7 Tips to Help Kids Stay Focused in School: Guest Blog by Tyler Clark
7 Ways to Help Kids Stay Focused in School
Multitasking is a skill most kids are great at nowadays. From listening to iPods while instant messaging, from texting to Web-surfing, the interruptions are everywhere. With so many potential distractions, it’s no wonder kids have a hard time staying focused.
7 Tips for Helping Children Focus Better in School
Your child needs to develop effective concentration, focus strategies and self-discipline skills early on. These skills will increase his/her chances for long-term success throughout life. Here are some tips for parents hoping to help their kids with staying focused in school.
- Set and Share Expectations Early On
Adults have many vital responsibilities within their communities, at work, at home, etc… To prepare your children for adulthood responsibilities, they need to have some of their own right now. What’s the most important job in your kids’ lives? That would be learning. The sooner you establish your expectations and normal learning, studying and homework routines, the simpler it will be maintaining them.
- Manage and Minimize Distractions
Sure, it’s almost impossible to eliminate every distraction possible. However, there are effective ways you can minimize and manage the amount of things drawing your kid’s attention away. Where should you begin? Well, that would be technology, of course. Set rules that include no Web surfing, texting or talking on the phone or watching TV until homework is complete.
- Establish “Homework Time” Rules
Children can be quickly distracted by knocks on the door inviting them to play. Never allow play-time until homework and study-time are complete. You may need to be a bit flexible in order to adapt to schedule changes, including daylight savings time. But, homework-time should remain a top priority.
- Model Good Homework Standards
Do you attend school or manage projects at work? Is there some reading you would like to catch up on? Any unpaid bills or unopened mail that needs your attention? Be disciplined during your own homework-time by turning off the computer and phone ringers. You kids will model your good standards.
- Set a Designated Homework Area
Just as your child has a designated place to sit and learn when in class, there should also be one for studying at home. The homework space should be free from distractions. It should include a desk or table large enough for papers and books, with easily-accessible study supplies.
- No Texting Allowed
“Texting while driving”, and now “texting while walking” are serious crimes in numerous areas. Why? Texting interrupts your concentration, making it impossible to give your undivided attention to anything else. So, make sure to the rules are clear. Calls should only be allowed when necessary to complete an assignment. And, those calls should be short and monitored by you.
- Decide Your Take on Rewards
This is a controversial subject for a couple of reasons. For one, if you’re not careful, your rewards can easily be transformed into bribes. However, it’s a child’s nature to respond in positive ways to positive reinforcement. So, if you believe that a reward system will effectively motivate your child, go for it. Just be sure that the rewards aren’t monetary, materialistic or in any way related to food.
Tyler Clark is the online outreach coordinator for the Liahona Academy, a residential treatment center for troubled boys. For the past couple of years I have been helping Liahona Academy help educate the public about the Academy’s mission through social media and blogging outreach. In my off hours I enjoy reading historical novels, 80’s action movies and hanging out with my dog.
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