All children have difficulty sitting in the same spot and concentrating for long periods of time, but children with learning disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have an even tougher time paying attention. Teachers and parents struggle to help their children concentrate when they're working on school tasks, but this can be made easier. When trying to help a child concentrate, the adult in the situation must remain calm, because frustration on the adult's part can cause frustration, nervousness and shame for the child.
Step 1
Follow strict routines in the classroom and at home to set expectations, recommends Oprah.com. If your child knows that he gets 30 minutes to have a snack and relax when he comes home from school and then needs to start on homework, he'll be more likely to concentrate at the end of his 30 minutes of rest.
Step 2
Schedule the hardest tasks for the beginning. For instance, if you know that your child despises math, have her do her math homework first. She'll be fresh when she first starts, will be more likely to concentrate and will be less likely to become frustrated.
Step 3
Eliminate distractions, recommends Teens Health. If a child in your classroom has trouble paying attention, sit him in the front of the class. At home when your child struggles with concentrating, make sure there is a space at home where he won't be distracted when he's trying to work on his homework.
Step 4
Make learning fun. If possible, teach your lessons in a way that engages your students. They may be less likely to pay attention if you stand in the front of the room and lecture for an hour than they would if you included participation, group activities and movement in your lesson. Parents should try to make learning fun at home as well.
Step 5
Reward your child or students for hard work and concentration. Children, especially kids who struggle with concentration, usually respond to positive reinforcement. Take your child out for ice cream after he finishes his science project that took him five days to complete. Let your kid play video games for 20 minutes after she finishes her homework for the night. If your child has something to look forward to in the end, she'll be more likely to concentrate long enough to finish it.
Tips and Warnings
- If you think that your child might suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, consult with a mental health professional. Treatment can decrease the symptoms that make it difficult for her to concentrate at school and at home. Don't think of rewards as bribes. Adults reward themselves for hard work all the time. For example, you might get a pedicure after a long week at work or enjoy a glass of wine and bubble bath after putting your kids to sleep. Those are rewards. Keep rewards to experiences instead of giving money or stuff, and you'll feel better about it.
