Paying Attention Game

Divide the class into small groups to practice skills they have just learned. Each group is instructed to play the “pay attention game” where each student will have a chance to sit up straight, lean in toward the speaker, and maintain eye contact just as the models did in lesson one. Each student should get the chance to be a speaker and all should try the skill each time they do not speak. Twenty seconds should be counted off by a timer in the group so as to know when to switch. All group members should help each other with the skills. Continue activity until all have tried out each position then have them re-assemble in the large group. Process the activity with the class asking specific questions of each group. Ask process questions like, “How do you think using these skills will help you in school?” “What are some ways you can pay attention even if others around you are not?” “What was it like trying to use good eye contact with the leader?” and “What other ways can you think of to let the speaker know you are listening?” Review the three skills with the class and end the lesson.