Tasks to Build Focus Skills Through the Summer

Developmental experts say that, on average, a child through young adult should be able to stay focused on a task for two to five minutes times the year of their age. Many studies suggest that everyday play -- especially play that engages the brain and body -- accomplishes the goal of improving attention and concentration better than worksheets, video games, or punishments, but what are some factors that may be contributing to poor attention and concentration?

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Nutrition and Sleep - Am I hungry or tired? To combat hunger or fatigue, give yourself a snack before you start work or any structured task. According to the Mayo Clinic, some smart choices include whole-grain pretzels, raw veggies dipped in fat-free dressing or hummus, yogurt, and peanut butter spread on a banana or apple. A good night's sleep is important as well, so make sure your child (and you!) is getting enough rest.

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Is the Task Developmentally Appropriate? Children can tune out and stop paying attention when they think a task is too hard for them. They may need instructions broken into small steps. This is often the case when someone has a brain injury, with various mental health concerns or a neurocognitive disorder such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Sometimes illustrating a routine on paper and posting it on the wall can serve as a good visual reminder instead of constant verbal reminders.
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Move It! Research has also shown that exercise can help us pay attention. A CDC and Prevention research review revealed that elementary school children who took breaks from classwork to be active during the day could concentrate better on schoolwork. Other studies have reported that parents who make exercise a priority will have more physically active kids.
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Limit Screen Time - Another way to encourage children to be more active is by limiting TV time. A study published in Pediatrics found that fast-paced cartoons shortened the attention spans of 4-year-olds. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one to two hours per day of total high-quality screen time, including TV, videos, computers, phones, and video games. Instead of the TV or handing over the smartphone, have them focus on other activities that will help
increase attention spans. For example, children can read, work on a puzzle, help make dinner, or build forts out of blocks and chairs.

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Other Concerns - Mental health issues, such as depression, anger, and anxiety, can make it difficult for anyone to focus, and we often need help learning how to cope with these feelings. Make sure you are seeking help to learn how to discuss these feelings in the healthiest way possible!

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Play Into Their Strengths - One thing that parents can do to help their children not only succeed academically, but also increase their level of confidence is to identify their academic strengths and weaknesses. Through psychoeducational testing one can identify reasons for academic difficulties such as processing difficulties, attention problems, emotional stress, or math and reading weaknesses. Identifying why there are difficulties allows others to help the child overcome these difficulties. Additionally, a psychologist who completes this testing can provide suggested recommendations to ensure the child is given an even playing field.

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Extracurricular activities are anything outside of your home and your child’s classroom that help them build social skills, self-esteem and stay healthy, whether that’s mentally, emotionally or physically. Certain children will excel at learning a new language, playing an instrument or taking an art class, while others need physical activities such as lacrosse, gymnastics or swimming. No matter what it is that your child tries out, it’s important that they are involved in activities in which they can make some decisions, feel proud of themselves as they learn new things, experience challenge and make new friends. These friends are ones that your child needs to work a little harder at building relationships with as they are not in class together day after day.

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