This article is part of the following topics: Building Learning Skills Helping With Homework
Tips To Help Children Focus on Homework
To do well in school, children must be able to pay attention. They must focus on a task and not get distracted.
The best way to help a child who is easily distracted is to give him one-on-one help. Sit with your child every night. Help him follow a daily schedule. Also try these suggestions:
Help your child get organized. Keep school supplies in one place. Make a file for each subject.
Make “to do” lists each day. Include school and non-school tasks. Have your child check off each task as he completes it.
Time your child’s work sessions. Set a timer for a short time—say two to five minutes. Gradually increase the time until he can concentrate for 30 minutes. Take one-minute breaks between timings.
Give nonverbal cues. Simply raise your hand. Or point to his assignment when you see your child has lost focus.
Play calming music. Put on soft classical or “New Age” music during rest time. Also see if music can help your child block out distractions while studying.
Use breathing exercises to help your child relax and focus. Have him breath in and out slowly five to 10 times.
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Posted by - Michelle on Apr. 25, 2010
Focus is an difficult goal to maintain for many children (and parents!). I find that I can help my kid focus when I am prepared with lots of ideas of how to help him. Whether it’s offering him a sensory stimulus or scheduling his time with sufficient variations in types of learning activities. Patience and persistence is certainly key, which is why I find your article particularly inspiring!