How to Assist Children Who Have Trouble Concentrating to Participate in Learning
It can be a difficult task to teach a child who has difficulty focusing, whether you are a parent or a teacher. The child will stare at the ceiling rather than work on the task. They may use distractions to slow down the learning process or even refuse to do the job. Children with ADHD may find it difficult to stay focused on a task for long enough to finish. These tips can help you teach a child with difficulty focusing the skills needed to stay on task and be engaged in learning.
Be Prepared
Make sure you have all the tools you will need to finish your task. This could be as simple as pencils and pens, or it could include specialist equipment like protractors, compasses, or watercolors. Be sure to sharpen pencils before starting.
Get Comfortable
Help the child tet comfortable before you begin. It’s difficult to concentrate if something is distracting you. So, remind the child to move to a more comfortable position and make the learning environment conducive. You can do this by closing a drape if sunlight is in your eyes, separating them from other people so that they don’t talk or disturb their learning. Or, you can turn off the radio or television if they are at home and are distracted.
Clear Expectations
You should tell the child exactly what you want from them in terms of their behavior and the task. Use language appropriate to their age and abilities. You can use the expectations you have set before you begin to guide the child if they start to drift. It can be helpful to set rules for children, whether you’re a teacher or a parent. This will help them understand what they should expect. They can contribute to the rules so that they feel more in control of their learning.
One-to-One Support
One-to-one assistance is beneficial for many children who have difficulty focusing. It allows them to ask any questions they may have, if needed. This is crucial because children who do not understand what is required of them will lose their focus. When assisting a child, it is best to sit opposite them (on the other side of the desk) so that they do not have to turn around to ask questions. You can tell if they’re losing focus by their excessive erasing or looking around. Encourage them to stay focused by praising their good work.
The following are some strategies to help you.
It may be beneficial to provide tools for some children with special needs. This is especially true if the child has difficulty focusing when in a group. It could be something like a stressball or pop-it to help them expend extra energy while they listen. It can be beneficial to give children their mats to sit on or a designated spot to sit during carpet time. This will help them to know where they should be. Knowing your child better will make it easier to come up with strategies that work for them.
Repeat the process
It is important to repeat a task that the child knows well. This will help him focus. When planning your work, you can use resources like these 2nd-grade writing worksheets for free. You can also print out worksheets. Repetition can also build confidence!
Be calm and patient
When children struggle to concentrate, it can be difficult to remain calm. This is especially true if you are confident that they will succeed. Take deep breaths if you find yourself getting stressed. You may also find it helpful to take a break from the situation, especially when tensions are high. It can be difficult to teach children how to focus. Be kind to yourself. It takes time to instill these good habits.
These tips will help you give your child the support he or she needs to focus and achieve. You should be proud of the skills you teach your child. They will help them in school, college, and other aspects of life.