Techniques for handling children with low attention span

Techniques for handling children with low attention span

[1] Have a checklist of mini-tasks that needs to be completed

Having small bite-sized mini task instead of an entire unit of work proves to give the child a greater sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. This spurs the child on and provides the child the impression that he is doing very well. It promotes confidence on a certain topic or a similar style of question that the child does not do well initially.

[2] Time him!

Setting achievable targets within a specified time frame helps the child to focus better at the task. If he is motivated by a sense of achievement, he will attempt to shorten the time frame to impress you the next time.

[3] Practice, practice and more practice till it becomes a habit

In order for the child to master a certain question or topic, practicing on a regular basis is more beneficial than 100 similar questions at a sitting. Divide the questions into mouthfuls of 10. So that the child feels that its manageable. You can always shorten the time given or provide 20 questions in the same time frame. Doing this daily makes it regular practice.

Everything we do well now is done through practice. We finish our assignments and jobs on time because we are trained to do so. In reality, the child will only master a very simple good habit (like, brushing his teeth twice a day) after the mum nags and insists that he does so for a couple of years (just about from 2 till 4) J. Every habit is learned, before it ever becomes a habit.

[4] Understanding the child’s learning style

Using things that the child enjoys, teach him the stuff that he doesn’t understand. From building ramps, we can teach relationship between gradient and velocity; if the child adores Monopoly (like my #2), then use it to teach counting (1 – 1 correspondence). If the child has problems reading, play SNAP, memory games, word games or scrabble. In every situation, there is a learning opportunity. It depends on the adult to see that opportunity and steer it in the right direction.

[5] Accepting your child

Truth be told, my kid is not smartest on the block. He’s not even close to being best, but he is my kid and there are always stuff he’s really good at and some that is far from being his forte. Accepting them is not equivalent to condoning them. It’s akin to understanding your personal weakness and asking yourself what you can do to ‘neutralize’ the effects of your undesirable trait. In a similar fashion, understanding what your child is weak at means you can invent an ingenious strategy to counter its effects. J I’m sure the journey to finding the most suitable strategy will be laid with pits and twigs, ensuring that falls will be painful. Take heart that every parent who is with a child goes through that same pain, some more, some less, but you are never alone.

[6] Discovering the child’s favourite reward

Haha, and we are here!! Every child likes reward is a different way, just as one woman prefers a handbag whilst another prefers a meal or even cash! You will have to discover your child’s preference. Using his unique and preferred reward, entice him. Make him feel that it’s all worth it!