What is Attention?

It is the ability of an infant or child to orient to, shift between, and maintain focus on events, objects, tasks, and problems in the external world.

Why is attention important?

Attention is the first step in the learning process.

Attention is crucial for kids in learning and development for several reasons:  

1. Focus: Attention allows children to concentrate and focus on the task at hand. It helps them filter out distractions and stay engaged in the learning process. 
2. Information processing: When children pay attention, they can absorb and process information effectively. It helps them understand new concepts, retain information, and make connections between ideas.
3. Memory formation: Attention plays a significant role in memory formation. By paying attention, children are more likely to encode information into their long-term memory, making it easier for them to recall and apply that knowledge later on.
4. Task completion: Attention helps children stay on task and complete activities or assignments. It promotes a sense of responsibility, perseverance, and the ability to work through challenges. 
5. Social skills: Attention is essential for developing social skills. By paying attention to others, children can understand and respond appropriately to social cues, engage in conversations, and develop empathy.
6. Self-regulation: Attention is closely linked to self-regulation, which involves controlling one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. By learning to direct their attention, children can improve their self-control and manage impulsive behaviours.
7. Academic success: Attention is a fundamental component of academic success. It enables children to actively participate in classroom activities, follow instructions, complete assignments, and perform well in assessments. 

Strategies to help improve attention in children:

1. Create a conductive learning environment:  Provide less distractions and cluttered free environment for learning.
2. Break tasks into smaller and easier tasks.
3. Use visuals: Pictures, charts, visual schedule, and colourful illustrations.
4. Incorporate short movement breaks between tasks to help a child release excess energy and focus their attention.
5. Provide clear and concise instructions
6. Use interactive and hands-on activities to engage children in interactive and fun ways. 
7. Practice sensory stimulation and relaxation techniques to calm their minds, reduce stress and improve their ability to focus.
8. Encourage self-monitoring strategies to become aware of their attention and regain focus by taking deep breaths or refocusing their gaze.
9. Limit screen time 
10. Provide Positive reinforcement

* Please contact our therapist and teachers at CDC to provide further support and information.

References:

https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/kids/resources/ot-activityinformation-sheets/attention-and-concentration/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18294695/#:~:text=Attention%20is%20the%20ability%20of,attentional%20networks%20in%20the%20brain