Helping your child to focus when taking part in activities
Some children find it difficult to stay focused during activities at home or school. They may appear constantly on the go, fidget frequently, talk a lot, seem easily distracted or appear tired and unmotivated.
Difficulties with attention can be linked to:
- tasks being too easy or too difficult
- difficulties understanding instructions
- sensory processing differences
- tiredness, anxiety or stress
Remember, all children have different ways to help themselves focus. Some need movement. Some prefer to have background noise. Some can concentrate best when their hands are busy.
Classroom and homework strategies
| Strategy | How it can help |
|---|---|
| Good seating position | Improves posture and concentration |
| Clear workspace | Reduces distractions |
| Standing to work | Can help some children focus better |
| Fine motor activity box | Gives them something to focus on when changing tasks |
| Fidget tools | May help some children stay focused |
| Wobble cushion | Can provide movement while remaining seated |
| Stretchy bands on chairs | Gives children a way to move their legs quietly |
| Regular movement breaks | Helps children stay well regulated and focused |
Creating a supportive environment
| Think about | Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Visual distractions | Reduce clutter and unnecessary displays |
| Noise levels | Use quieter spaces when possible |
| Lighting | Make sure work areas are well lit |
| Temperature | Make sure the environment is comfortable |
| Positioning | Sit near the teacher or away from distractions if needed |
| Workload | Break tasks into smaller, achievable sections |
| Timing | If your child can focus for 2 minutes, start there and slowly increase expectations over time |
Movement breaks
Regular movement can help children stay alert and focused.
| Activity | Examples |
|---|---|
| Quick movement breaks | Marching on the spot, star jumps, jumping, arm circles, stretching, chair push-ups and wall push-ups |
| Position changes | Standing, kneeling, lying on tummy and propping on elbows |
| Helpful jobs | Delivering messages, tidying equipment, moving chairs or carrying books |
| Warm-up activities | Hand and arm warm-ups before writing or table-top tasks |
Alerting activities
Some children need extra sensory input to help them feel awake and ready to learn.
| Activity type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Strong flavours | Citrus fruits, strong mints and sour flavours (as appropriate) |
| Cold foods | Frozen fruit, smoothies and ice cubes with fruit |
| Vibration | Electric toothbrushes or vibrating sensory tools |
| Movement | Jumping, running, dancing and skipping |
Oral and sensory strategies
Activities involving chewing, sucking, blowing and drinking can help some children stay calm and focused.
| Activity | Examples |
|---|---|
| Drinking | Water bottles with sports tops and drinking thick liquids through wide straws |
| Chewing | Chewy snacks and chewable jewellery (where appropriate) |
| Oral sensory tools | Chew pendants or oral sensory toys under supervision |
| Blowing activities | Bubbles, pinwheels, balloons and party blowers |
| Mouth motor games | Blow football, blowing tissue races and blowing bubbles in water |
Remember
Every child is different. What helps one child focus may not work for another. Observe what helps your child stay calm, alert and engaged and use these strategies regularly throughout the day. Small changes to routines or the environment can make a big difference to your child's ability to take part and learn.