10 Strategies to Help Children Who Struggle with Attention and Focus

Let’s face it, keeping our little learners focused is hard work! Between short attention spans and a world full of distractions, it’s no wonder many children struggle to stay on task. The good news? Attention and focus are skills that can be built, without turning learning into a battle. With playful activities, simple routines and a few clever strategies, you can help children stay engaged and complete tasks!

What is a Typical Attention Span for a Child?

Here’s a guideline based on typical attention spans for children aged 4-7 years. Keep in mind that every child is unique, and these are general averages:

• 4-year-olds: 5–10 minutes of focused attention on a single task.

• 5-year-olds: 10–15 minutes. They can handle slightly longer tasks but still need movement breaks or changes in activity.

• 6-year-olds: 15–20 minutes. They start to sustain attention better, especially for hands-on or interactive learning.

• 7-year-olds: 20–25 minutes. With support and engaging content, most can focus for a longer stretch, though still not as long as adults.

10 Strategies to Help With Attention and Focus

1. Short, Clear Instructions 🧑‍🏫

   Give one or two-step directions at a time to avoid overwhelming them.

   
   

2. Visual Schedules 📆

   Use pictures or charts to show what comes next and keep routines predictable.

   
   

3. Chunk Activities 🔚

   Break tasks into small, manageable steps with clear start and end points.

   
   

4. Movement Breaks 👯‍♂️

   Incorporate short bursts of physical activity between tasks to release energy and refocus attention.

   
   

5. Hands-On Learning 🙌

   Use tactile or interactive activities (e.g., manipulatives) to engage multiple senses.

   
   

6. Quiet, Low-Distraction Spaces 🤫

   Provide a calm corner or area for focused work with minimal noise and visual distractions.

   
   

7. Use Timers ⌛

   Set a timer for short periods of focused work to create a sense of urgency and structure.

   
   

8. Positive Reinforcement 👏

   Praise effort, completion and persistence immediately to motivate sustained focus.

   
   

9. Predictable Routines 🏫

   Consistent daily schedules help children anticipate tasks and reduce anxiety that can distract them.

   
   

10. Interactive Visual Cues 👉

    Highlight key words, use finger tracking or point to visuals while giving instructions to keep attention on the task in hand!

Helping children to build attention and focus is a long journey, there's no quick fix! However, by using consistent routines, playful activities and strategies that meet their developmental needs, you should soon start to see progress.