Blog Posts

Hello WCA family!

I pray everybody had a wonderful Spring Break! I’m sure the kiddos are struggling with waking up early again and getting to school. We are in hot pursuit of the end of the school year! Let’s keep getting after it!

Previously in our time together, we discussed Intellectual Autonomy, which was the 3rd and final of 3 virtues in the first category of intellectual virtues known as Getting Started. Now we move to the first intellectual virtue of the 2nd category. That category is called Executing Well. There are also three virtues in this 2nd category and they are called, ATTENTIVENESS, CAREFULNESS, and THOROUGHNESS. With that…let’s begin this next section!

Another very important habit we can help children develop is intellectual attentiveness. This is the ability to focus carefully on what is in front of you, whether it is a lesson, a conversation, a problem, or a person. Intellectual attentiveness means noticing important details, listening closely, and giving full attention to the task at hand.

At Warner Christian Academy, we encourage students to be present and engaged in their learning. Attentiveness is essential for understanding. When students learn to focus well, they are better able to grasp ideas, follow directions, and respond thoughtfully. Without attentiveness, even the best instruction can be missed. I like to use the acronym SLANT sometimes. 

Sit up in your chair/desk without slouching. 
Lean forward toward the speaker/activity. 
Ask/answer questions. 
Nod your head at the appropriate time during the presentation or discussion. 
Track the speaker with your eyes. 

Teach this at home when speaking with your children! It works really well. And even though these are merely OUTWARD behaviors that can be faked, it usually leads to kids actually paying attention even if they don’t want to!

In today’s world, attentiveness can be especially challenging. Constant notifications, busy schedules, and the habit of participating in the MYTH of multitasking can make it difficult for students to slow down and truly focus. Over time, this can lead to shallow thinking and missed understanding. Helping students grow in attentiveness is one way we push back against these patterns and cultivate deeper learning. Maybe I'll write about the myth of multitasking later.

Like the other intellectual virtues, attentiveness is often shaped in simple, everyday interactions. When families practice listening carefully to one another, finishing tasks with focus, and limiting unnecessary distractions, children begin to understand the value of giving their full attention.

One simple way to encourage attentiveness at home is to establish short periods of focused, distraction-free time. This might look like completing homework without devices nearby, having a meal without screens, or setting aside time for uninterrupted conversation. Even small, consistent practices help build the habit of sustained attention.

Another helpful practice is encouraging your child to repeat or summarize what they have just heard or read. This reinforces careful listening and helps them process information more deeply. Scripture calls us to this kind of attentiveness. James 1:19 reminds us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Listening well requires focus, patience, and intentional attention to others.

I recall a moment from my college days that has stuck with me every since. I was living in an apartment off campus and went to the mail area to check my mail. A girl about my age was wearing a shirt with the same college on it that I attended. Turns out that she was a softball player at the college…I was a baseball player. We introduced ourselves and gave each other our names and she immediately then asked, “So what’s my name?” I fumbled for a full second before replying, “Julie!” And I was correct…SUCCESS!!!

That occurred 30 years ago! I still remember. Summarizing/repeating is a great way to help attentiveness.

Conversation starter:
“What is something you noticed today that you might have missed if you weren’t paying close attention?”

This week at home:

• Practice: Set aside one short period each day for distraction-free focus (homework, reading, or conversation).
• Model: Give your full attention when your child is speaking; put aside distractions and listen carefully.
• Pray: “Lord, help us to listen well, focus clearly, and give our attention to what matters most.”

As we nurture attentiveness together, at school and at home, we help students develop the ability to focus deeply and engage meaningfully with the world around them. Attentiveness strengthens understanding, builds relationships, and helps direct our hearts and minds toward Truth.

Soli Deo Gloria