Concentration

Many children find it hard to be still and concentrate on one thing at a time. Most need help to develop this skill that is the beginning of learning. It often helps for them to know that there is a time for having active fun and running around and times for quieter activities and that both times are important.

Make sure you have times during the day where the television and radio are turned off and you sit with them to look at a book they like, play one of their favourite games or do some drawing and painting. These times can be a pleasant break in the middle of busy days and you enjoying the time with them will show how important being able to concentrate on something is.

Children like to please so when your child has been doing something well it’s important to tell them how pleased you are.
This helps them learn what is expected of them rather than only knowing what they do that makes people cross.
If they have been concentrating on something quietly tell them they have done well.

Reproduced with kind permission by Jill Steward, Occupational Therapist, Surestart, Stoke North.