It's hard to teach children anything. Especially when they are least or not interested at all.
The interest of a kid in any topic drives the essential concentration for the child to sit and learn the subject. But how do you improve a child's concentration? The answer lies in indulging kids more in the topic of study.
This is an infographic produced by Brainy's years of teaching and developing an interest in kids to improve their focus and concentration while studying. Do let us know in the comments if you wish to add on to this.
These are some tips you can benefit from while improving your child's concentration power.
Here are 7 brief points that comprise the above tips for you to take away easily;
1. Divide bigger tasks into smaller ones
It becomes difficult and overwhelming for kids to perform a single large task in one go. Since a bigger task needs to be handled accurately, it is better if it is divided into smaller, manageable tasks. Breaking down a task that takes less time, a child doesn’t feel burdened, and it gives them the satisfaction of having made progress in completing the assigned task successfully. Larger tasks can be daunting and can demoralize children from achieving their desired goals.
2. Minimize distractions
It is difficult for kids to screen out distractions like adults. So, setting up an environment more adaptable for concentration that is free from all distractions like loud music, TV noise, and toys is important. Also, keeping them away from mobile phones, browsing the internet in this technological era, while performing a particular task, can help in a child’s concentration. The ideal workplace for kids should be clean with proper directional lighting and should have a comfortable place to sit.
3. Schedule activities and set goals
While assigning a task, ensure to set a time limit that will gently force your child to finish the task within a specific time limit. Make sure that the time limit is neither too short nor too long. Short time limits can make a child frustrated and anxious, whereas long time limits can lead to inattentiveness and distraction.
Also, help them to prepare a timetable for all the activities, dividing it into hobby time, study time, and playtime. This will help them set goals and achieve them.
Reward them with gifts when they complete the tasks according to the timetable, which will keep them motivated.
4. Spend time with your kids and read stories to them
Never fail to spend time with your kids, even though you are busy with your work. This will create a positive environment for them, helping them focus on their activities. Get storybooks of your child’s interest and read the stories aloud while your child is in rest mode. This will increase his listening skills and enhance their imagination and visual processing skills, promoting concentration.
5. Use fun activities to make them focus
Intermix work with play by letting them choose the activities in between periods. May it be anything, they could play, listen to music, or go to sleep. Deciding on the fun activities in between work will enhance their concentration and focus, which will result in better output while performing the assigned task.
6. Encourage healthy eating habits
Food plays a crucial role in the way a child thinks and concentrates. Providing children with balanced meals rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals helps their brains function more effectively. Avoiding excessive sugar and junk food prevents sudden energy spikes and crashes, which can affect their attention span. Nutritious snacks such as fruits, nuts, or homemade alternatives can keep them energetic yet calm, thereby supporting their ability to focus better on studies or activities.
7. Teach relaxation and mindfulness techniques
Children, like adults, can experience stress or mental fatigue, which hampers their ability to concentrate. Simple relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided meditation, or short mindfulness exercises can make a big difference. Practicing these regularly helps calm their mind, improves patience, and builds emotional resilience. By introducing these methods early, children can learn to center themselves and maintain focus even in challenging situations.
Apart from these 7 encouraging ways, you can also motivate your child by appreciating them regularly, ensuring they practice basic breathing exercises, providing enough physical activity, and making sure they get sufficient rest. These activities can also help improve your child's concentration.
One of the Pioneers in this field is BRAINY – A division of Brain Child Learning which helps in Brain Training for Children in the age group of 7 to 16 year olds with their advanced brain development courses. They have a methodology of Training which Involves Meditation / Digitized Music – to open new neural pathways in the brain and Neurobic Exercises which help the mind stay agile and alert. The Blended training provides all round development of the brain with multiple benefits. One of the components is the Sensory Enhancement & Memory Training course which focuses on improving the Concentration/ Focus of the child.