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Track Your Focus

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Lesson Plan

Track Your Focus Plan

Students will read the Focus Tracking Guide and use a simple checklist to self-monitor on-task behavior at timed intervals, noticing patterns in their focus.

Building self-monitoring skills helps students become aware of when they drift off-task and empowers them to refocus independently, boosting engagement and self-regulation.

Audience

8th Grade Group

Time

10 minutes

Approach

Guided reading plus timed check-ins.

Materials

Focus Tracking Guide Reading, Self-Monitoring Checklist, and Timer or timing device

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

1 minute

  • Welcome the group and explain that today’s goal is to notice when we stay focused and when we drift off-task
  • Share that self-monitoring helps build habits for better concentration

Step 2

Guided Reading

2 minutes

  • Distribute the Focus Tracking Guide Reading
  • Read aloud key sections together, pausing to highlight how to use the checklist
  • Model filling in one example on the checklist

Step 3

Practice Check-Ins

5 minutes

  • Set a timer for 2-minute intervals (three rounds)
  • After each interval, students mark “On-Task” or “Off-Task” on their Self-Monitoring Checklist
  • Encourage honest self-assessment without judgment

Step 4

Reflection and Discussion

2 minutes

  • Invite students to share one observation (e.g., what triggered off-task moments or helped maintain focus)
  • Discuss quick strategies to refocus (e.g., deep breath, reposition, reread)
  • Reinforce how tracking builds awareness and control
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Reading

Focus Tracking Guide

What Is Self-Monitoring?

Self-monitoring means paying attention to your own thoughts and actions. When you notice whether you’re on-task or drifting off-task, you take control of your learning. Over time, this habit helps you stay focused longer and work more efficiently.

Why Track Your Focus?

  • Builds awareness: You learn your personal focus patterns.
  • Improves concentration: Noticing drift helps you refocus quickly.
  • Increases independence: You rely less on reminders from others.

How to Use the Checklist

  1. Set a timer for a set interval (e.g., 2 minutes).
  2. When the timer rings, pause and ask yourself:
    • "Am I doing the task I should be doing?"
    • If yes, mark On-Task.
    • If no, mark Off-Task.
  3. Repeat for each interval until your session ends.

Example Check-In

Imagine you’re solving math problems:

  • Timer rings and you realize you’re thinking about what to have for lunch. You mark Off-Task.
  • You take a deep breath, look back at the problem, and start again.
  • Next timer rings while you’re working on the equation—you mark On-Task.

Quick Strategies to Refocus

  • Take three deep breaths.
  • Reread the instructions or question.
  • Shift your posture: sit up straight or stand briefly.

Your Turn

Before you begin your next work session, practice one focus check-in right now.

When the timer rings in 2 minutes, ask yourself:
“Was I on-task or off-task?” Write your answer below:




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Worksheet

Self-Monitoring Checklist

Use this checklist to record your focus. Set a timer for 2 minutes. When it rings, mark whether you were on-task or off-task and write a quick note.

Interval 1 (0–2 minutes)

[ ] On-Task [ ] Off-Task

Notes:





Interval 2 (2–4 minutes)

[ ] On-Task [ ] Off-Task

Notes:





Interval 3 (4–6 minutes)

[ ] On-Task [ ] Off-Task

Notes:





Reflection

What patterns did you notice about when you drifted off-task?







What strategies will you use next time to refocus quickly?







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