April's Big Idea: Focus
The ability to focus is a vital skill for children of all ages. As our students begin to grow and develop, we want to provide opportunities to practice stay attentive to one task, or a set of instructions. By practicing these skills, our players will become well-rounded leaders of the future.
What Focus Looks Like at HappyFeet
Our HappyFeet classes will use class time to encourage students to focus. This might look like having a simple task they must accomplish before moving on. It could also include following simple instructions or even being able to shift attention to something else quickly. Our coaches will encourage and reward children when they are able to follow the instructions and stay on task. This will build confidence in every HappyFeeter.
WARM UPS might consist of the coach changing up the normal tasks so the players are required to pay attention to know what to do.
An ADVENTURE that our coaches might use to assist in this big idea is a jungle adventure. The jungle adventure provides lots of opportunities for the players to focus on their surroundings. The adventure might lead them through specific tasks they must do to accomplish their goal. The tasks will most likely also involve the move of the month.
A GAME that encourages focus is ‘Silent Coach Says’ where the players have to focus on watching the coach while mimicking their movements. This game will help students keep their eyes up, and stay attentive as the coach will change tasks frequently.
Each game and adventure will assist in developing the skills required to stay focused on tasks. The more our students practice, the better they will become.
Why Focus is Important
Teaching preschoolers how to focus is becoming increasingly more important. As most of us can attest, there are a lot of distractions around us. It is important to develop the ability to focus on a single task at hand and shift that attention when necessary.
By teaching focus, we are setting our students up for success in the classroom as they continue to learn and grow. This is vital as learning requires focus. Children who master this skill have an easier time absorbing information, following instructions, and engaging with their environment.
By practicing focus, children are practicing self-control, patience, and emotional regulation. When children are able to stay on task, they are more successful in social settings. This skill is vital in all aspects of their life and development.
As with all of our ‘big ideas,’ we believe this skill will help each player develop into a more confident, stronger, and more well-rounded child.
