09/09/2018
Hello,
Poor concentration is a prevalent problem amongst the children these days, especially
given the prevailing life style. Common signs that your child is having trouble
concentrating in the classroom include:
• Low grades
• A dislike of school
• Disruptive behaviour in class
There are several reasons for this -
1) Lack of practice.
2) Doesn’t understand the material.
3) Isn’t being challenged enough.
4) Gets distracted by external stimuli.
5) Lack of motivation.
6) Mismatched learning styles.
7) Not getting proper sleep or nutrition.
8 Disorganisation problems.
9) School Anxiety
10) Learning difficulties.
11) ADHD
12) Bullying
Although you can handle some of the causes at home through some easy tricks, for
the others one needs a specialised help. In today’s world when everything is being
served to kids on the readymade platter (internet), their concentration is bound to get
affected as they don’t want to put that extra hard work or effort to attempt challenges.
It is advisable to get a specialised assessment done before it gets too late. The
good news is that this issue has a Solutions, if dealt at a right time in a right
manner. Some of the ways in which you can help your child at home are -
1) Play Thinking Games - You can train and strengthen a child’s ability to
concentrate and focus by playing concentration games that require thinking,
planning and the use of memory. Crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and card
games such as ‘Memory’ and ‘Uno’ actually improve attention for words,
numbers and pictures, while picture puzzles—in which your younger child has to
look for things that are ‘wrong’ in the picture or look for hard-to-find objects—
also improve attention and increase concentration.
2) Sequencing - The link between sequencing and concentration is a strong
one. Following recipes, setting the table and putting things in alphabetical order
are great activities for kids who have concentration difficulties.
3) Just Sit - This game involves challenging your child to sit in a chair without
moving or fidgeting to see how long he can do it. Another concentration
improvement game in this category is ‘Statue!’ Through repeated play, the child’s
brain is ‘exercised’ and challenged, which strengthens mind-body connections
and improves focus.
4) Prepare a distraction free environment - Some children respond well in an
environment that is soothing and calming but other children may thrive in an
environment that has a lot of hustle and bustle.Understanding what kind of
environment your child prefers to study is the first step to increase concentration
level in him/her.
5) Feed them green vegetables and healthy - Eating healthy food has a direct link to
how well a child concentrates and there are different foods that help increase a
child’s concentration. Eating junk food or food rich in sugar makes a child
sluggish while food rich in proteins such as almonds, eggs and lean meat have the
ability to raise awareness and increase concentration levels!
6) Naps and Breaks -Most children are able to concentrate best after a good nights’
rest.A power nap for twenty minutes after school or in the afternoon should also
do the trick to increase concentration.All bathroom breaks, hunger pangs etc.
should be taken care of before the study time begins as they have the tendency to
interfere with concentration.
7) Deep Breathing.
8 Outdoor Play.
Although you can definitely try this at home but there is no substitute for
specialised help. Try out these tips at home and see if there is any
improvement. Get back for any specialised or Individualised help on
[email protected]
Take care!
Have a happy life!
Regards
SOULHOUSE
