Sustained Attention Lesson: Executive Functioning Classroom Counseling Lesson
This executive functioning counseling lesson for grades 5–8 teaches students what sustained attention is, why multitasking and split attention reduce performance, and strategies to stay focused. Students will practice sustaining attention through engaging activities that can be applied in school and at home. This lesson is part of a 20-lesson Executive Functioning Curriculum but can also be taught on its own.
Sustained Attention and Focus Strategies: Executive Functioning Counseling Lesson Plan for Grades 5–8: Support students in building stronger focus and concentration skills with this executive functioning counseling lesson on sustained attention. Designed for upper elementary and middle school students, this lesson explains what sustained attention is, why multitasking and split attention decrease effectiveness, and how to use practical strategies to maintain focus. Students will engage in fun, interactive activities to practice sustained attention and learn techniques they can transfer to their academic work and everyday responsibilities.
What’s Included:
- Scripted, detailed lesson plan (black & white printable)
- Slides for instruction and student activities (PowerPoint file, compatible with Google Slides; not editable)
- Pre- and post-test to measure growth
- Skills visuals to reinforce attention and focus strategies (black & white and color versions)
- Handouts with practice activities for students (black & white printable)
Key Features:
- Designed for grades 5–8
- Approximately 50 minutes of instruction and activities
- Works for classroom SEL lessons, small group counseling, or one-on-one support
- Minimal prep required—no additional materials needed
- Easy to open in both PowerPoint and Google Slides
FAQs:
Q: Do I need extra materials?
A: No. All materials are included within the resource.
Q: How long will the lesson take?
A: About 50 minutes, though timing may vary depending on student needs.
Q: Can this be used in small groups or with individual students?
A: Yes. The lesson is adaptable for multiple settings.
Q: Can I use this in Google Slides?
A: Yes. Upload the PowerPoint file to your Google Drive and open it in Google Slides.
This Sustained Attention and Focus Executive Function Lesson provides students with strategies to improve concentration, avoid distractions, and stay on task for longer periods of time. Perfect for school counselors, teachers, and specialists, this resource makes it simple to explicitly teach and reinforce focus skills as part of executive functioning instruction.
Get the full curriculum here!
Please Note: this is a digitally downloadable resource. You will not receive anything in the mail.