Young children’s minds are full
of information. This can make their attention span very short.
You can help build their
attention span through activities that develop concentration.
You want them to learn how to pick
one piece of information from the brain and focus on it. Concentration is key.
First, help your child pay
attention to what you say by being very clear and focused when you talk. Look
your child in the eye and use simple, direct sentences. Repeat important points
several times.
Talk about what happened on a
given day. Ask children questions that will help them focus on a specific
event.
Have them talk about the event
as long as they are able. At first this may be for just a few seconds.
It also helps to read together.
Many children will sit to hear a book read aloud even when they won’t sit still
for anything else.
When a story is over, ask
children questions that will help them concentrate on specific characters or
actions.
Finally, use pictures or props
to focus a child’s attention. A child will be more interested in talking about
a neighbor’s new kitten if you are both looking at a picture of a kitten while
you talk.
The most important behavior you
can demonstrate during these conversations is patience. Concentration skills
can take years to fully develop, but it’s worth the effort.
