Hello Teachers,

We’re living in an era of pedagogical clutter. Methods, strategies, and acronyms pile up, each one pushed by people eager to implement the next big thing.

Teachers are overwhelmed, cramming in new information but retaining little. Yet beneath the noise, the rush, and the overstimulation of modern education, one old-school idea waits patiently for its turn: silence.

In an age of distraction, schools must become sanctuaries for focus. More than ever, we need to teach students how to engage in deep work–how to concentrate, think critically, and stay present in a world that pulls them in every direction.

“Distracted busyness” has become the norm in many classrooms. Yes, students are working, but that’s not the same as working deeply. To truly unlock potential, students must learn to engage in deep, focused work. And deep work is best cultivated in silence.

Last year, I implemented 20 minutes of Focused Silence in every class.

No talking.
No bathroom breaks.
No wandering eyes.

Just silence—and focus.

My students showed some of the highest i-Ready growth in the district. Their state test scores also improved significantly.

But boosting test scores wasn’t the real goal.
The real goal was to teach students the value of deep work.

It is through focused silence that we learn how to resist distractions and cheap dopamine.
It is through focused silence that we learn how to hold ideas in context and think broadly.
It is through focused silence that we learn how to be patient and calm.

Focused silence is not only important for learning, but an antidote to the anxieties of modern living. Our society is distracted, unfocused, and in a hurry. Focused silence forces students to sit, think, and discover their thinking.

And yes, not all students have the capability for focused silence. But most do. In fact, many students with ADHD and other challenges, when given a chance, thrive in silence.

I have included resources and research on focused silence below.

Classroom Activity: 20 Minutes of Focused Silence

Each of my classes includes at least 20 minutes of “focused silence.”

To help students understand the purpose of this practice, I provide them with a detailed explanation. It also includes a writing response, allowing them to reflect and develop their own strategies for making the most of “focused silence.”

Classroom Activity: Focused Silence

Create a Plan for "Deep Work"

We live in a world that is constantly buzzing: notifications, reels, group chats, games, ads, music, and endless scrolling. While all of these things can be fun or helpful, they also make it hard to focus deeply on anything for more than a few minutes. This leads to a distracted and anxious mind.

“Deep work” is when you focus completely on one thing—without switching between apps or distractions. This kind of focus allows you to solve hard problems, create original ideas, and actually finish something you’re proud of. It’s rare these days, but the people who learn how to do it have a big advantage: they get more done in less time and often come up with better, more creative work.

But deep work is hard. It feels uncomfortable. Your brain wants quick rewards—like a funny video or a text from a friend. That’s normal. But with practice, you can train your brain to focus more deeply, and it can change the way you learn, create, and grow.

Create a Plan for "Deep Work"

Struggling to Focus? Create Your Plan for Success in School!

Students need to learn how to focus. They need to understand the importance of focus. They need to see then purpose of building the habit of focus. They need to connect how focus is going to help them achieve their dreams.

Here is a writing task on focus.

I’ve also included an exit ticket that can be used at the end of any lesson.

The goal of the exit ticket is simple: repeat, repeat and repeat the importance of taking control of your focus.

Struggling to Focus? Create Your Plan for Success in School!

Cognitive Endurance as Human Capital

Tweet from psychologist and Wharton Professor Adam Grant:

"Your attention span isn’t fixed. It increases with practice.

Evidence: After 20min sessions solving cognitively challenging problems (10-20hrs total), students show significant gains in sustained focus and test scores. Like physical stamina, mental stamina requires exercise.

Cognitive Endurance as Human Capital (Article)