Focus is a crucial factor in helping children develop their thinking and learn effectively. Training focus not only improves memory but also enhances logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and social interaction.

To effectively train focus on children, it’s important to understand how their concentration abilities change as they grow.

• Children aged 2-4 years: Focus is still limited, typically lasting 5-10 minutes. Children at this age are easily distracted and find it challenging to maintain attention for extended periods.
• Children aged 5-7 years: Focus gradually improves, with attention spans ranging from 10-15 minutes. At this stage, children can complete simple tasks without getting distracted.
• Children aged 8-12 years: Children can maintain focus for 20-30 minutes, especially during activities they enjoy or high-interaction learning experiences.
• Adolescents: Focus is more stable, and teens are able to manage time and plan their studies more effectively.

Children may exhibit certain signs that suggest they are working on improving their focus in daily activities. Common indicators include:

• Limited attention during conversations: Children may occasionally find it challenging to remain fully engaged in conversations and actively listen to what is being said.
• Easily diverted: External distractions or unrelated stimuli can sometimes shift a child’s attention.
• Difficulty completing tasks: Children may find it more challenging to finish tasks, such as homework, and sometimes leave them unfinished.
• Delayed task initiation: Children might take time to begin tasks, finding it a bit harder to focus right away.
• Shorter attention span: Children may find it more difficult to sustain focus during activities that require patience or extended thinking.

By recognizing these signs, parents can support their child in developing stronger focus skills.

Training a child’s ability to focus, whether for preschoolers or older children, requires patience and the right approach. Focus skills can be enhanced through various methods. Below are effective ways to help children develop better concentration.

• Create an Ideal Learning Environment

The learning environment plays a crucial role in a child’s ability to focus. When children study in a quiet, clean space without distractions, their concentration improves significantly.

• Quiet Space: Children need a distraction-free learning environment. Ensure that their study area is away from electronic devices and external distractions, allowing them to focus fully.

• Proper Lighting: A well-lit environment stimulates focus. Studying under appropriate lighting helps children feel comfortable, reduces eye strain, and enhances their ability to stay focused for longer periods.
• Eliminate Distractions: Make sure the learning space only contains necessary items. Removing toys and other electronic devices helps children avoid distractions, making it easier to focus on their tasks.

• Training the Habit of Focusing on One Task at a Time

One of the key factors in improving a child’s focus is training them to focus on one task at a time. Children are easily distracted when asked to juggle multiple tasks, and multitasking can actually reduce productivity.

• Focus on a Single Task: Encourage children to complete one task before moving on to another. This habit helps children avoid distractions and allows them to concentrate fully on the task at hand.
• Avoid Multitasking: Asking children to do multiple things at once, such as studying while playing, can cause them to lose focus easily. Create a routine where children focus on one activity at a time, ensuring they give their full attention to it.

3. Making Lists and Breaking Tasks into Smaller Steps

An effective focus training way for kids involves teaching them how to make lists and break tasks into manageable steps, helping improve their concentration and task completion.

• Creating a To-Do List: Helping children create a list of tasks can give them a clear goal, making it easier for them to focus on each task. Whether for schoolwork or daily activities, writing down tasks helps children understand what they need to do and stay focused.
• Breaking Tasks into Smaller Steps: Large tasks can overwhelm children and cause them to lose focus. Breaking tasks down into smaller, achievable steps helps children feel less overwhelmed. For instance, instead of asking children to complete an entire homework assignment at once, break it into smaller sections, each lasting about 10-15 minutes.

4. Encouraging Physical Activity

Physical activity not only benefits a child’s health but also plays a vital role in enhancing their ability to focus. Studies have shown that physical exercises improve blood circulation to the brain, which in turn boosts concentration and academic performance.

• Active Games: Activities such as skipping, tag, or football not only entertain children but also help improve their focus. These games require children to pay attention to their movements, effectively training their concentration skills.
• Exercise Routines: Activities like yoga or breathing exercises are particularly beneficial for improving focus in children. These exercises help children relax, reduce stress, and create an environment that fosters better concentration.

5. Improving Focus Through Games

Games are an effective way to help children develop their focus in a natural and enjoyable manner. These activities not only enhance cognitive skills but also stimulate attention and concentration.

Here are a few game suggestions:

• Mimicking Exercises: Games such as mimicking actions (e.g. copying a ball, animal, or airplane movements) are excellent for improving focus. Children need to concentrate on each action and replicate it accurately, which trains their observation skills and attention.
• Maze Games: Maze puzzles help children develop problem-solving abilities and strengthen their focus. As they navigate through challenges, children improve their concentration and critical thinking skills.
• Stringing Beads: This game helps children enhance hand-eye coordination and patience. By focusing on threading beads one by one, children strengthen their ability to concentrate, which also benefits their learning processes.

>> Read more: The Learning-through-Play Approach

6. Optimizing Focus Span to Boost Concentration in Children

Understanding and adjusting focus span according to a child’s developmental stage is key to fostering concentration. Age-appropriate routines help children stay engaged and absorb information effectively.

Preschoolers typically have shorter attention spans, around 10 to 20 minutes, and benefit from frequent breaks to maintain focus. As children grow, they can focus for longer periods, such as 30 minutes, but taking short breaks every 20-30 minutes helps sustain concentration. Adapting focus routines to match a child’s developmental needs encourages better concentration and supports their overall learning experience.

7. Parents Supporting Their Child’s Focus Development

Parents play a significant role in helping children develop their ability to concentrate. When parents actively participate in their child’s learning and play activities, it creates a positive learning environment that supports the child’s development.

Engaging in learning activities with children allows parents to understand their child’s focus levels and make timely adjustments. When parents are involved, children feel encouraged and cared for, which enhances their focus on tasks. For example, when children are doing their homework, parents can sit with them or assist in breaking down tasks into manageable steps.

Read more: The Importance of Positive Parenting

Fostering concentration in children through focus training for kids is key to their overall development, enhancing both cognitive abilities and social skills. Creating an ideal learning environment, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and ensuring parental involvement all contribute to improving a child’s ability to focus effectively.

 

If you’re looking for an ideal educational environment to help your child develop concentration skills, La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh International School is an ideal choice. Here, children are guided in enhancing their concentration through engaging learning activities, stimulating games, and a positive learning environment. With an advanced educational approach, children not only learn to maintain focus but also develop cognitive abilities and life skills in a comprehensive manner.

Contact La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh City to learn more about our curriculum and extracurricular activities:

• Phone: 028 3519 1521
• Email: contact@lpehochiminh.com
• Address: 172 – 180 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh city