Children, especially naturally gifted children, often struggle to focus. Whether they’re trying to pay attention to a teacher in the middle of a droning lecture or attempting to stay on task with homework assignments, the struggle can be overwhelming. This can be due to many factors. The most common reasons are unrealistic expectations of how difficult a task will be and concern about letting their parents or teachers down. Here’s how you can help your child get focused and get back on track.
Take a Moment to Prepare
Preparation looks different for everyone. Some students read through pages of highlighted notes before diving into the task at hand. Others take a few deep breaths to get in the right mindset. It may even mean setting a timer or starting a timed playlist that leaves time for breaks. Once you find a preparation method that works, stick to it. Fitting preparation into the routine will establish a clear line between homework time and relaxation time.
Break it into Chunks
When it feels like everything is going on all at once, focusing can be difficult. People of all ages struggle with this. The first step is dividing the work into manageable chunks. This means doing one thing at a time. Assignments need to be done one problem at a time, one question at a time or one paragraph at a time. The more your child can focus on what’s right in front of them, the more likely they will be to succeed and get through it with ease.
Remove Distractions
It’s not just multitasking on assignments that slows students down. Your child also needs to avoid trying to multitask between homework and outside activities. They should complete their homework in a space that’s free of distractions. The best case scenario is a dedicated homework space where the TV and other distracting devices are turned off or simply not in the room. Not having distractions present is the easiest way to avoid losing focus.
Schedule Breaks
As much as we may like to think otherwise, we’re simply not wired to hunker down and focus on work for hours at a time. This is especially true for children, who need movement and play to thrive. Once every hour or so, encourage your child to get up and step away from their homework. Each break can be anything from a snack break to a walk around the block. They just need a few minutes to reset, recharge and get right back to it.
Talk to Your Child
When it feels like your child refuses to focus on the task at hand, it can be frustrating. You may feel like they’re intentionally not paying attention or staying focused. However, there may be a deeper underlying issue. Maybe they don’t understand the assignment and are too embarrassed to speak up. They might be struggling because they’re tired or stressed. There are many reasons why people find it difficult to focus, and all possible reasons should be considered.
At North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school, students thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.