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Top 10 Proven Techniques to Teach Kids to Focus on Their Studies

Children at the age of five and entering school can often struggle with focusing in learning environments. Parents and caregivers will play a vital role in what kind of habits and routines, good and bad, that they help develop in these early stages.

Administrator

22 April, 2024

Studies from scientists have shown that children up to age 5 or those starting to go to school often have difficulty concentrating when they are in class. Inside every young child’s brain, there exists a center that controls their ability to focus and work hard. However, most children have the bad habit of not paying attention when they sit down to do something. Therefore, how parents instruct and educate will play a very important role in creating good and bad habits for children.

How parents instruct and educate will play a very important role in creating good habits of focus for children. (Illustrative image)

Below are 10 methods for teaching children to focus on studying that parents can apply to create good habits for children:

1. Sit with your child

Research results show that a child will play with toys longer if their father or mother is playing with them. The child focuses on playing and plays longer because they feel secure, comfortable, and at ease when they have a friend beside them. Therefore, during the first times creating habits for children to focus on studying, you should sit with the children to help them feel secure and also help them solve difficulties in the lessons.

2. Reduce all noise (music, TV, etc.)

It can make children less focused. When it is time for the child to sit at the desk to study or do something that requires concentration, turn off the music or TV.

3. Create a quiet study corner

Children have difficulty focusing if the place they are studying is too noisy or messy. Books should always be neatly arranged, writing pens should be put in a box, and old newspapers and books should be cleared away.

4. Alternate study and play time

Let the children choose whether they want to play before, after, or in the middle of their study time. When the child plays, it is when they are relaxed and afterwards they can concentrate better. Let the child play for an appropriate amount of time and then remind them to come back to their desk to finish their studies and lessons.

Study and play time should be alternated. (Illustrative image)

5. Give the child a sense of ownership

There is a difference between helping and responsibility. If you think it is your responsibility, the child will become completely dependent on you. Encourage children to take the initiative to do everything for themselves and to practice concentration skills while studying.

6. Be understanding with the child

Teaching children with poor concentration often makes you lose patience, but don’t be quick to scold them. You may notice that the child is uncomfortable and annoyed when having to sit in one place. In fact, they also really want to focus on studying like their older siblings.

7. Talk to the child’s homeroom teacher regularly

Find out if the child has trouble concentrating in class. Share your experiences with the teacher and work together to find the best solution to help the child focus better and study better.

Teaching children to concentrate in today’s day and age is very difficult because children are very easily distracted by external environmental factors. However, parents only need to be patient to teach their children to concentrate in the beginning stages in order to form good habits for the child. The child will use these habits throughout their life.

8. Set goals to teach the child to concentrate when studying

You should set a moderate goal for the child when studying, for example: “You must concentrate on doing your homework for 5 minutes tonight.” Set an appropriate amount of time with the child. Never get angry because the child does not achieve the goal that you set. Your anger will make the child disappointed in themselves and gradually lose their self-respect.

9. Gradually increase the amount of time the child needs to focus on their activities

Once the child has achieved concentration for the amount of time you set, add another 30 seconds the next night. Tell the child what you are doing and the new goal that needs to be achieved.

Observe the child to see what motivates them to concentrate. (Illustrative image)

10. Observe the child

Sometimes the child can concentrate on studying for longer than the time you set. If so, find out what motivates the child to concentrate for such a long time. Do they like doing this exercise, do they like sitting here to study, or is it for some other reason?

Frequently asked questions

The way parents teach and guide their children greatly influences the development of good and bad habits. By providing a secure and comfortable learning environment, parents can encourage their children to focus and engage in their studies. This involves sitting with their children during study time, reducing distractions, and offering understanding and patience when they struggle with concentration.

There are several effective strategies that parents can implement:

Sit with your child during study time to provide a sense of security and help them stay focused.
Minimize noise and distractions by turning off music or TV to create a calm environment.
Designate a quiet and organized study corner to promote concentration.
Alternate study and playtime, allowing children to choose their preferred order to stay motivated and relaxed.
Foster a sense of ownership and initiative in your child by encouraging them to take responsibility for their studies and practice concentration skills.
Exercise patience and understanding when your child struggles with concentration, recognizing their efforts and providing positive reinforcement.
Maintain regular communication with your child’s teacher to address any concentration issues in the classroom and collaborate on solutions.
Set achievable goals for your child’s study sessions, gradually increasing the time they need to focus, and always offering encouragement.
Observe your child to understand their motivations and interests, using this knowledge to enhance their concentration during study time.

Creating a dedicated study corner is important. Keep the area neat and organized, with books and writing utensils neatly arranged. Remove any unnecessary items or distractions, such as old newspapers or toys. This helps children stay focused and minimizes interruptions during their study time.

It’s important to distinguish between helping and fostering dependence. Encourage your child to take ownership of their studies by initiating tasks and practicing concentration skills independently. Offer guidance and support, but allow them to develop a sense of responsibility and self-motivation. This will help them become more engaged and focused during their study sessions.