Forest, Stay Focused

Introduction to the Tool

This app is a focusing app. It is timed, so you do your work without getting distracted. It has has the cute visual of a tree growing so when you work you can visually see how much time has passed and how long you have until you have a full grown tree. You can also blacklist websites and apps so when you are using Forest, it will not allow you to get distracted until the timer goes off. There is also a whitelist where you can limit yourself to the websites you need.

Step-By-Step

1. Download the app or get the Chrome Extension
2. Select the tree you want to grow (This is can be done in the app, but not on the extension)
3. Select how long you want to grow your tree for
4. Let the tree grow!
5. If you want to make a blacklist or whitelist, you right-click on the extension and select “options”

Videos

Screencastify

FAQ and Answers

1. Do you have to pay to use the app or the Google extension?

• You can use the extension without having to pay for it, but you have to pay for the app. The only thing you may want to pay for with the extension is new trees to grow and to keep track of the trees you have grown.

2. How much does the app cost?

• $1.99

3. What type of devices does it work with?

• It works with Apple, Android, and PC devices. To use it on the PC you must have Google Chrome.

4. Does it give you prescribed break?

• No. Since the extension allows you to choose as long as you want to study, it gives you the freedom to choose how long you want to take a break. Once you are ready to start again, you plant another tree and start working.

5. Can this be used on a browser other than Google Chrome?

• Yes, it can also be used on Firefox.

Pros and Cons

• Pros
  • Keeps you focused for up to two hours
  • You can watch your progress to see how much time you have left or how far you have come.
  • It can keep students interested in finishing their assignments to meet an end result.
• Cons
  • Can only go up to two hours, so if you want to study longer
  • May get a little boring if used for every lesson
  • Some students may need websites that other students have had blacklisted and they cannot use it while using Forest.

Activities with Forest

Grade: 1st Grade

Subject: ELA

Standard: W.1.1 Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure.

Activity: Students will write as many opinion pieces about a book as they can before the timer runs out.

Ex: "I liked the book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It was my favorite.

I did not like the book the Three Little Pigs. It was boring.

My favorite part about the Three Little Pigs is when the Wolf blows the house down......" Etc.

The student will continue to write sentences like these until the timer grows a complete tree.

Grade: 1st Grade

Subject: Math

Standard: 1.OA.C Add and subtract within 20.

Activity: Students will add and subtract numbers with flashcards within the time limit.