Focusing is a vital skill that supports all aspects of development in young children. Noddy by Elizabeth, a British international preschool in Bangkok, believes that helping preschoolers develop good focus results in improved learning ability and fosters holistic growth.
This post will explain why this skill is crucial during the early years and explore practical ways to help children with focus issues enhance their concentration.
Why Is Learning to Focus Important for Children?
The ability to focus affects a child’s learning, behaviour, and future success in various ways:
Enhances Learning Efficiency
Focus is essential for absorbing new information and effectively processing that information into knowledge. The better children can concentrate, the more they learn from their educational experiences.
Supports Cognitive Development
Good concentration skills allow for improved memory, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making skills. These cognitive abilities are foundational for academic success and intelligent thinking.
Completion of Tasks
Whether it’s completing a puzzle or following instructions in class, staying focused helps children achieve their goals and contributes to a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. Children who can focus better often experience less frustration while learning new skills or engaging in complex tasks.
Prepares for Future Challenges
As children grow, they encounter more complex tasks and longer commitments. Learning to focus prepares them for the demands of formal schooling and, eventually, professional environments.
Focus Issues in Preschool Children
Children who have a hard time focusing in school may be affected by various factors. If the material or lesson isn’t engaging, young children may feel bored or disinterested and struggle to stay focused. It’s helpful to know and understand each child’s learning style, as some children may be visual learners, while others benefit from auditory learning or tactile activities.
Another factor could be a noisy or visually cluttered environment, which makes it hard for students to focus. Perhaps they may be feeling tired or sleepy, or there may be some underlying issues linked to anxiety or health concerns. Caregivers need to be aware of focus problems in the children they take care of and bring them to parents’ attention.
Ways to Enhance Focus in Young Learners
Here are several strategies that can help children with focus issues to improve their concentration:
Create Routine and Structure: Predictable schedules help children feel secure and understand what’s expected of them, reducing anxiety and enhancing focus. Making a simple visual timetable can help children understand and navigate better.
Optimise the Learning Environment: To minimise distractions, keep the learning area tidy and quiet. Safe equipment, proper lighting and comfortable furniture also contribute to better concentration.
Use Visual Aids and Timers: These tools help children understand task duration and expectations, making it easier to remain focused until completion.
Engage in Physical Activity: Regular movement breaks enhance blood flow to the brain and reduce restlessness, improving focus when it’s time to learn.
Practice Mindfulness: Simple breathing exercises and guided imagery can help children learn to quiet their minds and sharpen their focus.
Ensure Proper Nutrition: Balanced meals with brain-boosting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids can help enhance cognitive function and concentration.
Limit Screen Time: Reducing time spent on electronic devices helps prevent sensory overload, which can impair a child’s ability to concentrate on other tasks.
Focused Learning at Noddy by Elizabeth
We offer small class sizes at our school in Bangkok with an optimal caregiver-to-student ratio, allowing us to identify focus problems in children and implement effective strategies within a nurturing environment. Our experienced educators are skilled in determining and catering to individual learning styles, which helps each child focus better and enjoy the learning process. With our child-led approach, children are encouraged to follow their interests, which helps them to naturally stay focused and engaged.
The ability to focus is crucial for a child’s overall development, lifelong learning, and adaptation. At Noddy by Elizabeth, we nurture this essential skill through targeted strategies and a supportive educational setting.
Welcome to book for a school tour today to learn more about our mindful approach to support active learning.