Children often have trouble focusing, particularly if they are working on a task they do not enjoy performing, studying for a subject in school they have trouble with or suffer from ADD or ADHD. Doing cognitive focusing exercises can help these kids develop their ability to concentrate over time.
Relaxation Techniques
When you combine positive visual imagery with a relaxation technique like deep breathing, children's brains might be able to function better, which can help them focus. This is because breathing fully helps recharge the brain and make you more alert and aware. You can help a child to visualize himself succeeding at a task he finds difficult by asking him to close his eyes and imagine he is doing something well while continuing to breathe deeply throughout the visualization process.
Word Searches
Word search and crossword puzzle books aimed for children can be found in many grocery and book stores. These can be very effective ways to help your child focus. Though not every child will be interested in solving word searches and crosswords, those who are can enjoy themselves for hours while improving their ability to focus at the same time. Families can play these games together as well. To do this, have one family member read the clue out loud to the rest of the family along with the amount of letters needed to achieve the answer. Ask for the rest of the family's help to create the answer together.
Memory Games
According to IncreaseBrainPower.com writer Sarah Holt, doing memory exercises with your children can be one of the best focusing activities, as you can do them anywhere. You normally do these exercises when teaching your children how to spell their names and what their addresses and phone numbers are. Expand on this by having your children try to remember songs, poems and all the places they have visited. Simple memory exercises like these are effective for helping your children focus, because they require children to use their brains to concentrate and retain information over time.
Yoga and Meditation
Simple yoga and meditation exercises can also greatly contribute to expanding children's ability to concentrate. Take them to children's yoga classes to learn how to do sun salutations, breathing exercises and short guided meditation sessions. In addition to helping children focus their energy effectively to do the different poses, yoga classes for kids tend to be creative and imaginative, involving creating animal shapes that children often find very enjoyable.
References
- SelfGrowth: 6 Brain Exercises for Children
- "Yoga Education for Children"; Swami Satyananda Saraswati; 1990
