Ignoring Ina helps children learn to ignore distractions, stay focused on what matters, and make thoughtful choices about where to direct their attention. Through storytelling, movement, positive self-talk, and practice, children develop tools they can use at school, at home, and with others.
Positive Self-Talk
“I ignore distractions.”
How to Use This Lesson
1. Meet Ignoring Ina
Introduce Ignoring Ina, a real Powerful You kid who is learning how to ignore distractions and stay focused. Ask children, “What makes it hard for you to pay attention?” Talk about how noises, movement, and other distractions can pull our attention away from what we're doing.
2. Breathe & Stretch
Choose a simple stretch from the Breathe and Stretch on the Beach book or follow Ina's FREE movement video. Practice taking slow breaths and noticing how it feels to be calm and focused.
3. Read the Powerful You Story
Read Ignoring Ina's story from the Powerful You Primary book or laminated cards. Talk about Ina's feelings and experiences. Ask, “What can you do when something distracts you?”
4. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Say Ina's phrase together: “I ignore distractions.” Practice saying it aloud, then quietly in your mind. Encourage children to remember these words when they need to bring their attention back to learning.
5. Write or Draw
Choose a writing or drawing activity from the Powerful You Primary book. Invite children to draw something that distracts them and something that helps them focus.
6. Role-Play
Let children hold Ina's laminated card and pretend to be Ignoring Ina! Act out a situation where someone is talking nearby while they're trying to work, or where a noise interrupts their reading. Practice taking a breath, looking back at their work, and quietly saying, “I ignore distractions.”
7. Display the Skill Sign
Display Ignoring Ina's Focusing Exercise sign where children can see it. Try Ina's five steps together: stand tall beside a chair, focus your eyes on one spot, balance quietly on one foot, take five deep breaths through your nose, and silently say, “I am focused.” Remind children that they can use a chair for support while balancing.
8. Collect & Celebrate with Digital Brag Tags
Notice children making an effort to stay focused or return their attention after becoming distracted. Celebrate their efforts with Digital Brag Tags and say, “You used your Powerful You thinking!”