|
by
Research has shown conclusively that the two treatments
that are most effective in improving attention spans for
children diagnosed as ADD or ADHD are medication and
behavior modification. A combination of both treatments
usually works better than either one alone. Focus is
essentially a behavior modification program in a box.
Full Description:
Research has shown conclusively that the two treatments
that are most effective in improving attention spans for
children diagnosed as ADD or ADHD are medication and
behavior modification. A combination of both treatments
usually works better than either one alone. Focus is
essentially a behavior modification program in a box.
Focus is a game that children have fun playing. It is
structured to encompass the essential elements of behavior
modification and designed to have the greatest positive
impact on attention. In behavior modification children
receive specific positive reinforcement for accomplishing a
task within an appropriate time frame and without being
distracted. The rewards are usually in the form of tokens.
This game provides two ways for players to win tokens.
The game has 3 sets of task cards that describe tasks that the players have to complete in order to earn their
tokens. Each task requires concentration and continuing attention and include:
1. Categories: Players have to list things that belong in a specific category, such as listing five fruits that have
one large pit in the middle.
2. Forward and Back: Players have to recite things forward and/or backwards, such as reciting the alphabet
forwards and backwards from A to F.
3. Problem Solving: The game comes with various cut out shapes and cut out words. Using shapes, the
players have to create a specific design, like a triangle similar to the pattern on the card, using the shapes
provided. Using words the players have to create a sentence, like a sentence in which someone throws
something to someone else.
A player can elect to perform the task without distraction and win one token or with distraction and win two
tokens. The distractions are provided by one of the other players, who picks a Distraction card. This card may
ask the distracting player to hum “Happy Birthday” or tap fingers on the table while the other player is trying to
accomplish the task. Distractions are the most common reason people lose focus on the task at hand. This game
gives players much needed practice that improves their ability to stay focused on tasks, even with distractions.
There are both competitive and cooperative versions for grades 1-12. There are three decks of Task cards with
varied levels of difficulty: easier, regular, and challenge. The key is for the players to be able to complete the
task most of the time if they concentrate and are not distracted. Difficulty of the tasks can also be varied by
imposing a time limit and permitting the use of paper and pencil for certain tasks.
Playing Time: Flexible from 25 minutes to 50 minutes.
Players: 2-5
Market: Grades 1-12 (three sets of cards: Easier -grades 1-5, Regular - grades 6-8, and Challenge - grades 9-
adult)
Publication Date: June 2009
Learning Objectives - Players:
1. improve their ability to stay focused on tasks until they are completed;
2. learn to do a better job handling frustrations;
3. learn to anticipate distractions and create strategies to overcome them;
4. learn the benefits and rewards of focusing;
5. learn to tune out distractions and keep focused.
|
