We feel things just like you (Ray Parker Jnr)

Photo by Filip Bunkens on Unsplash

James Clear has this to say about interruptions and distractions:

"Life presents an endless series of interruptions and distractions.

You will continually be pulled off course or asked to put out a fire created by someone else. People will disrespect your time and steal your attention—usually with no intention of malice, but simply because different people have different priorities.

When your day is interrupted or your progress stalls, it's easy for your mindset to collapse as well. You may feel guilty for not following through on what you intended to do. But you are not guilty, you are human.

Everyone gets distracted. In many ways, the real divide is between those who get back on track quickly and those who let interruptions expand into longer periods of inactivity.

Top performers get back on track faster than most. This is the skill to develop. You will be interrupted, but you can choose to keep it brief."

​My takeaways: 

I'm human. 

I'll be interrupted. 

Everyone...gets... gets...sorry... distracted. 

Moving on keep moving on-yeah, moving at one million miles an hour Frankie Goes To Hollywood)

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Watching teenagers' working habits in our Learning Centre is always fascinating.

Some get easily distracted, others can work through the interruptions.

A US study once found that students are distracted more than quarter of the time (so in an hour long LC study they are distracted for more than 15 minutes on average).

That's been noticeable since the return from lockdown but I guess there were equal distractions at home during the day that we weren't able to see or monitor.

My other thought is - so what. 

Adults get distracted as well - probably for the same amount of time. I know I struggle to maintain focus for long periods of time. 

Certainly on zoom meetings my mind wanders, I check my watch and look for distractions if I'm not fully engaged.

My point? The next time students get distracted - be empathetic and kind and remember how we'd react.

Advice for the young at heart (Tears For Fears)

Distractions can come in all shapes and sizes.

I get distracted very easily.

This week I've been distracted by a new laptop (with a bigger screen) and getting it looking like I want it to - including making adjustments to my blogs.

Amidst all those distractions I did manage to find these gems for you (you're welcome):

1 The interweb is a huge distraction
And it's making us dumber!

2 Ways to beat distraction
Yes - really. Want the energy and ability to stay focused? Read this! Exhausting but fun!

3 Now - keep your students engaged
Okay - once you are zen calm and focused you can help your students stay engaged.

4 Bad behaviour
Distractions can lead to anger and anger can lead to hate (apologies to Yoda). This article provides food for thought on the stuff behind that bad behaviour you're coping with in the classroom.

5 Just saying
Love this Edutopia list of things we should NEVER say in a classroom. Been guilty of a few of these in my younger, less emotionally intelligent years.