Do children have short attention spans? Understanding the causes of insufficient concentration and training methods to solve it

Troubled by kids not paying attention when studying? But concentration is important as it helps us improve learning efficiency. Let's explore the causes of insufficient concentration.

Five levels of concentration

Concentration refers to the ability to focus on a thought process or task. This is important for improving productivity, memory, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There are five types of concentration:

Concentrated concentration: The ability to focus on a task that requires complete concentration, such as board games, in-depth reading, or problem-solving.
Sustained concentration: The ability to focus on a task for an extended period of time, such as reading or writing.
Selective focus: The ability to maintain focus on a specific subject in a distracting environment, such as listening intently to a conversation in a noisy environment.
Diverted attention: Able to quickly switch attention between different tasks, such as talking on the phone and writing at the same time.
Discrete attention: Being able to focus on two things at the same time, such as listening to music while doing homework.

Reasons for lack of concentration

The reasons for lack of concentration may come from many aspects. Here are some common factors:

Abnormal work and rest: Unstable work and rest is one of the main factors. Fixed work and rest can improve concentration.
Insufficient exercise: It can affect blood flow, brain function and concentration.
Poor learning environment: If a child’s learning environment is messy or distracting, it may affect the child’s concentration. Keeping the learning environment quiet and comfortable can help your child focus.
Psychological stress: Stress and anxiety can affect the normal functioning of the brain and make children less focused.

Age is also a related factor. Since children's brain neural networks and prefrontal lobes are not fully developed, they are more easily distracted than adults. However, their concentration will improve with age. Three to four years old is the peak period to develop brain nerve cells, so concentration training is the most effective at this period. Children's concentration will improve rapidly between the ages of four and seven, and will develop close to that of adults by the age of ten to twelve.

What are the solutions to insufficient concentration?

Improving concentration requires continuous practice and good living habits. Here are a few ways to train concentration:

Learn what concentration is: Parents can teach children and affirm their focused behaviour. Parents can give some examples, such as "drawing seriously," to help them remember the feeling of concentration.
Find out the causes: Parents can try to find out the real reasons for their children's inattention and eliminate factors that interfere with them, such as environmental noise, desk clutter, etc.
Accompany your children without disturbing them: Parents can accompany their children when they are doing homework or studying, but avoid making loud noises or watching TV.
Time training: Use timers to set focus times and rest times to help children focus.

Some small games and activities can also train concentration. Parents can use card matching memory games, jigsaw puzzles, or musical instruments to train children’s concentration and enhance their self-esteem.

Big Bang Academy helps improve children’s concentration time

The Project Alpha STEAM science class by Big Bang Academy is specially designed to inspire children. We design training methods to solve children's lack of concentration according to ages. Summer vacation is coming soon. You can also sign up for our trial class to let your kids absorb knowledge from scientific practice and fun-filled experiences.

References:

1.https://www.parenting.com.tw/article/5095477

2.https://www.in-parents.com/babynews/565/teach-your-child-to-focus

3.https://www.mombaby.com.tw/articles/9924467

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