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FOCUS: Stay Present

Lesson Plan

FOCUS: Stay Present

Clinical staff will learn and practice the 'FOCUS' framework to improve their presence and engagement in classroom settings.

Understanding and applying the FOCUS framework helps clinical staff create more supportive and effective learning environments, directly impacting student well-being and academic success.

Audience

Clinical Staff

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and practical application.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Markers or Pens, FOCUS Framework Slide Deck, and FOCUS Reflection Worksheet

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Greet participants and introduce the lesson topic: "FOCUS: Stay Present."
    - Ask: "What does it mean to be truly 'present' in a classroom? Why is it important for our role?" (2 min)
    - Briefly introduce the 'FOCUS' framework as a tool for enhancing presence. (1 min)
    - Transition to the FOCUS Framework Slide Deck to begin the main content.

Step 2

Explore the FOCUS Framework

15 minutes

  • Present the FOCUS Framework Slide Deck, explaining each letter of FOCUS:
    - Feelings: Acknowledge your own and students' emotions.
    - Observations: Pay close attention to non-verbal cues and classroom dynamics.
    - Connect: Build rapport and engage with students individually or in small groups.
    - Understand: Seek to comprehend underlying needs and perspectives.
    - Support: Provide targeted assistance and positive reinforcement.
    - Facilitate a brief discussion after each letter, asking for real-world examples from their experiences. (10 min)
    - Encourage questions and clarifications. (5 min)

Step 3

Application & Reflection

7 minutes

  • Distribute the FOCUS Reflection Worksheet. (1 min)
    - Instruct participants to individually reflect on a recent classroom interaction and apply the FOCUS framework to it, or brainstorm how they can use FOCUS in an upcoming session. (4 min)
    - Invite a few volunteers to share their reflections or insights. (2 min)

Step 4

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

3 minutes

  • Summarize the key takeaways of the FOCUS framework.
    - Emphasize the ongoing benefit of practicing presence.
    - Encourage participants to actively implement FOCUS in their daily interactions.
    - Thank them for their participation.
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Slide Deck

FOCUS: Stay Present

Enhancing Your Presence in the Classroom

What does it mean to be truly present?
Why is it important for our role?

Ready to FOCUS?

Welcome the staff and introduce the session. Ask about their initial thoughts on 'presence' in the classroom.

What is FOCUS?

A framework to guide your presence and engagement:

  • Feelings
  • Observations
  • Connect
  • Understand
  • Support

Introduce the FOCUS acronym as a tool. Explain that it provides a structured way to think about and improve their interaction skills.

F: Feelings

Acknowledge Emotions

  • Recognize your own feelings and how they might affect your interactions.
  • Be aware of students' emotions – joy, frustration, anxiety, excitement.
  • Empathy is key!

Explain 'Feelings' - both their own and the students'. Emphasize empathy and self-awareness. Ask for examples of how student feelings impact the classroom.

O: Observations

Pay Close Attention

  • Observe student behavior, body language, and interactions.
  • Notice classroom dynamics, energy levels, and engagement.
  • What are you seeing, hearing, sensing?

Discuss 'Observations'. Encourage active looking and listening. What non-verbal cues do students give? How do they read the room?

C: Connect

Build Rapport

  • Engage with students individually or in small groups.
  • Make eye contact and use open body language.
  • Find common ground or show genuine interest.
  • Be approachable!

Explain 'Connect'. This is about building rapport. How can they make students feel seen and heard, even in short interactions?

U: Understand

Seek Comprehension

  • Try to understand the underlying needs, motivations, or challenges of students.
  • Ask open-ended questions.
  • Listen actively without judgment.

Discuss 'Understand'. Beyond what's visible, what might be going on? Encourage curiosity and avoiding assumptions.

S: Support

Provide Assistance

  • Offer targeted help, guidance, or encouragement.
  • Provide positive reinforcement for effort and progress.
  • Be a resource for students and colleagues.

Explain 'Support'. How can they offer practical or emotional support? Emphasize positive reinforcement and scaffolding.

Bringing it all into FOCUS

The FOCUS framework is a continuous practice.

  • Enhances your effectiveness.
  • Strengthens student relationships.
  • Contributes to a positive learning environment.

Keep practicing! Keep making a difference!

Conclude by reiterating the benefits of FOCUS and encouraging consistent practice.

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Worksheet

FOCUS Reflection Worksheet

Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

Reflecting on Your Presence

Think about a recent interaction or a typical scenario you encounter in a classroom setting as a clinical staff member. Use the FOCUS framework to reflect on your approach or to plan how you might approach it differently.

F: Feelings

  • What emotions were present for you or the students during this interaction? How did they influence the situation?







  • How can recognizing these feelings help you be more present?







O: Observations

  • What specific details (body language, classroom atmosphere, student actions) did you observe, or would you observe, in this scenario?







  • How did these observations inform your understanding or actions?







C: Connect

  • How did you (or how could you) build rapport or connect with the students in this situation?







  • What specific actions help you establish a connection quickly?







U: Understand

  • What were the potential underlying needs, motivations, or perspectives of the students involved?







  • How did you (or how could you) seek to understand these deeper aspects?







S: Support

  • What kind of support did you (or could you) offer in this situation?







  • How did your support positively impact the student or the situation?







My Key Takeaway

What is one key insight or action step you will take from the FOCUS framework to enhance your presence in the classroom?












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