How Can I Help My Child To Concentrate Better In School?

Concentration is vital for effective learning, but it can be challenging to maintain. Staying focused is crucial for truly understanding a subject instead of just going through the motions. Concentration means focusing mental effort on specific tasks. Each person’s ability to concentrate can vary based on cognitive skills, interest in the subject, and overall health.

A student passionate about a topic often finds it easier to concentrate than someone who is not interested. Distractions can make it hard to focus. These can come from outside sources, like noise and notifications, or from within, like wandering thoughts. With smartphones and social media, distractions are everywhere.

To improve concentration, students can take steps to create a better learning environment. Finding a quiet and comfortable study area is key. This could be a spot at home, a library, or a quiet coffee shop. Keeping the workspace tidy can also help reduce distractions. Managing digital distractions is important too. Turning off notifications and blocking distracting websites can help maintain focus.
Here are some more ideas:

Establishing a study routine can boost concentration.

The Pomodoro Technique involves studying for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. These short bursts of focus can prevent burnout and keep the mind fresh. Adjust the time according to the age and attention span of the individual.

Practicing mindfulness

Mindfulness encourages being present, which helps manage distractions. Simple practices like deep breathing and meditation can train students to focus better.

Nutrition and physical health matter as well

A balanced diet of whole grains, fruits, and lean proteins supports brain health. Regular exercise releases endorphins and reduces stress, making it easier to concentrate. Sleep is crucial too. Adequate sleep improves memory and cognitive performance. Well-rested students find it easier to focus. Prioritizing sleep can significantly enhance learning outcomes.

Setting specific and achievable goals helps maintain focus

Instead of vague goals like “study for the test,” students should use SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This way, breaking tasks into smaller steps allows students to feel accomplished and motivated.

Explicit practice works

Here is a short exercise that teachers and parents can use. I like this exercise because it’s informal: you can practice while walking, riding in a car, or anywhere else. You can use short passages about any topic; they can be relevant to areas of study or of high interest.

First, elicit from the students what they think concentration means. Next, tell them that you will be practicing using concentration skills by reading them a short paragraph. Periodically, you will insert the word “oops” into the content of the paragraph. Ask them to keep track of how many times you say “oops.” As with all interventions, tasks can be difficult but with repeated practice, success can soar.

Read the following and insert the word “oops” every time you see an asterisk (Note that the content being reviewed is related to American history, but you can substitute the paragraph with one related to the content the students are learning):

New England was settled* by Puritans seeking freedom from religious persecution in *Europe. They formed a * “covenant community” * based on the principles of the Mayflower Compact and Puritan religious beliefs * and were often intolerant of those not sharing their * religion. They also * sought economic opportunity and * practiced a form of direct* democracy.

After reading the paragraph, ask the students how many times you said the word “oops.” Most students will say “9.” Next, ask the students what the paragraph was about. Most students will look at you wide-eyed or with blank stares, and some may say, “You didn’t say we had to do that.” Acknowledge that doing that while keeping track of “oops” can be difficult and requires concentration. Explain that concentration takes effort, and that the amount of time each person can concentrate varies, but we can all improve our level of concentration through practice. Tell the students you are going to practice concentrating using another paragraph. Say that they need to keep track of the number of times “oops” is said, as well as be able to tell what the paragraph is about.

In summary, concentration is essential for learning. By understanding what affects concentration and using effective strategies, students can enhance their academic performance. Creating a distraction-free environment, developing a study routine, practicing mindfulness and explicit concentration, and prioritizing health all contribute to better concentration. With these tools, students can learn to focus and reach their potential.

If you have concerns about your or your child’s ability to concentrate and succeed in school, reach out to Horizon Psychological Services to find out about testing for ADHD and learning disabilities today.