Pointer Thumb Practice for Focus

Lesson Activity

Try Other Practices for Focus & Memory: 

1. Set a Timer for 1-3 minutes, and count your exhales.  If you lose count, no biggie, start at one again. 

2. Memorize Objects- Set out 10 objects or so, give them 1 minute to look at them, and see if they can remember them.  I usually have them write them down on their own first, then as a class see if they can get them all.  

We discuss strategy, like panicked remembering vs calm remembering, and making up stories to help them remember all the items. 

3. Verbal Memory games like "I'm going on a trip."  I like to do this one when we are learning names, just going around the group once.  The student says their name, and something they enjoy doing.  As a group we repeat "Their name is ____, and they like ____."

4. Any mindfulness practice will help with focus.  Research shows us the part of the brain related to focus actually changes with mindfulness.

5. Movement practices- Touch your elbow, then touch your toe, and then reach your arms up to the sky, and adding longer sequences can be a great practice, too.  

Board Games

• Spot it- You can buy it an many stories is an awesome focus game! There are are many different kinds, too.  I like the original. 
• The Secret Door- You know those simple, old games you loved in school- this one fits the bill.  It's a quick play, cooperative (working as a team) memory game.  Kids of all ages like it!