lenny
lenny

Activity

Focus Strategy Cards

Print and cut along the dotted lines. Each card shows a quick focus strategy you can use anytime you feel distracted.

Deep Breathing

What to Do:

  1. Sit up straight, place your hands on your belly.
  2. Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of 4.
  3. Hold your breath for a count of 2.
  4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 4.
  5. Repeat two more times.

When to Use:
• If you feel anxious or your mind is racing, take a moment to calm yourself with deep breaths.

Focus Word

What to Do:

  1. Choose a calming word (e.g., “peace,” “ready,” “focus”).
  2. As you breathe in and out, silently say your focus word in your mind.
  3. Keep repeating until you feel more centered.

When to Use:
• If your attention starts to wander, using a focus word helps bring you back to the task.

Stretch Break

What to Do:

  1. Stand up beside your desk.
  2. Reach both arms overhead and gently lean to the right, then to the left.
  3. Roll your shoulders forward and backward.
  4. Take one deep breath when you finish.

When to Use:
• If you’ve been sitting too long or feel tense, a quick stretch helps you reset.

Positive Self-Talk

What to Do:

  1. Think of a confident phrase like “I can do this,” “Stay strong,” or “Keep going.”
  2. Say it quietly to yourself once or twice.
  3. Smile or nod your head to reinforce the message.

When to Use:
• If you feel overwhelmed or discouraged, positive words remind you of your ability.

Quick Reset

What to Do:

  1. Close your eyes for a moment.
  2. Count slowly to 5 in your head.
  3. Open your eyes, take one deep breath, and look back at your work.

When to Use:
• If you need an immediate, mini–break to clear your mind and refocus instantly.

lenny
lenny

Slide Deck

Family Focus Fix

Managing distractions from challenging family situations.

Welcome the student to today’s session. Explain: “Today we’ll learn ways to stay focused when things at home—like thoughts about mom, mom’s ex-boyfriend, or Aunt Penny—get on your mind.”

Session Objectives

• Identify your top family distractions
• Reflect on how they make you feel
• Learn quick coping strategies to refocus
• Practice one strategy right now

Point out the four goals of the session. Emphasize each objective briefly before moving on.

Step 1: Identify Distractions

Think about three worries or thoughts you have about your family (mom, mom’s ex-boyfriend, Aunt Penny).
Write each one on your Distraction Reflection Worksheet.

Ask the student: “What thoughts or worries about your family pop into your mind?” Guide them to write down three on the worksheet.

Step 2: Reflect on Impact

On your worksheet:
• Note how each distraction makes you feel
• Circle the two that distract you the most

Reflect: Why do these two stand out?

Help the student note the feelings next to each distraction. Then ask them to circle the two that distract them the most.

Step 3: Explore Coping Strategies

Review your Focus Strategy Cards:
• Deep Breathing
• Focus Word
• Stretch Break
• Positive Self-Talk
• Quick Reset

Discuss how and when to use each.

Show the Focus Strategy Cards. Briefly describe each strategy and when it’s helpful.

Step 4: Practice a Strategy

Pick one strategy card.
Set the timer for 2 minutes and try it now.

Notice how you feel.

Prompt the student to choose one card. Set the timer for 2 minutes and guide them through the chosen strategy.

Step 5: Reflect & Plan

After practice:
• How did the strategy help?
• When will you use it next?

Write a simple goal for your next class.

Ask reflective questions: “How did that feel? When might you use it again?” Encourage them to write a goal.

You’ve Got This!

Remember your strategies:
• Use breathing, a focus word, or a quick reset when you feel distracted
• Stay aware of your feelings

You can stay focused—one step at a time!

Congratulate the student on completing the session. Remind them these tools are always available.

lenny