Pre-session attention
Providing a concentrated dose of high-quality attention immediately before a period where attention will be unavailable.
Pre-session attention is about front-loading social interaction. You spend a dedicated block of time - perhaps five to ten minutes - giving the learner your undivided, highly preferred attention before asking them to work independently.
You use this when you know you will need to step away, take a phone call, or work with another student. By filling the learner's need for attention first, they are much more likely to tolerate a period of independent work. It sets a positive tone and physically demonstrates that your attention is available, just not right this exact second.
Practitioners frequently make the mistake of combining demands with this pre-session attention. If you are asking them to clean up or answer questions, it is not freely given attention - it is work. The attention must be non-contingent and entirely focused on what the learner wants to do. Another error is rushing it. A quick pat on the back is not pre-session attention; it requires genuine, focused engagement for a meaningful duration.
Implementation
- Schedule 5-10 minutes immediately prior to an independent work period.
- Engage the learner in a highly preferred social activity where they direct the play or conversation.
- Provide undivided attention with zero demands or instructions.
- Clearly signal when the attention period is ending and the independent work period is beginning.
- Remind the learner when you will be available for attention again.
Common Mistakes
- Placing demands or asking instructional questions during the attention period.
- Providing the attention for too short a duration to be effective.
- Failing to clearly signal the transition from free attention to independent work.