Attention Adventure Teacher Guide
Attention Adventure
Positive Attention-Seeking Skills (Tier 3 Intervention)
MISSION
Duration
30 Minutes
Audience
5-Year-Old (Individual)
Goal
Reduce Disruptive Attention-Seeking
Why This Matters
This individual intervention helps children express their needs appropriately, promoting self-regulation and social success while reducing behaviors that interrupt learning or play.
Gear List
- "Sammy Fox and the Big Wait" Storybook
- Role-play props (hats, puppets, or stuffed animals)
- Prompt Power Cards (Printable)
- Adventure Action Scenario Guide
Teacher Tip
"Catch the child being good! Use heavy praise when they use any positive strategy during the lesson."
Adventure Roadmap
1
The Welcome Quest
5 MIN
Welcome the child warmly. Explain that today is an "Attention Adventure" where we learn how to be "Super Communicators." Briefly discuss what attention-seeking behavior looks like (e.g., shouting, pulling) vs. what it sounds like when we ask for what we need.
2
Sammy’s Story
10 MIN
Read "Sammy Fox and the Big Wait." Pause frequently to check in:
- • "How does Sammy feel when nobody looks at his picture?"
- • "What did he do that made his teacher sad?"
- • "What could he say instead of yelling?"
3
Action Station
10 MIN
Use puppets or props to act out scenarios from the Adventure Action Scenarios. Model the "wrong" way (shouting) and then have the child help you do the "right" way using the Prompt Power Cards. Let the child lead the "right" way several times.
4
The Badge of Honor
5 MIN
Recap: "We use our words to get help and show our work." Give the child the Prompt Power Cards to keep.
Praise Prompt
"You were such a brave adventurer today. You used your words so clearly!"
Story and Scenarios Guide
Sammy’s Story & Role-Play
Instructional Script & Practice Scenarios
Part 1: Sammy Fox and the Big Wait
Read the following story aloud to the child. Pause at the [brackets] to ask questions.
Once upon a time, there was a little fox named Sammy. Sammy loved to paint. One morning, he painted a beautiful picture of a bright red fire truck. He was so proud! He wanted his teacher, Ms. Owl, to see it right away.
But Ms. Owl was busy. She was helping a little bunny tie her shoes. Sammy stood by Ms. Owl and waited for one second... then two seconds... then three seconds. He felt like he couldn't wait any longer!
[PAUSE: How do you think Sammy is feeling right now? What do you think he might do next?]
Sammy started to tug on Ms. Owl’s wing. "Look! Look! Look!" he shouted. Ms. Owl looked surprised and a little bit sad. She had to stop helping the bunny. "Sammy," she said softly, "I love your painting, but I am helping a friend right now. When you shout and pull, it makes it hard for me to finish my work."
Sammy’s ears drooped. He didn't want Ms. Owl to be sad. He just wanted her to see his truck! Ms. Owl smiled. "Next time, Sammy, you can tap me gently on the shoulder or say, 'Ms. Owl, look what I did!' when I finish this shoe. Then I will be so happy to see your picture."
The next day, Sammy painted a rocket ship. He waited for Ms. Owl to finish her snack, then he said clearly, "Look what I did!" Ms. Owl did a happy dance and said, "Wow, Sammy! That is the best rocket ship I have ever seen!"
[PAUSE: What did Sammy do differently the second time? How did Ms. Owl feel then?]
Part 2: Action Scenarios
Use puppets or act these out with the child. First, show the "Wrong Way" (shouting/pulling), then have the child show the "Adventure Way" using their Prompt Power Cards.
The Block Tower
The Setup: You (the teacher) are building a tall block tower. The child wants to help but doesn't know how to join in.
Practice: "Can we play together?"
The Tricky Puzzle
The Setup: The child is trying to put a puzzle together but one piece is stuck. You are reading a book nearby.
Practice: "I need help, please."
The Swing Set
The Setup: You are pretending to play on a "swing" (a chair). The child wants a turn but isn't sure when it will be over.
Practice: "Can I have a turn?"
Attention Adventure Slides
Attention Adventure
Becoming a Super Communicator!
Mission One
Adventure Rules
Listen
Use your ears to hear the story.
Speak
Use your words to ask for help.
Story Time!
Let's meet Sammy Fox...
Sammy is painting...
The Big Wait
Sammy is so proud of his fire truck! But Ms. Owl is busy.
How does Sammy feel?
Super Power Words
"I need help, please."
"Look what I did!"
"Can we play together?"
Which one will you use first?