3 Ways to Work on the Habit of Attention

[@jessicabrown6943]

It would be so helpful if you could give some “examples” of how you’d teach attention (and the other habits). For instance, if you were sitting at the table doing school how would you guide and teach the child to give full attention. Would you just continue to remind them to pay attention every time they start humming or playing with their pencil? Or would you just stop talking till they gave full attention? What would it look like training that?

[@glotree]

Yes, that’s what I was hoping to get from this video.

[@emilymattson4415]

I think that's the reason she says to start with extremely short lessons and stop before their focus slips. you let them know beforehand what is expected, and then make the lesson short enough that they definitely can do what is expected. My youngest has severe ADHD, and we literally started with one or two sentences. Of course, we didn't just end the lesson, we would ask him to focus for that short bit, then let him wiggle and move or ask a question, then remind them to focus while we read the next little bit. Short bursts of attention intermingled with energy release feels much more manageable, and those short bursts gradually get longer.

[@christinej178]

The book Laying Down the Rails has wonderful examples and activities for all CM habits. And, as you do the suggested activities for attention in your morning basket or outside of a homeschool lesson, the habit of attention is being cultivated; making paying attention during lessons take place more naturally. And for us, it's been something we can reference if attention has slipped - for example: "remember that Aesop Fable from this morning?"

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Great question! Taking the time to set them up for success before the expectation of full attention is always encouraged. Our Laying Down the Rails for Children resource found in our bookstore was created for this purpose. It is full of those ideas and has been such a helpful tool in practically implementing habit training :) I'll leave a link for that here: simplycharlottemason.com/store/laying-down-the-rails-for-children-a-habit-training-companion/

[@ByeByePeachPie]

Anxiously awaiting the obedience episode! My toddler just completely shuts down, yelling Nooooo and crying, or wants to play and runs away laughing, and I am getting so frustrated! She is still so small, I am trying to stay relaxed about it.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Hi, Just wanted to make sure you saw the obedience episode when it came out: simplycharlottemason.com/blog/5-ways-to-work-on-the-habit-of-obedience/ You may also find these posts helpful: simplycharlottemason.com/blog/habit-training-in-the-early-years-early-years-homeschooling-part-2/ simplycharlottemason.com/blog/habit-training-with-young-children/

[@ASmith-jn7kf]

Your work is such a blessing.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thank you for sharing your kind words and feedback, glad to know this channel has been a blessing to you!

[@WeepingWillow422]

Did anyone else watch this for how to work on their own attention habits? Or just me? I'm 34 and I even have trouble paying attention lol. I'm on the autism spectrum, though, so that's probably part of the problem.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

You're getting the idea of a life with CM! It is a blessing to us all. You're never too old to learn! We wrote Laying Down the Rails for Yourself for this exact reason :) simplycharlottemason.com/store/laying-down-the-rails-for-yourself/ We're so glad this video was helpful to you. Blessings!

[@ASmith-jn7kf]

Me, just turned 35. Not Autistic.

[@Scout-bt3mo]

I need to work on this MYSELF!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

When starting off with habit training with our children, I think many of us can relate to making the realization that we need to target some of these habits in our own lives as adults too! Be encouraged, it is never too late to start working on habits! SCM offers some resources for this if you are interested, see below: simplycharlottemason.com/store/laying-down-the-rails-for-yourself/

[@lavellaeve]

Keeping lessons short (sometimes extremely short) develops the habit of attention. As they get older or start to mature the lesson naturally extends. I stop as soon as I see the child lose interest.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

That is what we have found as well, thank you for sharing your experience!

[@happyonthehomefront4317]

Thank you! I need to help my daughter develop this habit of attention!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Glad it was helpful!

[@starzyk6897]

Thank you so much!!!!!!! Love it!!!!! Love from Ania from Poland

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

You are so welcome!

[@csaina4290]

Thank you!! I hopeto implement this soon!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

You are very welcome! Come back with any questions you may have as you get started!

[@roni-co5ng]

another excellent lesson, thank you!!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

You are very welcome!

[@Mamaofmany652]

What stories teach attention that I can use as living examples? I’m having issues finding books.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thanks for reaching out with your question! Are you using "Laying Down the Rails for Children" in your habit training? This resource has stories, Bible verses, and activities pre selected for each habit that you will use when working directly with your child and it is a great time saving resource. You can read more about it here; simplycharlottemason.com/store/laying-down-the-rails-for-children-a-habit-training-companion/

[@marianafaria6960]

❤🎉

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thank you for joining us!