We are constantly required to concentrate: whether in a long conversation, when performing a complicated task, or at work. Children, for example, need to concentrate at school or when doing their homework. But children also need concentration when doing crafts or reading.
- Targeted concentration training for children can help improve school performance.
- Concentration exercises are often not only fun for children, they also help them become calmer!
- There are many great ideas and tips for promoting concentration in children.
- Many exercises are designed as concentration games for children, so they not only train concentration, but are also fun!
What exactly is concentration?
The Oxford Languages dictionary describes concentration as a state in which all available energy and thoughts are focused on finding a solution.
In everyday language, however, we also use the word concentration when referring to devoting oneself to a task for a long period of time without being distracted.
How can you recognize a lack of concentration in children?
When children's ability to concentrate begins to decline at an alarming rate, this is referred to as a "concentration disorder." The transition between "normal" lack of concentration and a genuine concentration disorder can be fluid.
There are a few warning signs that indicate whether parents should be concerned if their child is unable to concentrate. Signs of a concentration disorder in children include forgetfulness that cannot simply be dismissed as "clumsiness." In most cases, children quickly make careless mistakes in their schoolwork and tire very quickly.
Every child gets distracted sometimes. However, parents should take note if their children regularly forget what they were doing because of distractions.
Excessive daydreaming while a task should actually be completed can also indicate a concentration disorder in children. If a child has a severe lack of concentration, this should be clarified by a doctor if in doubt. It is difficult to make a self-diagnosis at this point.
Factors that have a negative effect on concentration
Various factors canlead toconcentration difficulties . These include internal and external factors.
- Internal factors include stress and internal conflicts, for example.
- External factors include temperature and noise levels.
What factors can influence the ability to concentrate?
lack of sleep
Poor concentration in children can be linked to a lack of sleep. The Research Center for Demographic Change at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences has found that schoolchildren who sleep less than eight hours a night have increased difficulty concentrating.
There is therefore also a link between sleep deprivation and increased stress levels.
overburdening
If children have concentration problems, this may also be due to excessive demands. Too many problems at once, too much schoolwork, or problems in their private lives for which the child feels responsible or partly responsible can lead to general overload.
This can have a negative effect on the child's ability to concentrate.
Unbalanced diet
Studies repeatedly point to the link between nutrition and the ability to concentrate. For example, the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt has investigated the link between certain trace elements and memory performance.
Scientific articles on nutrition and concentration usually conclude that diet plays a role in brain performance. Consequently, an unbalanced diet can certainly lead to concentration problems.
How can you promote concentration in children?
Exercises that promote concentration can be used to encourage children to focus. It's also about having fun – if children don't enjoy the exercises, they will quickly lose interest and not much will be gained.
That's why memory and concentration games for children should always be just that—games that children enjoy playing! Most of these games are also good for combating boredom in children!
Board games to promote concentration in children
To increase concentration span, board games can be used as concentration training for children, for example. Playing a board game from start to finish requires concentration!
If you are dealing with a child who has difficulty concentrating, it can help to gradually increase the concentration training for these children and start with a game that can be played quickly. Alternatively, choose a game that can be stopped at any time and gradually extend the time span.
Puzzling promotes important cognitive skills
Puzzles offer a playful yet challenging way to promote children's concentration and many other important cognitive and motor skills. In addition to important skills such as perseverance and patience, it requires attention and focus on putting individual pieces together.
Puzzles and skill games
When playing puzzles and games of skill, everyone can become so absorbed in concentration that it almost takes on a meditative character. This also applies to children.
Most children naturally enjoy puzzles, so these types of games are suitable for almost all children. Skill and puzzle games can also help develop problem-solving skills.
Feel free to take a look at our Riddle Boxes .
Crafting as concentration training
Another activity that almost all children enjoy is crafting. Children usually like doing crafts, and it 's a great way to get them away from their cell phones!
The difficulty levels can vary greatly. From simply folding a paper airplane to complex model kits, anything goes—the main thing is that it's fun! Here are some ideas for crafts you can do with children.
I'm packing my suitcase: The classic
A classic concentration exercise for students is the game:
"I'm packing my suitcase."
The participants take turns listing what is being packed in the suitcase, and everything mentioned before must be listed in the correct order.
Those who cannot concentrate are quickly eliminated. The ambition to stay in the game can ensure that children enjoy playing and can traintheir concentrationat the same time.
Cooking together
Cooking also requires concentration. The recipe must be read correctly, and the ingredients must be mixed and prepared in the right quantities and order. It is not uncommon for several things to have to be done at once.
Yoga promotes mindfulness and well-being
Physical activity is also good for our brain. Exercise not only improves blood flow to the brain.
You also need to concentrate on step sequences and positions. Yoga is particularly well suited for this, as it often involves focusing on your breathing.
Conclusion
Concentration problems are a reason to take action, but not a cause for concern. With exercises, games, and the right diet, concentration problems in children can be prevented and existing concentration problems can be addressed.
