Positive Attention Power! Script

(Warm-Up - 5 minutes)

"Good morning, everyone! Let's start with a quick thought. Think about a time when you really wanted someone to notice you. Maybe it was a parent, a teacher, or a friend. How did you try to get their attention? Take a minute to jot down one idea or just think about it quietly. (Pause for a moment) Can a few brave volunteers share one way they like to get noticed?"

(Listen to a few student responses. Acknowledge and validate different approaches, without judgment.)

"That's great! It seems like we all have ways we like to get noticed, and that's perfectly normal. Today, we're going to talk all about attention – why we want it, and more importantly, how we can get it in ways that make everyone feel good. Let's look at our first slide."

(Introduction & Defining Attention - 7 minutes)

(Display Positive Attention Slides - Slide 1)

"Our lesson today is called 'Positive Attention Power!' We're going to explore what attention is and how we can use our 'attention power' for good. Have you ever thought about why you might want attention? What does it feel like to be noticed?"

(Allow a few students to share. Guide them towards ideas of feeling valued, important, or seen.)

"Exactly! It often feels good to be seen and heard. It's a natural part of being human. Let's move to our next slide."

(Display Positive Attention Slides - Slide 2)

"So, what is attention? It's simply when people notice you! It could be your teacher noticing your hard work, your friend noticing your new haircut, or your family noticing your help around the house. We all want to be noticed, but there are different ways to go about it. And how we get noticed makes a big difference in how we and others feel. This brings us to a really important idea: positive attention versus negative attention."

(Display Positive Attention Slides - Slide 3)

"Take a look at this slide. We have two types of attention here: Positive Attention and Negative Attention. Can someone read out the description for Positive Attention?" (Allow student to read). "Thank you! So, positive attention is when you get noticed for doing good things, things that make you and others feel happy. Like helping a friend, sharing a great idea, or doing awesome work. Can anyone think of another example of positive attention?"

(Encourage a few student examples.)

"Now, who can read the description for Negative Attention?" (Allow student to read). "Thanks! Negative attention is when you get noticed for things that aren't so good, things that might make you or others feel upset or frustrated. Things like calling out without raising your hand, interrupting someone who is speaking, or maybe making distracting noises. Why do you think someone might seek negative attention?"

(Guide students to understand that sometimes any attention feels better than no attention, or they don't know how else to get it. Emphasize that while it gets attention, it often has unwanted consequences.)

"It's important to remember that even if negative attention gets you noticed, it often doesn't lead to good feelings in the long run. It can cause problems in the classroom, with your friends, and even for yourself. Our goal today is to learn how to get the positive attention we all deserve!"

(Exploring Scenarios - 10 minutes)

(Display Positive Attention Slides - Slide 4)

"Now that we understand the difference, let's practice! I'm going to give each small group an Attention Scenarios Activity sheet. Your task will be to read the scenario, decide if the student is seeking positive or negative attention, and then, most importantly, brainstorm a positive way that student could get noticed instead. Think about how their actions affect others and what a better choice would be. I'll give you about 7 minutes to discuss in your groups." (Divide students into small groups and distribute the Attention Scenarios Activity. Circulate and assist as needed).

(Group Share & Strategies - 5 minutes)

"Alright, let's bring it back together! I'd love for each group to share one of their scenarios and the positive strategy you came up with. Who wants to go first?"

(As groups share, write their positive attention strategies on the whiteboard or a large piece of paper on Positive Attention Slides - Slide 5. Encourage a diverse list.)

"Wow, these are fantastic ideas! We have a great list of ways to get noticed positively. Things like [mention a few student ideas] are all excellent ways to show up, contribute, and feel good about the attention you receive."

(Cool-Down & Wrap-Up - 3 minutes)

"To wrap up our lesson, I want you to think about one new positive attention-seeking strategy from our list today that you can try to use this week. Write it down on your Cool-Down: Positive Reflection sheet."

"Remember, it's okay to want attention – it's a natural feeling! The power is in how you choose to get it. By choosing positive ways, you not only feel better about yourself, but you also help create a happier classroom and build stronger friendships. Thank you, everyone!"

Discussion Prompts: Positive Attention

Use these prompts during the lesson to encourage student participation and deeper thinking.

Warm-Up Questions

• What does it mean to 'get noticed'?
• How do you feel when someone pays attention to you?
• Can you think of a time when you really wanted someone to notice something you did or said?

Defining Attention (After slides 1-2)

• Why do people seek attention? What are some feelings that make us want attention?
• Is wanting attention a good thing, a bad thing, or just a normal human thing? Explain your thoughts.

Positive vs. Negative Attention (After slide 3)

• What are some clear differences between positive and negative attention?
• Can you think of an example from a book, movie, or your own life (without naming names!) where someone got negative attention? What happened?
• Why do you think someone might try to get negative attention even if it causes problems?
• How does it feel to receive positive attention? How does it feel to see someone else getting positive attention?
• How does it feel to receive negative attention? How does it feel to see someone else getting negative attention?

Reflecting on Strategies (After activity share-out)

• What was one surprising thing you learned about attention today?
• From our list of positive strategies, which one do you think is easiest to try?
• Which one might be a little harder, and why?
• How can using positive attention strategies help our classroom be a better place for everyone?
• How can using positive attention strategies help you in your friendships?

Attention Scenarios: Choose Your Power!

Directions: Read each scenario with your group. Discuss whether the student in the scenario is seeking positive or negative attention. Then, brainstorm and write down a positive way the student could get the attention they want instead.

Scenario 1

Mariah keeps tapping her pencil loudly on her desk during silent reading time. When the teacher asks her to stop, Mariah says, "I was just bored!"

• Is Mariah seeking positive or negative attention?
  
  
  
• What is a positive way Mariah could get attention instead?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 2

Liam always tries to be the first one to answer questions, even if he blurts out the answer before the teacher finishes asking. He gets excited when the teacher acknowledges him, even if it's to remind him to raise his hand.

• Is Liam seeking positive or negative attention?
  
  
  
• What is a positive way Liam could get attention instead?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 3

Chloe spent extra time drawing a beautiful picture for the class art project. During art show-and-tell, she patiently waits for her turn, and when it comes, she clearly explains her inspiration and technique to the class.

• Is Chloe seeking positive or negative attention?
  
  
  
• What is a positive way Chloe could get attention instead?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 4

During group work, Ben constantly makes funny faces and silly noises to make his friends laugh, even when they are supposed to be focusing on the task. His group often gets off track because of him.

• Is Ben seeking positive or negative attention?
  
  
  
• What is a positive way Ben could get attention instead?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 5

Sarah noticed her classmate struggling to open a stubborn juice box. Without being asked, she quietly walked over and helped them open it, then returned to her seat.

• Is Sarah seeking positive or negative attention?
  
  
  
• What is a positive way Sarah could get attention instead?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Warm-Up: Attention Grab!

Think about it: How do you like to get noticed by others? Is there something you do or say that usually gets people to pay attention to you? Write down one way you like to grab someone's attention.

Share: Be ready to share your idea with the class!

Cool-Down: Positive Reflection

Reflect: From our discussion today, what is one new positive way you learned to get attention? Write down one strategy you can try to use this week in class or with your friends.

Why is this strategy a good choice?