Focus Strategies 101
This tool helps King remember steps and stay organized during assignments.
What is a checklist?
Saying “I can try again” instead of giving up is using this skill.
What is positive self-talk?
“I’m getting better even if it’s slow.”
What is positive thought?
King keeps staring at the window during class. What strategy could help?
What is using a checklist or taking a movement break?
Feeling distracted, tired, or bored are examples of these internal signals.
What are self-awareness cues?
Taking a short walk, stretching, or getting water is an example of this helpful reset.
What is a movement break?
Changing “I can’t do this” to “I can learn this” is an example of this.
What is reframing negative thoughts?
“This is too hard. I’ll never get it.”
What is negative thought?
He feels overwhelmed by a big project. What should he try?
What is breaking it into smaller steps or goal-setting?
Recognizing “I’m feeling overwhelmed” is part of this.
What is emotional awareness?
Focusing on breathing for 10 seconds is an example of this calming practice.
What is mindfulness?
Choosing one thing to focus on each day helps build this skill.
What is goal-setting?
“I’m okay at this, but I want to improve.”
What is neutral or growth statement?
He makes a mistake and feels frustrated. What coping skill fits best?
What is positive self-talk or reframing?
Knowing which strategies work best for him is called this skill.
What is self-regulation?
This helps King refocus when his mind starts wandering off-task.
What is redirecting attention or grounding?
Recognizing small wins—like finishing a hard task—is part of this confidence-building practice.
What is celebrating progress?
“I always mess things up.”
What is negative self-talk?
He wants to give up on an assignment. What should he do first?
What is take a mindful pause or ask for help?
Understanding when he’s close to giving up helps him use these sooner.
What are coping skills?
Using timers to work for short periods and then take breaks is part of this strategy.
What is time management or the Pomodoro method?
Identifying when he's frustrated so he can use a coping strategy is this foundational skill.
What is self-awareness?
“I learned something new today.”
What is positive thought?
He finishes half the task but loses motivation. What can he do to stay engaged?
What is celebrate progress, take a short break, or reset a goal?
Identifying situations that lead to frustration or disengagement is part of this process.
What is recognizing triggers?