Focus Check: Are You Gold?

Instructions:
1. Think about how focused you feel right now.
2. On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is "Totally Zoned Out" and 5 is "Laser Focused," write down your number.
3. Quickly jot down one thing that helps you focus OR one thing that usually distracts you.



My Focus Level:



One thing that helps/distracts me:

Focus Fighters Script

Warm-Up: Focus Check (5 minutes)

(Teacher says while displaying the Focus Check Warm-Up and having students prepare their whiteboards/paper):

"Alright, Focus Fighters! Let's start with a quick 'Focus Check.' I want you to think about how focused you feel right now. On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is 'Totally Zoned Out' and 5 is 'Laser Focused,' write down your number. Then, quickly jot down one thing that helps you focus OR one thing that usually distracts you. Don't worry, there are no right or wrong answers, just your honest check-in! You have about 2 minutes to do this quietly."

(Give students time to complete. Circulate and observe. After 2 minutes):

"Okay, everyone. Who'd like to share their focus number and maybe one thing that helps or distracts them? (Call on a few students. Affirm responses). Great job checking in with yourselves! This is the first step to becoming a 'Focus Fighter.'"

Introduction to Strategies (8 minutes)

(Teacher transitions to Stay Gold Slide Deck, Slide 1: "Focus Fighters: Stay Gold!")

"Welcome, awesome students, to 'Focus Fighters: Stay Gold!' What does 'Stay Gold' mean to you? (Allow brief responses). To me, it means staying true to your best self, especially when it comes to focusing, talking with friends, and speaking up for what you need. And today, we're going to unlock some superpowers to help us do just that!"

(Teacher transitions to Slide 2: "Your Mission: Stay Gold!")

"Our mission today is to learn how to be super awesome at three things:

• First, Staying On-Task: Like a super spy, staying focused on your mission in class!
• Second, Connecting with Friends: Making conversations easier and more fun, like a social detective!
• And third, Speaking Up for YOU!: Being your own best advocate, like a superhero for yourself!"

(Teacher transitions to Slide 3: "Superpower 1: Laser Focus! (Staying On-Task)")

"Let's talk about our first superpower: 'Laser Focus!' Raise your hand if you've ever found your mind wandering during a lesson, even when you really want to pay attention? (Most hands should go up). It's totally normal! Our brains are busy places. But we can learn some tricks to help us stay on-task.

"One trick is using Fidget Friends. (Hold up an example fidget if you have one, or describe it). These aren't toys to play with; they're tools to help your brain focus its energy. Sometimes, a little movement in our hands can help our brains stay alert. Has anyone used a fidget before? How did it help you? (Allow responses, especially from Angel if comfortable)."

"Another trick is Brain Breaks. These are short, quick movements that help recharge your focus batteries. When you feel yourself losing focus, a quick stretch, a walk to sharpen your pencil, or even a few deep breaths can make a big difference. We'll explore these more later."

"And finally, Checking In with yourself. Just like we did in our warm-up! How long can you stay on your 'mission' or task? Knowing your own focus patterns helps you know when to use your fidget friend or take a brain break."

(Teacher transitions to Slide 4: "Superpower 2: Friend Connect! (Talking with Peers)")

"Our second superpower is 'Friend Connect!' Do you ever feel shy about starting a conversation, or sometimes a conversation just doesn't go where you hoped? (Allow students to nod or respond). Let's learn how to make conversations easier and more fun, just like our friend Natalia is working on.

"A great way to connect is to Ask Awesome Questions. Instead of just saying 'yes' or 'no,' try asking questions that start with 'What,' 'How,' or 'Why.' This shows you're interested and keeps the conversation going! For example, if someone says they had a good weekend, instead of just 'Cool,' you could ask, 'What was the best part?'"

"It's also super important to Listen Up! Really hear what your friend is saying, not just waiting for your turn to talk. And try to Stay on Topic. Keep the conversation flowing smoothly by building on what the other person said, rather than jumping to a new subject.

"Small things like a Smile & Nod can also show your friend you're engaged and happy to be talking to them."

(Teacher transitions to Slide 5: "Superpower 3: Speak Your Truth! (Self-Advocacy)")

"Now for our third superpower: 'Speak Your Truth!' This one is about Self-Advocacy. Has anyone heard that word before? (Allow responses). Self-advocacy means respectfully telling an adult what you need or what's bothering you, like our friend Nasiah is learning to do.

"Sometimes, when we're feeling confused, overwhelmed, or have a problem with a friend, we need to Find Your Voice. It can be tough, but practicing how to say what you need clearly is a huge skill.

"One powerful way to do this is using 'I' Statements. Instead of saying 'You always make me mad,' which can sound blaming, try 'I feel frustrated when I can't finish my work because I'm distracted.' It focuses on your feelings and needs. The formula is: 'I feel... when... because... I need...'

"Think about Who to Talk To: Your teacher, your counselor, a parent, or any trusted adult. And When to Talk: When you notice a problem brewing, before it gets too big. It takes courage, but it's a skill that will help you throughout your life."

Strategy Spotlight Worksheet (7 minutes)

(Teacher transitions to Slide 6: "Time to Practice: Your Strategy Spotlight!")

"Now it's YOUR turn to think about how you can use these superpowers! I'm going to hand out the Strategy Spotlight Worksheet. On this worksheet, you'll see a space for each superpower. I want you to write down one specific way you can use each strategy in school or with your friends. For example, for 'Laser Focus,' maybe Angel will write down 'Use my fidget during independent reading.' For 'Friend Connect,' Natalia might write 'Ask my friend a 'what' question during lunch.' And for 'Speak Your Truth,' Nasiah might think 'Tell my teacher I need a brain break using an 'I' statement.'

"You have about 7 minutes to work on this. I'll be walking around to help if you get stuck or want to brainstorm ideas. Let's make these strategies yours!"

(Distribute worksheets and circulate, providing individual support and encouragement. Reiterate specific examples for Angel, Natalia, and Nasiah if applicable and appropriate.)

Discussion & Role-Play (7 minutes)

(Teacher transitions to Slide 7: "Action Time: Role-Play Real Life!")

"Excellent work on your Strategy Spotlight! Now, let's put our superpowers to the test in a fun way – through role-playing! I have some Role-Play Scenario Cards here. Each card describes a situation where you might need to use one of our superpowers.

"Here's how it will work: I'll ask someone to pick a card. We'll read the scenario, and then you and a partner (or we can act it out as a small group) will role-play how you would handle it using the strategies we just learned. Remember, this is a safe space to practice and try things out. Let's focus on using those Laser Focus, Friend Connect, and Speak Your Truth skills."

(Facilitate 2-3 role-play scenarios. Encourage students to actively participate and provide constructive feedback after each role-play. Guide them to connect the role-play back to their IEP goals.)

"That was fantastic! It's so helpful to practice these skills in a safe way."

Cool Down: Self-Advocacy Bingo (3 minutes)

(Teacher transitions to Slide 8: "You're a Focus Fighter! Stay Gold!")

"Wow, you've all been incredible Focus Fighters today! Remember, you have the power to: stay focused and on-task, connect with your friends, and speak up for yourself. These are lifelong superpowers!

"To wrap up our mission, let's play a super quick game of Self-Advocacy Bingo! This will help us remember all the awesome ways we can speak up for ourselves and our needs."

(Explain and play the Self-Advocacy Bingo game. Keep it light and fun to end the session.)

"Great job, everyone! Keep practicing these superpowers, and remember to 'Stay Gold'! You've got this!"

Strategy Spotlight: Your Personal Power-Ups!

Instructions: For each superpower below, think about a specific way you can use this strategy in your daily life at school or with friends. Write down your idea in the space provided. Be specific!

Superpower 1: Laser Focus! (Staying On-Task & Self-Regulation)

• Goal: To help you concentrate during class, especially during lessons or independent work. This helps you stay on your "mission" without getting sidetracked.

• My Personal Power-Up Idea: How will you use fidgets, brain breaks, or check-ins to stay focused?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Superpower 2: Friend Connect! (Initiating & Maintaining Peer Interaction)

• Goal: To help you start conversations, keep them going, and show your friends you're interested in what they're saying. This helps you build stronger friendships.

• My Personal Power-Up Idea: How will you ask questions, listen actively, or stay on topic to connect with friends?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Superpower 3: Speak Your Truth! (Self-Advocacy)

• Goal: To help you express your feelings, needs, or concerns to adults clearly and respectfully. This empowers you to get the support you need.

• My Personal Power-Up Idea: How will you use "I" statements or talk to a trusted adult when you have a problem or a need?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Role-Play Scenario Cards for Discussion

Instructions: Cut out these cards. In groups or pairs, choose a card and role-play the scenario. Focus on using the superpowers we discussed: Laser Focus, Friend Connect, and Speak Your Truth!

Scenario 1: Laser Focus Challenge

Situation: You are in math class, and the teacher is explaining a new concept. You feel your mind starting to wander, and you notice your friend next to you tapping their pencil loudly.

Your Task: Show how you would use a Laser Focus strategy to stay on task without distracting others. (Think: fidget, quick brain break, self-talk).

Scenario 2: Friend Connect Opportunity

Situation: It's lunch, and you see a new student sitting alone. You want to say hello and get to know them, but you're not sure how to start.

Your Task: Role-play how you would initiate a conversation using Friend Connect strategies. (Think: asking open-ended questions, active listening, staying on topic).

Scenario 3: Speak Your Truth Moment (Nasiah's Goal)

Situation: You are feeling overwhelmed by a group project in English class. You don't understand your part, and you're worried about asking for help in front of everyone.

Your Task: Role-play how you would use Speak Your Truth to advocate for yourself with an adult (e.g., the teacher). (Think: using an "I" statement, asking to speak privately, clearly stating your need).

Scenario 4: Focus Interruption

Situation: You're trying to read an important passage for history class, but someone keeps trying to talk to you about something unrelated.

Your Task: Demonstrate how you would kindly, but firmly, use Laser Focus and Friend Connect skills to manage the interruption and return to your task, perhaps by suggesting to talk later or finding a quieter space.

Scenario 5: Group Project Challenge (Natalia's Goal)

Situation: You are working on a group presentation, and one group member is dominating the conversation, not letting anyone else share ideas. You want to contribute, but it's hard to get a word in.

Your Task: Role-play how you would use Friend Connect strategies to politely interject, ask relevant questions, and share your ideas, ensuring everyone participates.

Scenario 6: Disagreement with a Peer

Situation: You and a friend disagree about whose turn it is to use the computer during free time. Both of you feel you're right.

Your Task: Show how you would use Speak Your Truth and Friend Connect skills to resolve the disagreement calmly and fairly, perhaps by suggesting a compromise or involving an adult if needed.

Self-Advocacy Bingo!

Instructions: Mark off a square when you think of a time or situation where you would use that self-advocacy skill. When you get three in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally), shout "BINGO!"