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Unlock Focus: Master the Focus Map (for ADHD/ASD/Autism/Neurodiverse)

In this one-time class, students will create and practice using focus maps to enhance their focus during classes and while listening to stories.
New on Outschool
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 7
Beginner Level
Unlock Your Focus: Master the Focus Map (1 Hour) Unlock Your Focus: Master the Focus Map (1 Hour)

Is your learner struggling with attentiveness and reading comprehension?

In this engaging one-hour class, students will discover the power of the "focus map," a simple yet effective tool designed to boost concentration skills and understanding. Originally developed for special education students, this technique has proven successful in improving focus and comprehension for learners of all abilities.

What Your Learner Will Gain:
 * Create a Personalized Focus Map: Students will learn how to design and utilize each section of the focus map. They can use the provided template or customize it to suit their unique learning style.
 * Harness the Power of Key Questions: The focus map revolves around the core questions of Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. This guides students to actively listen for and identify important details.
 * Develop Effective Note-Taking Skills: Learners will practice taking concise notes, using abbreviations, or even drawing simple pictures to capture information efficiently. A visual reward system encourages active listening.
 * Manage Mind-Wandering: The focus map acknowledges that it's normal for minds to wander. A dedicated "clouds" section provides a space to jot down fleeting thoughts, allowing students to address them later without losing focus.
 * Ask Questions Effectively: The "parking lot" section allows students to note questions that arise during the lesson, ensuring they don't forget them and can ask them later.
 * Connect Ideas for Deeper Understanding: A special section helps students visually connect related notes, fostering deeper understanding and comprehension.
 * Explore Alternative Note-Taking Methods: Students can also number notes and write longer descriptions on a separate page, providing flexibility in their approach.

Putting It Into Practice:
After creating their focus maps, students will practice using them while listening to an excerpt from Jack London's "White Fang." We'll then discuss their experiences and explore how the focus map can be applied in various learning environments.

Benefits of the Focus Map:
 * Improved attentiveness, focus, and concentration.
 * Enhanced reading, listening, and learning comprehension.
 * Effective note-taking strategies.
 * Techniques for managing distractions and improving focus.
 * A personalized learning experience tailored to individual needs.

Learning Goals

Students will learn the key questions (who, what, where, when, why, how)  for which they should pay attention for answers.
Students will learn how to organize their thoughts into attentive thoughts and inattentive thoughts, and they will learn how to quickly return to attending to the lesson.
learning goal

Other Details

Learning Needs
This class is intentionally designed to support unique learning needs (ASD, ADHD). We create and use an appealing visual organizer to stay on track with note taking. It has a gamified component, designed to help diverse learning styles.
Parental Guidance
Note: The excerpt from White Fang is from the beginning of the book, when White Fang the half wolf/half dog is a puppy/cub living with his mother, and it is a short story that does not contain any violence. White Fang is approved by Common Sense Media for ages 10+.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
I will read an excerpt from White Fang (see above).
Joined February, 2025
New on Outschool
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from West Georgia University
I have used this graphic organizer/gamification tool with many students, always with great results. I've used it in a classroom setting and in one-on-one tutoring sessions as well. I have over twenty years experience as a special education teacher, and I love to design helpful tools like this for my students. I also am ADHD/ASD, and I sometimes use this tool myself. 

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Live One-Time Class
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$14

per class

Meets once
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
1-8 learners per class

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