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Ready, Set, Focus!

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Lesson Plan

Ready, Set, Focus! Lesson Plan

Help a neurodivergent kindergarten student increase task engagement and reduce defiant behaviors by using structured sensory breaks, choice boards, and positive reinforcement to complete short tasks within a 15-minute session.

This targeted Tier 3 session addresses attention challenges and defiance by offering sensory input, empowering choices, and immediate rewards, fostering positive work habits and increasing task completion over time.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Sensory breaks, choice boards, and token reinforcement

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

2 minutes

  • Greet the student by name and invite them to the table.
  • Lead a quick movement break (e.g., stretch arms, wiggle fingers).
  • Show the timer and explain the 15-minute session ahead.

Step 2

Focus Activity

5 minutes

  • Present a simple academic task (matching shapes or colors).
  • Offer one-on-one support and clear, calm prompts.
  • Provide praise immediately when the student starts or persists.

Step 3

Choice Board Task

3 minutes

  • Display the Choice Board Template.
  • Encourage the student to select their preferred short activity.
  • Transition smoothly by saying, “Great choice! Let’s do that now.”

Step 4

Sensory Break

3 minutes

  • Offer a Sensory Break Card to choose a tool.
  • Guide the student to use a fidget toy or deep-pressure activity.
  • Use calm, positive language to maintain focus.

Step 5

Cool-Down & Reinforcement

2 minutes

  • Ask the student what they enjoyed or found easy.
  • Award tokens on the Positive Reinforcement Token Chart for effort.
  • End with a high-five and clear praise for their work today.
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