mtss refocusing after a distraction

• Recognize our common distractors.

• Establish a cue for recognizing that we are distracted.

• Say to ourselves, “I am distracted and I need to get back to work.”

• Re-engage in the expected task.

•    Success Criteria: We know we’re successful when we can recognize our common distractors, establish a cue for recognizing that we are distracted, say to ourselves, “I am distracted and I need to get back to work,” and re-engage in the expected task.

There are two types of distractors: external, which come from outside of us, and internal, which comes from our thoughts and feelings. Some people get more easily distracted by what is going on around them, while others are more easily distracted by things going on in their own mind. Some people find both types equally distracting. Here are some examples of both:

  1. External—a conversation, students talking, radiators/fans making noise, a friend who is arguing with you right now

2. Internal—being upset about something from this morning still, being excited about what is happening after school, thinking about something over and over and not being able to forget it.

brain teasers with beep

Once you notice you are distracted, say to yourself, “I am distracted and need to get back to work.” Then refocus on the activity you were working on.