Improving Attention Span

Improving Attention Span

We talked in a previous blog about attention span in kids. As children approach school age, when children are enrolled in school and moving up through the grades, and when it is important for a child to be able to sit and focus on something, whether school related or not, it becomes increasingly essential for them to develop an attention span. 

In our last post, we gave the averages for the general population, which is about 2-5 minutes per year of age. From that information, you can assume that, for the most part, as a child ages, so their attention span lengthens. That makes sense. It also explains why many kids have a tough time when they first start out in formal education. At times, in some schools, the expectations of a child’s attention span just do not mesh well with the reality of their ages, especially in preschool classes, where you can have an age range of 2-3 years. Say you have a 3 year old whose attention span is on the low side. They might have a 6 minute attention span. In that same class, you could have a 5 year old with an attention span on the high side. Their attention span could be up to 25 minutes. In that class, both students might be expected to perform in a similar manner, listen to the same books, do the same projects, etc. This can set up unrealistic expectations, and might even get the younger child labeled as challenging, difficult, or in need of help. But the reality is, both children would be within the normal ranges of attention span for their age.

Additionally, as we have also discussed in past posts, every child’s brain is different. Not everyone is going to grow in a linear trajectory. Some might gain a remarkable attention span early on. Others may be well behind the curve as they age. So for this blog, we thought we would look into ways to help improve and stimulate the growth of attention span in children. None of these methods are guaranteed, but we are making our best effort to give parents and educators some ideas to try. You never know what is going to work.

1. Establish routines - Most children thrive on the predictability of life. This becomes especially important when they are put into a school setting. The best classrooms will have a visual (picture)/written schedule posted for all children to see. They will go over that schedule in the morning, allowing discussion and questions until they are satisfied that the children understand what is happening and when. They will also reference that schedule as they move through their day, giving reminders and prompts, for example: “OK, let’s look at the schedule. Next we have story time which we will gather on the rug for. When we are done with that, we will go outside for recess.” In doing this, the child gets accustomed to knowing what they're doing and knowing what is coming next. They are much better able to concentrate on the task at hand if they are not fretting, worrying, or wondering what comes next. This can be used at home as well. 

2. Some kids lose interest or attention in a task when it is too large for their minds to comprehend. In these instances, it is a great idea to break large tasks down into smaller, manageable mini tasks. We would also encourage taking small breaks between the steps. Even a 2 minute movement break and then heading back to the task can help a child. As they begin to get better at this, you can lengthen the mini tasks a bit. Eventually they will be able to complete the entire task in one sitting. Additionally some kids are kinesthetic learners. They may learn better by moving, or at least standing. Allowing kids the latitude to figure that out rather than requiring rigid adherence to “criss cross applesauce” or “you may only sit at your desk” can go a long way in helping some kids.

3. It is important for many kids to have a calm atmosphere in order for them to be attentive and productive. Calm lighting rather than harsh fluorescent lighting is a great place to start. Natural light from windows, floor lamps or table lamps  are effective ways to calm a child. Parents and teachers should attempt to speak in low, calm, even voices. Depending on the activity, calm low music in the background can be helpful. Cleaning up messes so the area is clutter free can help as well. Ultimately you have to do what you can with the resources you are provided, but calm generally begets calm, and a calm mind is a more focused and attentive mind.

4. Find games that kids enjoy playing. It is a given that the more interest a child has in an activity, the more attentive they will be. Have you ever seen a normally wild child laser focus on a video game, electronic, or screen? We all have. It is an amazing phenomenon. If only we could harness that attentiveness to a non-screen activity. It will take some doing, some trial and error to narrow down where the individual child’s interest lies (obviously parents will have an easier time with this than a classroom teacher) but once you do, pounce on that. Get them involved in a game of Candyland, or Uno, Memory or Go Fish, Mancala or chess. Or literally hundreds of other games. Watching a child who normally flits from activity to activity actually sit down and play a whole game, with interest, is a huge win and so satisfying. Find engaging books. The I Spy and Where’s Waldo type books can really engage the attention of children (and adults…) so a child who normally can’t sit still long enough to listen to a book might be able to spend 5, 10, 15 minutes or longer looking for the hidden objects in these books.

5. Lastly, it’s important to keep an even temper as the adult in charge. It can be hard, working with many different kids, different ages, different maturity levels, different attention spans. Don’t take things personally. Kids are going to challenge you and, intentionally or not, they are going to push your buttons. Put some work in on yourself in these instances. Know that the inability to sit still, attend, concentrate, focus…is not a reflection of you, the parent or teacher, and it is never something directed at you. Kids are just working through their stages of development. They’ll get there, and they are looking to you for guidance, or approval, for affirmation. Make sure you are praising what you see working.

Attention span can be such a tricky hurdle. The young mind sees so much, hears so much, is so busy taking in all the stimuli that surrounds them. It can be tough for them to find that inner peace long enough to get work done. But with some time, patience, some trial and error, and a little bit of luck, kids can grow into a space in their minds where they can be calm and learn. We, as adults, know how important attention span becomes as we navigate the world around us…in work, in life. Let’s help kids over this hurdle,

Thank you for reading! Jill B. M.A., M.Ed., CCC-SLP