Boris tries to focus ... really hard. Dave, Boris, and Professor LoCascio discuss the brain and its inability to multitask. You can only focus on one thing at once. At the beginning of the episode Dave struggles to focus on anything other than his own problems. Eventually Boris helps shift Dave's focus to being kind towards other people. They then learn how focusing on kindness is actually helpful to your own heart too. Keep that focus pointed at others!
Material Required: paper
This lesson cross references the SEL Core Competency: 'Relationship-Skills.' It teaches children about how the brain functions with relation to our attention and focus. It equips the students with tools to listen actively, focus on empathy, offer support when needed, and choose kindness in social settings. The episode ultimately models how to to develop positive relationships void of selfishness.
This lesson cross-references with M 2., B-LS 3., and B-SS 2. from the ASCA Mindset and Behavior Standards.
UK:
CF2: Caring Friendships - the characteristics of friendships, including mutual respect, truthfulness, trustworthiness, loyalty, kindness, generosity, trust, sharing interests and experiences and support with problems and difficulties.
RR2: Respectful Relationships - practical steps they can take in a range of different contexts to improve or support respectful relationships.
Biblical Insight:
Jesus had this teaching that it is impossible for us to serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Our hearts, like our brains, are single; they can only center in on one thing at a time. This is why Jesus said to seek first the Kingdom right after saying not to worry about what to eat, drink, or wear (Matthew 6:31 - 33). Taking the gaze of hearts off of worry frees us up to seek the Kingdom with all that we are - with a single heart. When we focus on others and focus on kindness, as Dave and Boris discuss, this actually puts our hearts where they belong - free from the weight of the world's kingdom. This allows everything we do to serve our heart’s one purpose: to love well. The psalmist writes, “Unite my heart, [LORD,] to honor you" (Psalm 86:11).
Additional Scriptures: Matthew 6:22 - 34, 2 Corinthians 11:3, Colossians 3:2