As per the google dictionary, the focus is when you direct your attention towards a particular subject matter or task at hand.
It is steering clear of all the things that hinder your productivity. And what hinders productivity?
Distractions.
There are many factors at play that can cause these distractions. They can be internal, for example – hunger, lack of interest in the task, etc., and they can be external, for example – noise from the traffic outside.
We live in a noisy world. With all these new emerging technologies hooking the kids with its charm, losing focus from the tasks at hand can get pretty easy.
You take the gadgets away and align some task to a kid, and they will be fascinated by the birds chirping outside the window.
One thing for parents to note –
Concentrating is not difficult. It is an acquired skill. People don’t have a hard time focusing. They face a hard time deciding what to focus on. And the same goes for kids as well.
Why do you think almost every kid starts a project when the deadline is about to strike? It is the sense of urgency. That urgency makes the task really important and drives our decision to take action. When things are important, no distraction can bother you.
But you can’t let your kid take action when the 11th hour hits the clock, and this is where these following tips and tricks can help you in the long run.
Strategies on How to Increase Concentration in Kids
#1. Multitasking – Is It Effective?
As per James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, humans are capable of doing two tasks simultaneously. However, the hard part is (almost impossible, really) focusing on two things at the same time.
Whenever we multitask, our brain switches the focus from one task to another. It would be effective only if the transition was smooth.
Let’s say if a kid is writing an assignment while sipping a cup of hot chocolate. He takes a sip and then goes back to the assignment. Whenever he works again, he takes a good 10 seconds to gather what he was doing. Those 10 seconds define that the transition, in fact, is not so smooth. This is because we are humans. Those 10 seconds are called the Switching cost. It is the mental price you pay whenever you jump from one task to another.
By looking at the image above, you can see where we are getting at. This is the myth of multitasking. It will make you feel you are really effective, but in reality, only true focus can bring a difference.
#2. The Method of Elimination
This is basically about defining the “Not-to-do” list. When you define the things that are secondary in nature, it can help you identify what really should be the priority. This is the power of elimination,
When priorities aren’t set, almost every unimportant thing can seem important.
Here is a step-by-step on how you can do this,
#. Ask your kids to list the 20 things they need to get done within the next week (Set shorter timelines). For example, finishing a science project, reading a book, meeting a friend, etc.
#. Ask them to mark the top five things which they feel are really important.
#. By this point, we have two things clear, the primary goals and the secondary tasks.
Here, the top 5 should be the priority to pick. The other 15 should be only picked when the first five are done. The kids can give the 15 ones a dedicated effort when the first five finish up.
Doing this can narrow your focus on the “to-do” and eliminate distractions.
That said, we are humans, and we are bound to get distracted. Losing focus is pretty easy since the average attention span of a teen is only a good 20 minutes.
Even though the skill of concentration can be acquired, constant effort and upgradations is a must. Therefore, it is essential to measure the results, find the gaps, and keep working to fill those voids.
As Einstein puts it,
If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairytales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairytales.
#3. It is not the Destination; it’s the Journey
Change does not happen when you focus on results. Results can only come when the process to achieve those results is kept at the forefront.
So, how to increase focus in kids? Focus on the process.
You can’t get an A+ when you keep thinking about getting an A+. Manifestation does not happen this way; you need to align your actions towards that goal.
Maybe you need to dedicate time each day in that particular subject you want to get an A in, to get an A in.
When you channel your energies towards the process, results are bound to come around.
Well, this was some wisdom from the wise. Now, let’s get into the fun part.
Games to Bring a Laser Focus Mindset
The following games can be your answer to how to increase concentration power in kids. Let’s deep dive.
#1. Jigsaw Puzzles
Would you believe us if we told you that jigsaw puzzles are a type of meditation?
Here is the science,
The left side of our brain works on logic, while the right side works on creativeness and intuition. Jigsaw puzzles help you do both. It helps improve problem-solving skills and brings attention to details.
Here, you are looking at individual pieces of one big picture without letting the external thoughts disturb your mind. Isn’t that meditation?
In the long run, it can help you improve your visual-spatial intelligence (visualising things using the mind’s eye). This can help in driving, reading maps, following dance steps, etc.
#2. Sudoku
Looking for natural ways to increase focus and concentration? Sudoku is the answer.
Sudoku can not be played unless you are entirely concentrated on the game.
One distraction and you are back to square one.
The frustration of going back to do the analysis again can force our brain to give our undivided attention to the game.
Although this game is not bounded by time, you can use a timer to be the ultimate motivator to narrow the focus on finding a solution.
It can also help improve a kid’s problem-solving skills as they need to think logically to fill in the cells.
There are many such games for kids to play to increase their concentration power, like Chess, Brain teasers, Crossword puzzles, Rubik’s cube and more.
How can The Real School Of Montessori Help your Kid Bring Their A Game?
Gone are the days when learning used to be mundane. The Real School Of Montessori brings more fun and futuristic approach to education. With exciting programs like Space Exploration, Game Development and Building a Memory Palace, the approach is sure to bring your kids to the edge of their seats.
Intrigued? Hop on the Programs section to know more about what we bring to the table.
