Are you tired of telling your preschooler to pay attention every few minutes? Do they struggle to focus on simple tasks like brushing their teeth, getting dressed, or doing their homework?
You’re not alone in feeling this way, but there are many fun and engaging activities you can do to help your preschooler build up their attention span.
With these creative techniques, you can harness their natural curiosity and increase their brain power, learning ability, and confidence.
What Kind of Attention Span Should I Expect from my Pre-Schooler
An attention span is the time a person can stay focused on one task— without being distracted by external influences like noises, other people, or other tasks.
It might feel like you are constantly fighting to keep your preschooler on task, but the average attention span for a preschooler is only around 6 to 12 minutes long.
Plus, a lot of other factors can impact your child’s ability to concentrate. If they are tired, hungry, or a little under the weather, they won’t be able to focus to the best of their ability.
Why Does Improving Attention Span Matter?
Children go through a key stage of cognitive development during their preschool years, and emphasizing focus during this stage will help set them up for life.
Children with a greater attention span are more likely to absorb new information, follow instructions, and complete tasks. They are also more likely to stay focused on a task and persevere if it is difficult.
Ultimately, improving your child’s attention span as a preschooler will have a lasting, positive impact on them.
3 Things to Remember Before You Start
1. Age is Important
At this stage, children go through a massive amount of brain development. A 3-year-old will not be able to focus for the same amount of time as a 5-year-old, nor will they be able to complete the same sort of tasks.
2. Model the Behavior You Want to See
Your child will not learn to pay attention if they don’t see the people around them focusing. Model what a good attention span looks like to your child. Things like being attentive when they are speaking to you, maintaining eye contact, and not multitasking will help teach your child how to stay focused.
3. Every Child Is Different
Your child is unique. Every child learns differently and at a different rate, so don’t compare your child’s development to others. Find tasks that your child enjoys; some like puzzles, some prefer blocks, and others will want to color. Set them up for success by helping them do things they find interesting.
Our Top 5 Creative Techniques to Improve Your Preschooler’s Attention Span
1. The Storytelling Game
The storytelling game is ideal for families. If you struggle to develop an original tale, you can use stories your children are familiar with.
It is a very simple game to follow. The first narrator tells a short story, such as “Once upon a time, there was a boy named David.” The next person repeats the story but adds another detail, like, “Once upon a time, there was a boy named David, and he helped his family by looking after their sheep.”
Continue to go around to each family member, reiterating the growing story until someone forgets a detail, and the game ends. You can keep the story more straightforward for younger children and make it more complicated as everyone improves.
2. Line Cutting
Cutting with safety scissors is an excellent way for preschoolers to practice fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination and improve concentration.
Draw some lines on paper or cardstock and ask your preschoolers to cut precisely along those lines. You can make the lines more complex or move on to simple shapes as they become more proficient.
This task can also easily be adapted to seasonal tasks. Your child could cut out simple stars around Christmas or eggs at Easter.
3. Matching Flashcards
Matching flashcards can help your child improve their attention span. You can start with smaller sets for younger children, only using three or four pairs of cards, and then gradually increase the number of pairs as their attention span improves.
Place the cards upside down and ask your child to turn over two cards at a time. When they find a matching set, remove the pair from the game. This activity improves recall and concentration.
Matching flashcards can also help with teaching phonics to your preschooler. Cards could have pictures and corresponding initial letters (b for a picture of a bat, d for a picture of a dog). You can teach sounds and letters as you play.
4. Puzzles
Puzzles are a tremendous attention-boosting activity, helping your child improve their problem-solving skills and patience.
Look for puzzles with between 12 and 24 pieces, bright colors and simple designs, and large, easy-to-grip pieces, which are ideal for preschool-age children.
5. Coloring
Coloring helps your preschooler be creative, concentrate, and practice penmanship.
This activity is one of the easiest ways to boost your preschooler’s attention span because you can do it virtually anywhere. If you’re eating out, the kid’s menu usually has a coloring activity. There are coloring sheets at most libraries, and you can keep a coloring book and crayons in your car for when you’re out and about.
Like all qualities, attention span must be developed. Don’t get discouraged if some days go better than others; there will likely be a general upward trend if you keep at it.
Finally, keep it positive. Praise your child for trying and acknowledge their effort so they know you’re on their side.
Want additional ideas for helping your child lengthen their attention span? Contact our private elementary school in Atlanta for help.
Infographic
Are you tired of constantly reminding your preschooler to pay attention? If they struggle to focus on tasks, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are fun activities that can help improve their attention span. This infographic shares creative techniques to boost their natural curiosity, brain power, and confidence.
