5 Ways to Improve School Focus in Children

Why Is Focus Important?

Focus is a skill that lays the foundation for academic success, problem-solving, and personal growth. It helps develop executive function skills, including self-control, time management, and decision-making. 

When we lack focus, we are prone to procrastination, leaving tasks incompleted, and this can leave both parents and children frustrated.

For kids, especially those with ADHD or younger children like a 7-year-old, maintaining focus can be particularly challenging due to their developing brains and their curiosity can commandeer their attention.

Improving focus isn’t merely for academic purposes, it’s also a crucial life skill; it promotes mindfulness, problem-solving, and the ability to resist distractions. Structured routines and school strategies can pave the way to better concentration and engagement.

The Importance of Routines

Creating a structured environment at home and in school is essential for promoting focus. Consistency provides children with a sense of security, helping them anticipate and prepare for what’s ahead. Here’s how routines can improve focus:

1. Morning and Evening Routines: Create consistency when it comes to waking up, breakfast, and getting ready for school. Evenings should include a wind-down period so kids can get enough rest to tackle the next day. Sleep is perhaps one of the most important aspects for being focused and protecting our executive functioning. That goes for all of us! 

2. Study Schedules: Create dedicated times for homework. Break study periods into chunks of 20–30 minutes, separated by short breaks to help children maintain their attention span. This technique is particularly helpful for children with ADHD.

3. Timed Practice: Use timers to set goals for tasks. For example, challenge your child to complete math homework within a set time frame, promoting both focus and self-control.

Strategies To Help With School-Related Tasks

School work often challenges kids’ focus the most, so implementing strategies to bolster their attention and focus is great preparation.

Minimize Distractions

Create a dedicated, quiet space for your child to study or complete schoolwork. Noise-canceling headphones or apps that block digital distractions using white noise are great tools while doing homework.

For children with ADHD, eliminating distractions might also mean simplifying tasks. Chunk assignments into smaller, more manageable steps to reduce overwhelm and keep them engaged.

1. Incorporate Movement Breaks

   Sitting still for long periods can be particularly hard for younger children and those with ADHD. Short movement breaks—such as stretching, walking, or doing jumping jacks—help reset their attention.

   Schools and teachers can also implement active learning techniques that encourage movement, like rotating between stations or incorporating kinesthetic activities into lessons.

2. Use Study Tools and Visual Aids

   Color-coded folders, sticky notes, checklists, and flashcards are excellent tools to keep children organized and focused. These aids help simplify tasks and support children who may struggle with executive function.

   Visual timers or countdown clocks can also help children manage time and reduce procrastination, encouraging them to stay on track with their work.

3. Teach Mindfulness and Self-Control

   Deep breathing, meditation, or guided imagery, can help calm the mind and improve focus. Teaching them the habit of using mindfulness techniques before starting their homework or before taking a test can reduce anxiety and help center their attention during periods of learning.

   Additionally, self-control strategies, such as pausing to think before acting or setting personal goals for study sessions, empowers children to take charge of their learning habits.

4. Encourage Engagement Through Problem-Solving

   Whenever our work is meaningful, it becomes important to us. You can make schoolwork meaningful by connecting it to real-world applications or your child’s interests. For example, if your 7-year-old loves animals, relate math problems to wildlife scenarios.

   For children with ADHD or other attention challenges, gamifying tasks or offering rewards for completing chunks of work can sustain their attention and motivation.

Additional Tips for Success

• Partner With Teachers: Collaborate with your child’s teachers to understand their challenges and strengths. Teachers can provide insights into classroom behaviors and suggest additional strategies.

• Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your child’s efforts, even small wins. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and encourages continued focus.

• Model Focused Behavior: Children emulate their parents. Show them what focus looks like by working on your tasks with minimal distractions.

By fostering an environment where focus can thrive, you empower your child to unlock their full potential—both in school and beyond. Focus isn’t just a skill; it’s a pathway to success and lifelong learning.