⏱️ 2. Session Length Progression Plan
Purpose: Gradually stretch attention span without frustration.
🌼 Visual Timeline (approximate guide)
| Week | Target Session Length | Goal Focus Markers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 minutes | Finish one short book or page without fidgeting |
| 2 | 7 minutes | Stay engaged through 2 pages or 1 chapter |
| 3 | 10 minutes | Ask a question or comment about the story |
| 4 | 12–15 minutes | Sustain attention with minimal redirects |
| 5 | 15–20 minutes | Read independently for half the session |
| 6 + | 20 minutes + | Self-initiated reading without prompting |
🪶 Adjust based on your child’s rhythm—not the clock.
Session Length Progression Plan (Visual Timeline)
Now that you have your baseline (e.g., “8 minutes”), you can gradually build stamina. Do not try to double it overnight. The goal is consistency, not speed.
Your Goal: Move from Baseline (8 mins) to a Target (e.g., 15 mins) over one month.
The “Plus Two” Method:
[ WEEK 1: 8 Minutes ]
-
Goal: Hit your baseline (8 minutes) every day.
-
Focus: Use the “Permission to Stop” tool. Celebrate finishing 8 minutes successfully.
[ WEEK 2: 10 Minutes ]
-
Goal: Add just two minutes. (8 + 2 = 10).
-
Focus: When you hit 8 minutes, say, “You’re doing great! Let’s just read to the end of this page.” Use the “Rescue Toolkit” if needed.
[ WEEK 3: 10 Minutes (Hold Steady) ]
-
Goal: Do not add more time.
-
Focus: Hold at 10 minutes. This week is for building confidence and making 10 minutes feel easy and normal.
[ WEEK 4: 12 Minutes ]
-
Goal: Add two more minutes. (10 + 2 = 12).
-
Focus: You’ve made 10 minutes a habit. This small jump will feel much easier.
[ WEEK 5: 15 Minutes ]
-
Goal: Add your final minutes.
-
Focus: Celebrate! You have successfully, and patiently, built a new stamina level.