How do we pay attention? SLANT!

Following conferences and the goals that students set for themselves for the rest of the year, we began this week with a focus in math on "How do we pay attention?" Students shared a variety of strategies, such as taking notes, not talking, and listening to others. I introduced the acronym SLANT as a memory trick to remind ourselves of 5 ways we can show we are paying attention. Attention, after all, is an active process, something we must do and, though others can help us with reminders, ultimately paying attention must come from within. Each day students practiced adding a different component of SLANT (Sitting up, Listening, Asking/Answering questions, Nodding when you agree or are following along, Tracking the speaker with your eyes). By the end of the week, we have some expect trackers and nodders, and many more who are steadily progressing to becoming more actively attentive. The attention checks we've had throughout the week have been helpful reminders. Now we are going to work towards becoming more independent in monitoring our attention and focus during class.