Mindful Listening
We talked about our brain's ability to filter things out for us. We used the beans in the strainer to represent when we think of different things other than what we are supposed to be focused on; we used the sugar in the strainer to represent sounds, sights, feelings, tastes and smells that might be happening to us or around us when we are supposed to be focusing. We then talked about how hard it is to pay attention or focus sometimes.
It is our job to refocus our brains and 'STRAIN' the things out that get in our way. By asking the students the following questions, we are able to start helping them to become aware of when it is hard to LISTEN or PAY ATTENTION. Once they start becoming aware of the things that get in their way, they can start using strategies to help them along the way.
Paying Attention
What are some situations, places or times of the day when it is hard for you to pay attention?
When that happens, what do you think is happening in your brain?
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| Our RAS - Reticular Activating System in our brain is our own personal secretary in our brain and helps us keep things organized and 'STRAINED' out when we are supposed to be focusing and paying attention. |
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Beans = Thinking about other things
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Sugar = Sounds, sights, feelings, tastes
and smells
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=
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Strainer = Our brain’s ability to filter
things
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