Effective Activities to Improve Concentration for Kids

 Isn't it funny how your child can concentrate for hours on their favorite video game or TV show, but when you ask them to do their homework, their attention wanders within minutes? Concerning, isn’t it? You have chosen the best school with good infrastructure for your child, you are providing the best facilities and opportunities for their growth and it is their concentration that is hampering the same.

For primary school students, learning to concentrate can be a difficult endeavor. According to experts, a youngster can focus for three to five minutes for every year of their life, so a five-year-old would be able to focus for roughly 15 minutes, while a ten-year-old might be able to stay on target for the better part of an hour.

Many children, on the other hand, find it difficult to focus for even short periods of time, especially if the task they're working on isn't engaging or if there are numerous distractions. However, you or your child can enhance their attention and focus without it feeling like a work. Not to forget that the good schools have recently started incorporating numerous activities to help the students work on their concentration.

To get you started, here are a few simple exercises, prescribed by educators, child counsellors and practiced by many good schools. However, do make sure to provide positive reinforcement in the form of praise and encouragement while you're practicing these exercises together. Keep track of your progress usually, this will include how fast your child can complete a task or how long they can continue a task.

1. The coin game

This game is popular among parents because it helps memory, sequencing, attention, and concentration. It's also popular with children because it's fast-paced and entertaining.

A small collection of varied coins, a cardboard sheet to cover them, and a stopwatch or timer are required first. Pick five different coins from the pile and arrange them in a sequence. You can now ask your child to look closely at the coins stacked on the table.

Then, using the cardboard, cover the coins. Start the timer, then have them repeat the sequence with the coins from the pile. Remove the cardboard cover and mark the time with the timer when they're done. Make a note of how long it takes them to finish the pattern and whether or not they are correct. If your child fails to finish it correctly, encourage them to try again until they succeed.

As you progress, you can add more coins to the patterns to make them more difficult. The more you play, the better your child's concentration and sequencing will become, which will be a terrific reward for both of you.

2. Positive imagery and relaxation

When simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing are combined with pleasant visual imagery, the brain can enhance or learn new skills. Which is why you will find many of the good schools and CBSE curriculumschools taking into consideration positive imagery and relaxation activities amidst the regular schedules.  

Research has revealed that when a person mentally trains their golf swing, the brain records the virtual trials as if they were genuine trials, resulting in golf course improvement. In other words, kids with ADHD can delude themselves into thinking they're paying attention in class or dealing with taunting, which can alter their school behaviour. You and your youngster can try this out by using your imaginations.

3. Integration of the mind and body

Have your youngster try to sit in a chair without moving as an example of this technique. The parent keeps track of how long the youngster can do it for. Improvement can be shown after several weeks of practice. The neuronal connections between the brain and the body are strengthened as a result of this activity, resulting in enhanced self-control.

4. Concentration and memory games

Memory and concentration can be improved by playing various memory games. They're quick and enjoyable.

Memory encourages the youngster to recall where the picture squares are located, and Simon assists them with memorizing visual and aural stimulus sequences. Brain circuits are exercised and challenged through repetitive play, which develops connections and improves function. There is also a plethora of free online games that can help with concentration and memory.

Also, while you pay attention to choosing a good school, or a popular school with good infrastructure, do take into account if they include activities like memory games and the likes then you have cracked the best deal for your child’s growth.

5. Picture puzzles and crossword puzzles

It may appear easy, but these are excellent tools for children with ADHD. Crossword puzzles increase word recognition and sequencing skills. Picture puzzles that require your younger child to look for items that are "wrong" in the picture or hard-to-find objects, on the other hand, also help to develop attention and concentration.

6. Games with a story

All you need is a decent story book and a good imagination to play these activities. You can just read a brief narrative to the child and then give them a pop quiz on the subject. You can also read a paragraph or two from a story and then ask your youngster to predict what will happen next.

Assist in keeping the content related to the original plot. After your child has said what he believes will happen next, you may add your thoughts. If at all possible, continue trading and see what you come up with.

Working memory and focus are aided by these games. They can also aid in the growth of reasoning and a sense of humor.

Work together with your child on these brain activities, acting as their coach. Encourage them and keep note of how far they've come. Collaboration is a win-win situation since it deepens your bond with your child.

Allow yourself to have a good time. Participate in the exercises with your youngster. Who knows, your brain might even perform a little faster and smarter as a result! Some of the top schools in Bangalore such as the Millennium World School are directed towards holistic development and thus pay lot of attention to the activities that can enhance concentration abilities of the children and lead them to growth.