Focus Frenzy Lesson Plan Focus & Finish Frenzy
Tier 3 Individualized Intervention • Executive Functioning
30 Minutes
Why This Matters
Developing strong focus and task completion skills is crucial for academic success and daily independence. This lesson provides personalized tools and techniques to help the student manage ADHD symptoms and build confidence in their ability to learn and achieve.
Objective
The student will learn and practice strategies to improve sustained attention, reduce distractions, and complete tasks effectively within a structured, supportive environment.
Preparation
Gather a whiteboard or large paper and markers.
Prepare a visual timer (physical or digital).
Print the Task Breakdown Worksheet .
Have small manipulatives (LEGOs, fidgets) ready.
Review the Script and Reflection questions.
Materials Checklist
Whiteboard & Markers
Visual Timer
Task Breakdown Worksheet
Small Manipulatives (LEGO/Toy)
Cool Down Reflection
Focus Frenzy Slide Deck
Instructional Sequence
5m
Warm Up
Brain Boost Challenge
Begin with a quick, engaging category-naming challenge to activate focus. Use a visual timer to introduce time management and create a sense of focused urgency.
10m
Direct
Sharpening Our Focus Tools
Discuss what "focus" means using the slide deck. Introduce "one task at a time" and "breaking tasks into chunks." Demonstrate the visual timer and how to use the Task Breakdown Worksheet.
10m
Practice
Conquer the Task!
Present a multi-step task (LEGOs or short writing). Guide the student to break it down on the worksheet. Use the timer for each "chunk." Provide positive reinforcement and gentle redirection.
5m
Reflect
Reflection Time
Facilitate a brief reflection using the Cool Down questions. Discuss which strategies worked best and celebrate today's achievements.
Focus Frenzy Presentation Slides Welcome to Focus Fun!
Hello, Super Brain! Today, we're going to learn some cool tricks to help your brain focus and finish tasks, like a superhero completing a mission!
Teacher Note: Welcome the student and set an encouraging tone.
What is 'Focus'?
Focus means putting all your attention on one thing.
Sometimes our brains like to jump around, right? That's okay! We'll learn how to gently bring it back.
Teacher Note: Use the spotlight analogy. Ask what makes it hard to focus sometimes.
Big Task, Small Steps!
Feeling Overwhelmed?
A huge job can feel like a HUGE mountain!
The Solution!
Break it into tiny, easy steps—like climbing a ladder, one rung at a time!
Step 4
Step 3
Step 2
Step 1
Teacher Note: Ask the student if they've ever felt overwhelmed by a big task.
Meet the Visual Timer!
This awesome tool helps your brain know how much time we have for each small step.
Let's focus for THIS long!
It's like a friendly clock for your mission.
Teacher Note: Explain how it helps us "see" time. Demonstrate with the physical timer.
You Got This!
One thing at a time!
Break it down!
Use your visual timer!
"Practice makes progress, not perfect!"
Teacher Note: Summarize strategies and emphasize self-compassion.
Focus Frenzy Facilitation Script Focus & Finish Script
Instructional Facilitation Guide • Tier 3 Intervention
1
Warm-Up: Brain Boost Challenge
5 MINUTES
"Welcome! I'm so excited to work with you today. We're going to play a quick 'Brain Boost Challenge' to get our minds ready. I'm going to give you a category, and I want you to name as many things as you can think of in that category in one minute. Ready? Our first category is... 'Animals that live in the ocean!' Go!"
Start the visual timer. Encourage the student and provide immediate positive feedback as they name items.
"Wow, you named so many! Your brain is already warmed up and ready to go! How did it feel to try and think quickly for that minute?"
2
Mini-Lesson: Sharpening Tools
10 MINUTES
"Today, we're going to talk about something super important: 'focus.' What do you think 'focus' means?"
"That's right! Focus means putting all your attention on ONE thing. (Show Slide 2) Sometimes, our brains like to think about lots of different things at once. It's like your brain has a lot of tabs open on a computer! It's totally normal, but it can make it tricky to finish what we start."
"But guess what? We can teach our brains some awesome tricks! (Show Slide 3) Have you ever had a really big job to do, like cleaning your room or a long math assignment? How does that feel?"
"Yeah, it can feel like a huge mountain! Our first tool is to break big tasks into small, tiny steps. Each small step is easier to start and finish! Our second tool is this fantastic Visual Timer! (Show Slide 4) It shows us exactly how much time we have to work on one small step. It helps our brains know, 'Okay, I need to focus for just this long on this one thing.'"
3
Activity: Conquer the Task!
10 MINUTES
"Alright, superstar! Now it's your turn to be a task conqueror! Let's say our big task is building this LEGO model. First, let's use our Task Breakdown Worksheet. What are the small steps we can take?"
Guide the student to list steps (e.g., '1. Find red pieces', '2. Build base'). Write them on the worksheet together.
"Excellent! For our first step, let's set our timer for 3 minutes. Remember, our job is to focus only on this step until the timer goes off. Gently bring your brain back if it wanders. You can do it!"
Repeat for each step. Acknowledge completion of each small chunk with a high five or praise.
4
Cool Down: Reflection
5 MINUTES
"You've worked so hard! (Show Slide 5) What was one strategy we used today that you think helped you focus?"
"Awesome! Remember, practicing these 'focus tools' helps your brain get stronger. You have an amazing brain! Give yourself a high five!"
Brain Boost Challenge Warm-up Brain Boost Challenge
Warm-Up Activity
Objective
Get your brain warmed up and ready to focus! This challenge wakes up your thinking powers.
Instructions
1
Your teacher will give you a category (like "Things in space" or "Words that start with B").
2
You will have one minute to name as many items as you can that fit the category.
3
Watch the visual timer ! It will show you exactly how much time is left.
4
Try your best to think quickly and focus only on the category!
Focus on the clock!
Visual Timer Activity Reference Visual Timer Activity
Objective
To help you see and understand time, and to practice focusing for a set period.
How it works
1
Your teacher will set the visual timer for a short amount of time (like 3–5 minutes).
2
You will work on one specific task during that time.
3
As the time passes, the color on the timer will disappear , showing you how much time is left.
4
When the color is all gone, it means your time for that step is up!
Why it helps
It lets your brain see time , which can make it easier to stay on task.
It helps you know when a task will end, so you can focus all your energy for that short burst.
It makes managing time less stressful and more fun!
Task Breakdown Worksheet Task Breakdown
Small Steps for Big Success!
Name: ______________________
Date: _______________________
The Big Task
Let's break it down!
What are the smaller steps?
1
Estimated time: ________ minutes with visual timer
2
Estimated time: ________ minutes with visual timer
3
Estimated time: ________ minutes with visual timer
4
Estimated time: ________ minutes with visual timer
5
Estimated time: ________ minutes with visual timer
Great job! Now, let's conquer these steps one at a time!
Cool Down Reflection Cool Down Reflection
Name: ______________________
Let's think about our focus tools!
Reflecting on what we learned helps our brains remember our new superpowers.
1
What was one strategy we used today that you think helped you focus?
2
How do you think you could use this strategy when you're doing homework or a task in class?
3
What is one thing you learned about your amazing brain today?
Fantastic Job!
Keep practicing your focus superpowers! High five!
