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Focus Fun: Attention Strategies for 1st Graders

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Lesson Plan

Focus Fun: Attention Strategies for 1st Graders

Attention and focus strategies

This lesson aims to teach 1st graders strategies to improve their attention and focus in class. By incorporating active learning and trauma-informed teaching, students will engage in activities that cater to their need for movement and interaction. This lesson is crucial for helping students with ADHD and ADD develop skills to manage their attention, ultimately enhancing their learning experience.

Audience

1st grade students

Time

40 mins

Approach

Active Learning, Trauma-Informed Teaching

Materials

Video: Habits of a Good Student for Children, Printable Cards: Focus Strategies, Discussion: Focus and Attention, and Reading: Tips for Staying Focused

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Begin with a brief discussion about what it means to pay attention and why it's important in class.
  • Ask students to share times when they found it hard to focus and what they did to help themselves.

Step 2

Video Viewing

6 mins

Step 3

Activity: Focus Strategies

15 mins

  • Distribute the printable cards with different focus strategies.
  • Have students work in pairs to act out or demonstrate the strategy on their card.
  • Encourage movement and creativity in their demonstrations.

Step 4

Discussion: Focus and Attention

8 mins

  • Use the discussion questions to guide a conversation about the strategies they learned.
  • Encourage students to share which strategies they think will work best for them and why.

Step 5

Reading: Tips for Staying Focused

6 mins

  • Read a short passage on tips for staying focused in class.
  • Discuss any new strategies they learned from the reading and how they can apply them.
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Discussion

Focus and Attention

A discussion to help students reflect on focus strategies.

What are some strategies you learned from the video to help you focus?

Encourage students to recall specific strategies mentioned in the video.







Which focus strategy do you think will work best for you? Why?

Guide students to think about their personal challenges and how a specific strategy might help.







How can you remind yourself to use these strategies in class?

Discuss practical ways to remember and apply these strategies during class activities.







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Reading

Tips for Staying Focused

A short reading passage providing tips for students to stay focused in class.

Tips for Staying Focused

  1. Take Deep Breaths: When you feel distracted, take a few deep breaths to calm your mind.
  2. Use a Fidget Tool: Sometimes having something small to hold can help you concentrate.
  3. Set Small Goals: Break your work into smaller tasks and focus on one at a time.
  4. Move Around: If you feel restless, ask your teacher if you can stand or move a little.
  5. Ask for Help: If you're having trouble focusing, it's okay to ask your teacher for help.
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Worksheet

Focus Strategies

Printable cards with different focus strategies for students to act out.




Take Deep Breaths: Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a moment, and exhale through your mouth.







Use a Fidget Tool: Hold a small object like a stress ball to keep your hands busy and your mind focused.







Set Small Goals: Break your task into smaller steps and focus on completing one step at a time.







Move Around: Stand up and stretch or walk in place for a minute to refresh your mind.







Ask for Help: Raise your hand and ask your teacher or a classmate if you need assistance understanding something.




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lenny