Second Step Lesson 2: Focusing Attention
SEL Domain(s): Empathy, Self control
Relational Risk: Low
Grades: K
*Lesson may need to be modified to meet the specific needs of students
Description
In this lesson, students learn what it means to focus their attention by observing a photo of a student named Caleb. They explore how to use their eyes, ears, and brain to concentrate, and are introduced to a fun imaginary tool called an “attent-o-scope” to help block out distractions. Through modeling and practice, students learn how self-talk—like saying “Focus attention”—can help them become better learners.
Materials
Classroom objects for attent-o-scope practice (e.g., clock, book, whiteboard)
Space for students to sit and move around comfortably
Story and Discussion
Show the photo. This is Caleb. He is listening to his teacher explain a numbers project.
1. Look carefully. What do you notice about Caleb’s face and body? Give students time to look. Call on one or two students at random. (He is sitting up straight. His eyes are looking straight ahead. He is not fiddling with anything.) He is focusing his attention on the teacher. Put your thumbs up if you noticed the same thing.
Caleb’s teacher taught him a way to focus his attention. I will teach you the same skill. When you focus your attention on something, you are using your brain (touch your head) to think about it, plus your eyes (point to your eye) and your ears (touch your ears). Focusing attention is an important Skill for Learning.
2. Raise your hand if you have heard of a telescope. Who can tell me what a telescope does? Call on one or two students at random. (Various answers.) A telescope is for looking at things that are far away. It makes those faraway things big so you can see them.
3. Put your hands around each eye, like this. Model making binoculars with your hands. This is your attent-o-scope. Have students put their hands down.
An attent-o-scope is for paying attention to things. It helps you pay attention just to the things that are important so they become big in your attention. It shuts out the other things that could take your attention away.
4. Make your attent-o-scope again, and focus it on the clock. Now put it down, but pretend your attent-o-scope is still there. Repeat this process with a few other things in the room. Pretending you have an attent-o-scope helps you really focus and shut out things that could distract you.
You switch your pretend attent-o-scope on with your words. When you say to yourself, “Focus attention,” or “Look carefully,” or “Listen,” you are switching on your attent-oscope. To help yourself learn, you have to switch on your attent-o-scope and focus your attention.
Students will introduce themselves by sharing their name and something they like that starts with the same letter. This fun activity helps with name recognition, letter associations, and finding common interests.
