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The fantastic learning adventures of "Out of This World" would not have been possible without the following people. My sincere thanks goes out to everyone involved.
"Out of This World" Leader Guide
Book #3: The Importance of Concentration
Welcome to the "Out of This World" (OOTW) Leader Guide. This section has been created to guide you, page by page, in achieving OOTW's full potential in working with youth.
Lesson 1: (Pages 2-8)
OBJECTIVE: Learning how Concentration and Teamwork Leads to Success!
Discussion Questions:
Marcania is racing to the station, paying her fullest attention. Kids will feel tension working through the "Show Me The Way" activity (p.5). Ask how they feel concentrating under stress? Have there been stressful events in their lives where concentration was important?
By working together the team succeeded. Who can the child work with in order to achieve success? How can they work on concentration with peers?
Lesson 2: (Pages 9-14)
OBJECTIVE: Doing the right thing & learning to trust someone.
Discussion Questions:
Much like the first lesson, Tiglos has to concentrate and make a quick decision (p.11). His ability to make good decisions in a hurry comes from training. How can kids "train" to learn similar concentration skills?
Read through the 8 concentration strategies from the "The Calming Effect" activity (p.12). Role model and practice until they are comfortable in using these techniques.
Read Tiglos' speech from the "A Moment with Tiglos" activity (p.14). Discuss how and why adults want to help. Identify specific adults who help with concentration.
Lesson 3: (Pages 15-20)
OBJECTIVE: Focusing in the Classroom.
Discussion Questions:
Max is listening to Aspenia report crucial information (p.17). The situation replicates a classroom setting. Point out that Max is being distracted by the aliens staring at him. Ask kids who or what distracts them during a school day. What can they do to reduce the distraction?
Discuss the answers from the "Lost in Spaces" (p.20) activity. Identify how these concentration tips can help.
Lesson 4: (Pages 21-24)
OBJECTIVE: Identifying Distractions and using Charts.
Discussion Questions:
Max gets bored (p.21) and stops paying attention. Discuss the ease of becoming distracted by something more interesting. Identify things that are "more exciting" for each kid. Discuss strategies for avoiding these activities when concentration is needed.
Discuss the use of the chart in "Charted Territory" (p.22). Work with parents to complete the chart at home as well.
Discuss the answers to the "Allies in Your Midst" (p.23) activity.
Lesson 5: (Pages 25-28)
OBJECTIVE: Identifying Errors due to Inattention.
Discussion Questions:
Max realizes he has made a mistake by not paying attention (p.25). Ask kids what steps to take if they need help after making a mistake.
The activity "X-35 Disassembled" (p.27) can be difficult. If frustration occurs, help them use previously learned concentration strategies to stay focused.
Discuss the answers to the activity "Programming Error" (p.28).
Lesson 6: (Pages 29-30)
OBJECTIVE: Identifying Feelings of Frustration due to the Inability to Concentrate.
Discussion Questions:
Marcania is angry with Max (p.29). Discuss ways which he could apologize and manage this situation with her.
Ask kids if they have ever needed to apologize for a mistake. What did it feel like to work through the situation?
*Remember to always refresh the last session story before working on the next chapter.
Out of This World is a psycho-educational, therapeutic tool designed for experiential work with children in grades 3 through 12. The goal of OOTW is for the child to be excited about the characters and the fantastic world in which they live. By reading the stories and sharing with peers, the child will learn to emulate the characters, and most importantly, emulate the positive behaviors.
We recommend that you read the story out loud with the child, stopping when necessary for clarification. This book contains reproducible Activity Pages. Please feel free to make as many copies as you would like for homework assignments or group work.
If you have any questions or comments about this book or the Leader Guide, please contact me.
